Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
TheQueenslandUniversityofTechnologyLawSociety (QUTLS)acknowledgestheTurrbalandYugaraastheFirst NationsownersofthelandswhereQUTnowstands.We payrespecttotheirElders,lores,customsandcreation spirits.Werecognisethattheselandshavealwaysbeen placesofteaching,researchandlearning.
WerecognisethatAboriginalandTorresStraitIslander peoplesarethecustodiansoftheland,andhaveatraditional associationwiththelandinaccordancewiththeirlawsand customs.Weacknowledgeourresponsibilityasan institutiontocommittoinclusion,reconciliationand consultationtoensurethefutureofAustraliaisonewhere ourFirstPeoplesareaffordedequalopportunity.
TheQUTLSwelcomesFirstNationsstudents,andwishyou everysuccessinyourstudiesandbeyond.
Acknowledgements
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The Creators of The Gavel
Ivy Smith, Director of Media and Communications
Layla-Jayne Smith, Publications Officer
Francesca Jones, Director of Sponsorship
Isabelle Nicol, Design Officer
...andtoallthosewhosubmittedtothiseditionofThe Gavel.Yourtimeandeffortisgreatlyappreciated
Cover Art by Isabelle Nicol 2024
Are state constitutions Are state constitutions the key to the key to meaningful reform? meaningful reform?
Imagine your Imagine your tomorrow: Instruction tomorrow: Instruction manual for a law grad manual for a law grad “ Donotstudylawif “ yDonotstudylawif yourfavouriteTV sourfavouriteTV showisSuits” howisSuits”
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From Law Clerk to From Law Clerk to Graduate Lawyer at Graduate Lawyer at DLA Piper DLA Piper HowtoDisplay HowtoDisplay TransferrableSkillsin
Agrad’stale: ‘ biglaw’ Agrad’stale: ‘ biglaw’clientsandworkwith clientsandworkwith cultureintact cultureintact
Lifeisthis car Lifeisthis car ride... ride...
Pride and Profit Pride and Profit Increases: An Exhausted Increases: An Exhausted Lesbian’s Thoughts on Lesbian’s Thoughts on Rainbow Washing Rainbow Washing
When the Journey of When the Journey of Life Deviates from Life Deviates from the Expected Track the Expected Track
o bring you the 2024 Semester 1 edition of The Gavel o bring you the 2024 Semester 1 edition of The Gavel. The Gavel exists so that students can flex their creative muscles in a degree The Gavel exists so that students can flex their creative muscles in a degree that doesn’t always allow for creativity This is not possible without your that doesn’t always allow for creativity This is not possible without your support, and the editing team thoroughly enjoyed reading the submissions for support, and the editing team thoroughly enjoyed reading the submissions for this semester’s edition. We appreciate each and every one of you and your this semester’s edition We appreciate each and every one of you and your commitment to writing for us. commitment to writing for us
This edition was inspired by the struggles and adversity we face as students as This edition was inspired by the struggles and adversity we face as students as we journey down the Rabbit Hole to what awaits us in the ‘Real World’. Your we journey down the Rabbit Hole to what awaits us in the ‘Real World’ Your career will be very long and there’s no need to rush into burnout, as you truly career will be very long and there’s no need to rush into burnout, as you truly can get sucked into the profession, can get sucked into the profession, Even after an eternity has passed, there Even after an eternity has passed, there will always be more time. At times we can often feel like tweedle dee and will always be more time At times we can often feel like tweedle dee and tweedle dum We think “how can I possibly make it through?”; “ am I enough?” tweedle dum We think “how can I possibly make it through?”; “ am I enough?”
Fear not We’re all mad here Fear not We’re all mad here
In this edition, you’ll find a delightful collection of articles, artwor In this edition, find a delightful collection of articles, artwor opinions that bring our theme to life Our contributors have poure opinions that bring our theme to life. Our contributors have poure o their creations, and we encourage you to savour each o their creations, and we encourage you to savour each nd curiouser nd curiouser... Take some time to centre yourself, read Take some time to centre yourself, read reflect on the Semester past reflect on the Semester past.
The hurrier you become, the more behind you are The hurrier you become, the more behind you are. nture requires the first step So, hop along There is muc nture requires the first step. So, hop along. There is muc
Yours Truly,
Ivy Smith & Layla-Jayne Smith
Life as a junior lawyer @ TG
Tarah Dunne Lawyer Construction & Infrastructure
After studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Finance), I was fortunate enough to secure a Law Graduate position with Thomson Geer through their open-market recruitment. I was drawn to Thomson Geer for many reasons I was impressed by the firm’s reputation in the legal market, the type of work I would be doing and the skills and knowledge I could develop as a result, the people I had met during the recruitment process, and the chance to join a growing firm.
During my graduate year, I completed rotations within the firm’s Corporate, Property and Construction & Infrastructure teams. I really enjoyed this mix of rotations With each rotation I learned and developed different skills, understood how different areas of law interconnect with each other, met different members of the firm, and gained an insight as to what my life as a lawyer working in each team would look like
Tarah’s advice for students:
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Connect with others already in the profession and pick their brains about the legal industry, their learnings and any useful tips they may have for you. Get used to networking events, not every event has to be a success in making a connection but becoming comfortable in those environments with help you
Be prepared when clerkship and graduation application seasons come around – know where you want to apply, why you are applying, and what you need to do to ensure your application is submitted on time Think broadly and widely and carefully consider this as you are shaping the start of your career
A day in the life
I am now a junior lawyer in the Brisbane Construction & Infrastructure team Whilst no day is the same, a typical day in my life looks like the following:
7:00AM I wake up early to go to the gym or for a walk On Thursdays, I swap out the gym or walk for TG Run Club - an easy social 5km along the Brisbane River.
8:00AM I’ll check my emails on my commute, so I know if I need to action anything as soon as I arrive Once at work, I check in with my colleagues, plan my day ahead and action anything requiring immediate attention
8:15AM On Wednesdays, we have a team CLE session where a colleague presents on a topic in construction and infrastructure law. As a junior, these sessions are really helpful to see the bigger picture and understand the foundations of our practice
8:30AM I start my first task for the day which could be anything from:
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drafting an affidavit or pleadings for court; researching a key point of law; reviewing a smaller contract which has come in from a client; drafting an email to go to a client; or drafting submissions for an adjudication application. ■
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Have experience – employers look favourably on students that have work experience, even if it’s not in the legal industry, either voluntary or paid Think about what skills and knowledge you have gained from this experience that you can demonstrate and apply to your legal career. Have something outside of work – enjoy your time in university and make time for what you enjoy – whether this is catching up with friends, travelling, a hobby or a personal interest
This is the thing I enjoy the most about practicing in our team – no task is the same and I get to enjoy the mix of front end and back end construction work, usually in the same day!
10:00AM-5:30PM Depending on my day, I will also meet with a Senior Associate, Special Counsel or the Partner in my team to go through any proposed amendments to my work, or to receive further tasks.
6:00PM Before heading home, I’ll clean up my inbox, make sure I have submitted my time recordings for the day, and also check in with my colleagues. On Fridays, I attend team’s drinks or our firm’s end of month drinks!
Applications for our 2024/2025 Brisbane Summer Clerkships open on 15 July 2024 through our website.
ARE STATE CONSTITUTIONS THE KEY TO MEANINGFUL REFORM?
BY LACHLAN BERLIN
This article is not intended to provide any opinions on the merits of any constitutional proposal (Commonwealth or State), including the Voice, republic or rigid constitutionalism.
Our nation’s highest law was brought back into Our nation’s highest law was brought back into the spotlight when the people of Australia were the spotlight when the people of Australia were asked in 2023 whether Aboriginal and Torres asked in 2023 whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be recognised in Strait Islander peoples should be recognised in the Commonwealth Constitution with a Voice the Commonwealth Constitution with a Voice to Parliament. The fierce debate over that to Parliament The fierce debate over that proposal and its subsequent defeat reminded proposal and its subsequent defeat reminded the nation how hard it is for a referendum to the nation how hard it is for a referendum to change the Commonwealth Constitution to change the Commonwealth Constitution to succeed Only 8 of 45 proposals to change the succeed. Only 8 of 45 proposals to change the Commonwealth Constitution have succeeded Commonwealth Constitution have succeeded.
Most constitutional proposals go through a Most constitutional proposals go through a tired old process that leads to nothing getting tired old process that leads to nothing getting done: Parliament proposes a change when it is done: Parliament proposes a change when it is politically convenient, the Australian public is politically convenient, the Australian public is asked to accept the untested proposal cold asked to accept the untested proposal cold turkey after months of scare campaigns, the turkey after months of scare campaigns, the people reject the proposal, then the idea is people reject the proposal, then the idea is forever condemned to the “too hard basket”. forever condemned to the “too hard basket”.
Leading constitutional expert Professor
Leading constitutional expert Professor Emerita Anne Twomey observes that scare Emerita Anne Twomey observes that scare campaigns are highly effective in derailing campaigns are highly effective in derailing constitutional reform and easy to run. These constitutional reform and easy to run These campaigns hinge onto the fear and uncertainty campaigns hinge onto the fear and uncertainty of Constitutional change, driving audiences’ of Constitutional change, driving audiences’ emotional responses out of proportion to the emotional responses out of proportion to the logical weight of genuine arguments. logical weight of genuine arguments. However, However, it was one of Professor Twomey’s recent it was one of Professor Twomey’s recent suggestions that inspired me to write this suggestions that inspired me to write this article She suggested that if Prime Minister article. She suggested that if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would like Australia to Anthony Albanese would like Australia to become a republic in the future, the become a republic in the future, the government could implement a non-binding government could implement a non-binding process to select the next Governor-General in process to select the next Governor-General in a similar way a republican head of state would a similar way a republican head of state would be selected. This would allow the model be selected This would allow the model (whether appointed by Parliament or endorsed (whether appointed by Parliament or endorsed by a plebiscite) to be trialled and tested, and by a plebiscite) to be trialled and tested, and reduce the fear of uncertainty, before the reduce the fear of uncertainty, before the proposal is entrenched in the Commonwealth proposal is entrenched in the Commonwealth Constitution Constitution.
It stands to reason that if the public’s fear of It stands to reason that if the public’s fear of permanently changing the Commonwealth permanently changing the Commonwealth Constitution can be mitigated by trialling Constitution can be mitigated by trialling proposals first This would give people more proposals first This would give people more confidence to approve the proposal and confidence to approve the proposal and discredit the fear campaigns that work all too discredit the fear campaigns that work all too well. well We
In this article, I argue that meaningful In this article, I argue that meaningful constitutional change must begin at the State constitutional change must begin at the State level Not enough public attention is given to level. Not enough public attention is given to State constitutions (or the fact that they have State constitutions (or the fact that they have them), even though the States are responsible them), even though the States are responsible for most of the laws that affect our day-to-day for most of the laws that affect our day-to-day life. Subject to one major exception (discussed life Subject to one major exception (discussed below), States can generally change their below), States can generally change their constitutions without requiring the consent of constitutions without requiring the consent of the Commonwealth or other States. This the Commonwealth or other States This means that if Victoria wants to introduce a new means that if Victoria wants to introduce a new constitutional proposal which Queenslanders constitutional proposal which Queenslanders oppose, then Victoria can implement it without oppose, then Victoria can implement it without Queensland jeopardising it Queensland jeopardising it.
The most interesting, controversial and The most interesting, controversial and confusing aspect of State constitutions are the confusing aspect of State constitutions are the way which they are amended Because no new way which they are amended Because no new States have been admitted since Federation, all States have been admitted since Federation, all existing States were originally created by Acts existing States were originally created by Acts of the United Kingdom Parliament. Their of the United Kingdom Parliament Their Parliaments were later given the ability to make Parliaments were later given the ability to make any law they want (subject to some Imperial any law they want (subject to some Imperial legislation), even laws which overrode many of legislation), even laws which overrode many of the Imperial laws that established them Many the Imperial laws that established them. Many of the framers of the Commonwealth of the framers of the Commonwealth Constitution, including Sir Samuel Griffith and Constitution, including Sir Samuel Griffith and Sir Edmund Barton (Sir Isaac Isaacs Sir Edmund Barton (Sir Isaac Isaacs disagreeing) viewed State constitutions as disagreeing) viewed State constitutions as being ‘higher laws’ capable of invalidating being ‘higher laws’ capable of invalidating legislation. But in 1920, the Judicial Committee legislation But in 1920, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (which the voters of the Privy Council (which the voters approving the Commonwealth Constitution approving the Commonwealth Constitution voted to abolish appeals to, but the United voted to abolish appeals to, but the United Kingdom refused to allow) found that the Kingdom refused to allow) found that the Queensland constitution was intended to be Queensland constitution was intended to be ordinary legislation. ordinary legislation.
Australian Electoral Commission, ‘Referendum dates and results’, Referendum dates and results (Statistics, 7 November 2023)
Australian Electoral ‘Referendum dates and results’, Referendum dates and results (Statistics, 7 November 2023)
<https://www aec gov au/elections/referendums/referendum dates and results htm>
<https://www aec gov au/elections/referendums/referendum and results htm>
Constitutional Clarion, ‘Appointing a Governor-General - past, present and future’ (YouTube, 7 April 2024) 00:17:20 <https://youtu be/MQQU0vdUEa4?
Constitutional ‘Appointing a Governor-General - past, present and future’ (YouTube, 7 April 2024) 00:17:20 <https://youtu be/MQQU0vdUEa4? si=Pm24Mep7CwAcygJl&t=1040> si Pm24Mep7CwAcygJl&t 1040>
Howard Manns, ‘Voice referendum: “If you don’t know, vote no ” – an old slogan for modern politics’ Howard Manns, ‘Voice referendum: “If you don’t know, vote no ” – an slogan for modern politics’ Monash University – Lens Monash University – (Blog Post, 24 October 2023) (Blog Post, 24 October 2023) <https://lens monash edu/@politics-society/2023/10/24/1386245/voice-referendum-if-you-dont-know-vote-no-an-old-slogan-for-modern-politics> <https://lens monash edu/@politics-society/2023/10/24/1386245/voice-referendum-if-you-dont-know-vote-no-an-old-slogan-for-modern-politics> Constitutional Clarion, ‘Appointing a Governor-General - past, present and future’ (YouTube, 7 April 2024) 00:17:20 <https://youtu be/MQQU0vdUEa4? Constitutional ‘Appointing a Governor-General - past, present and future’ (YouTube, 7 April 2024) 00:17:20 <https://youtu be/MQQU0vdUEa4? si=Pm24Mep7CwAcygJl&t=1040> si=Pm24Mep7CwAcygJl&t=1040>
Therefore later laws inconsistent with it would Therefore later laws inconsistent with it would impliedly repeal the State constitution, instead impliedly repeal the State constitution, instead of being invalid. The other five State of being invalid The other five State constitutions have since been treated as constitutions have since been treated as ordinary legislation as well. ordinary legislation as well
The flexibility of Queensland’s constitution is The flexibility of Queensland’s constitution is both a blessing and a curse. Many reforms can both a blessing and a curse. Many reforms can be easily introduced through an ordinary Act of be easily introduced through an ordinary Act of Parliament, without the time and expense of Parliament, without the time and expense of holding a referendum For example, a Voice to holding a referendum. For example, a Voice to Parliament or term limits for Members of Parliament or term limits for Members of Parliament Currently, Victoria and South Parliament. Currently, Victoria and South Australia are going ahead with their own Australia are going ahead with their own legislated Voices to Parliament on a State level legislated Voices to Parliament on a State level Over time, the Australian public will see how Over time, the Australian public will see how they actually work in practice and whether the they actually work in practice and whether the criticisms of the federal Voice proposal stand criticisms of the federal Voice proposal stand up to scrutiny. up to scrutiny
However, this flexibility can create legal and However, this flexibility can create legal and conceptual headaches for reforms requiring conceptual headaches for reforms requiring legislation to be invalidated The legislation to be invalidated. The Australia Act Australia Act 11986 986 (Cth and UK) was passed by the (Cth and UK) was passed by the Commonwealth and United Kingdom Commonwealth and United Kingdom Parliaments at the request of all six States. This Parliaments at the request of all six States This Act may have rightfully ended the United Act may have rightfully ended the United Kingdom’s power over the Australian States Kingdom’s power over the Australian States and given States more freedom. But it has and given States more freedom But it has created serious problems for future reform of created serious problems for future reform of State constitutions. State constitutions.
The The Australia Act Australia Act presupposes the doctrine presupposes the doctrine of ‘Parliamentary sovereignty’ for each of the of ‘Parliamentary sovereignty’ for each of the States, by granting them all the powers of the States, by granting them all the powers of the United Kingdom Parliament that are not United Kingdom Parliament that are not inconsistent with the inconsistent with the Commonwealth Commonwealth Constitution Constitution. Parliamentary sovereignty is a Parliamentary sovereignty is a principle that Parliament can make any law it principle that Parliament can make any law it wants and that no authority can bind it wants and that no authority can bind it. Unlike Unlike in the United Kingdom where Parliamentary in the United Kingdom where Parliamentary sovereignty is the foundation of that country’s sovereignty is the foundation of that country’s constitutional system, it is not meant to give an constitutional system, it is not meant to give an Australian Parliament unlimited power to Australian Parliament unlimited power to overthrow the written constitution that created overthrow the written constitution that created it. There are significant debates over whether a it There are significant debates over whether a ‘sovereign’ Parliament can bind the exercise of ‘sovereign’ Parliament can bind the exercise of
its own powers in the future, its own powers in the future, but the United but the United Kingdom courts have found that the United Kingdom courts have found that the United Kingdom Parliament can bind itself. Kingdom Parliament can bind itself
9 9
However, section 6 of the However, section 6 of the Australia Act 1986 Australia Act 1986 (Cth), previously found in section 5 of the (Cth), previously found in section 5 of the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 (Imp), says (Imp), says that if a State Parliament makes a law that if a State Parliament makes a law concerning the “constitution, powers or concerning the “constitution, powers or procedure of the Parliament”, it must be passed procedure of the Parliament”, it must be passed in the manner and form prescribed by any in the manner and form prescribed by any previous Act of that Parliament This allows previous Act of that Parliament This allows certain State laws to be entrenched by certain State laws to be entrenched by requiring a referendum to pass them. The lack requiring a referendum to pass them The lack of case law on this provision means much ink of case law on this provision means much ink has been spilt whether a State can entrench has been spilt whether a State can entrench laws not concerning its legislature. laws not concerning its legislature This is a This is a topic which I do not have the space to do topic which I do not have the space to do justice to in a justice to in a Gavel Gavel article But for present article. But for present purposes, we can either accept that it doesn’t, purposes, we can either accept that it doesn’t, or the uncertainty is too prohibitive to justify or the uncertainty is too prohibitive justify the time and expense of trying the time and expense of trying.
One example where this provision would be
One example where this provision would be invoked is if a State introduced a constitutional invoked is if a State introduced a constitutional Bill of Rights. Does limiting a State’s legislative Bill of Rights Does limiting a State’s legislative power to deprive certain rights fall within the power to deprive certain rights fall within the definition of ‘power’ under section 6? Would definition of ‘power’ under section 6? Would requiring a referendum to change this law requiring a referendum to change this law concern the ‘constitution’ or ‘procedure’ of the concern the ‘constitution’ or ‘procedure’ of the Parliament? These questions are uncertain Parliament? These questions are uncertain. Having restrictions on legislative power is a very Having restrictions on legislative power is a very common feature of bodies politic around the common feature of bodies politic around the world, especially when it limits government world, especially when it limits government powers to protect rights Most ordinary powers to protect rights Most ordinary Australians would conceptualise a ‘constitution’ Australians would conceptualise a ‘constitution’ as the highest law in the jurisdiction which as the highest law in the jurisdiction which defines the limits of government and legislative defines the limits of government and legislative power. If a State was unable to frame a power If a State was unable to frame a constitution in this way, it would be because the constitution in this way, it would be because the Australia’s independence statute could render Australia’s independence statute could render it ineffective for being repugnant to an archaic it ineffective for being repugnant to an archaic conception of Parliamentary sovereignty that conception of Parliamentary sovereignty that no longer applies in England itself! no longer applies in England itself!
Anne Twomey, ‘The dilemmas of drafting a Constitution for a new state’ (2013) 28(2) Australasian Parliamentary Review 17, 18
Anne Twomey, ‘The dilemmas of drafting a Constitution for a new state’ (2013) 28(2) Australasian Parliamentary Review 17, 18 Australia Act 1986 Australia Act 1986 (Cth) s 2(2) (Cth) 2(2).
Gerard Carney, ‘An Overview of Manner and Form in Australia’ (1989) 5
Gerard Carney, ‘An Overview of Manner and Form in Australia’ (1989) 5 QUT Law Review QUT Law Review 69 69
Gerard Carney, ‘An Overview of Manner and Form in Australia’ (1989) 5 Gerard Carney, ‘An Overview of Manner and Form in Australia’ (1989) 5 QUT Law Review QUT Law Review 69 69 R (Jackson) v Attorney-General R (Jackson) v Attorney-General [2006] 1 AC 262; [2006] 1 AC 262; Bribery Commissioner v Ranasinghe Bribery Commissioner v Ranasinghe [1965] AC 172 (PC) [1965] AC 172 (PC)
See See Attorney-General (WA) v Marquet Attorney-General (WA) v Marquet (2003)
A proposed change to the Commonwealth A proposed change to the Commonwealth Constitution already implemented in all State Constitution already implemented in all State is 4-year terms of Parliament. Queensland is 4-year terms of Parliament Queensland introduced this requirement in 2016 following introduced this requirement in 2016 following a successful referendum. In Queensland, thi successful referendum In Queensland, thi provision is purported to be referendum provision is purported to be referendum entrenched (but thanks to the uncertainty o entrenched (but thanks to the uncertainty o the Australia Act, do we know if term limit the Australia Act, do we know if term limit concern the ‘constitution’ or ‘procedures’ of concern the ‘constitution’ or ‘procedures’ of Parliament?) But the upside is that this reform Parliament?) But the upside is that this reform does not require entrenchment to be effective does not require entrenchment to be effective.
Therefore, people can see the pros and cons of
Therefore, people can see the pros and cons of this proposal in Queensland and have loose this proposal in Queensland and have loose evidence of how it works if it were to be evidence of how it works if it were to be proposed for the Commonwealth. proposed for the Commonwealth
It is also unknown whether or not section 7 of It is also unknown whether or not section 7 of the Australia Act requires States to maintain the Australia Act requires States to maintain their connection with the Crown. Although this their connection with the Crown. Although this is not the only possible barrier, this may make it is not the only possible barrier, this may make it difficult for a republic to be trialled in a willing difficult for a republic to be trialled in a willing State State.
While States are already trialling potential
While States are already trialling potential future reforms to the Commonwealth future reforms to the Commonwealth Constitution, there are many other reforms to Constitution, there are many other reforms to State constitutions that may not be possible State constitutions that may not be possible unless the High Court clears up uncertainty unless the High Court clears up uncertainty around the Australia Act, or the Australia Act is around the Australia Act, or the Australia Act is amended by the Commonwealth with consent amended by the Commonwealth with consent of all six States. Until the States can test of all six States Until the States can test constitutional proposals, the Australia Act may constitutional proposals, the Australia Act be unintentionally hindering meaningful reform be unintentionally hindering meaningful reform to the Commonwealth Constitution and to the Commonwealth Constitution and keeping States shackled to the 19th century keeping States shackled to the 19th century.
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Imagine your tomorrow Instruction Manual for a Law Grad
Assembly
I first heard about grad roles in the law library, eavesdropping (as usual) There were a bunch of guys talking about applications and offers. They were older than me and seemed intimidating (though I was 18 so everyone was older than me and intimidating)
They were swapping stories and tips and names of firms I'd never heard of It all felt very foreign, and it felt like something that wasn't meant for me
The first step in the assembly of this law grad was getting to the point where I was curious enough about grad roles to apply for clerkships, then getting my head around what the whole process for that even was I didn't realise I wanted to work in law until I took a job working in a tiny estate planning firm, which was chaotic but lots of fun I think trying out working in law for size and watching lawyers work is the only way to figure out if it might be for you
What helped: law society resources, getting any kind of experience in law, talking to friends, Google What didn't help: underestimating how much time I needed to dedicate to applying for clerkships.
Getting to the end
Those last few units of law school feel like they are so far away, until they aren't. Then they feel like they will never end, until they do
No matter which frame of mind you're stuck in (not quite ready to accept you're almost done with uni, or alternatively, itching to start life after study), time will tick on at an even speed It's a cliché but the only way to get through those last few semesters (or years) is to be present and play the cards you currently have at hand. Powering off your uni brain
I feel like since starting my grad role I've had to scrap a lot of the thought patterns I got stuck in in my uni brain
All through uni, I reminded myself that I was not good at legal research That I wasn't good at managing my time That I would never get the places I wanted to go
What I like about being a grad at Clayton Utz (and I think this is the case at a lot of firms) is that there's a feeling that people genuinely want the grads to do well and are very understanding that you're still learning I think it's helped me to rewire those old thought patterns I'll get better at legal research, I'm learning how to manage my time, I'm on the way to where I want to be
Unexpected pros
Random but happy things I like about being a grad…. This sounds like an ad but I'm genuinely having so much fun.
I like that learning how to practice law is more like my creative writing subjects than you'd think It's a lot of learning how to write for particular audiences and different purposes, just like learning how to write different genres in fiction and non-fiction
If you have a brain like mine (and maybe you do), it's satisfying to watch words come together and I didn't know I'd enjoy this part of the law like I do.
I love being in the city because that's where so many people I know are also working at this point in our lives It makes it easy to catch up with people from different parts of your life. I often run into old friends in the street coming to and from work
Being part of a grad cohort is also something I didn't realise I'd be so grateful for They are built-in friends, people to have lunch and coffee with, share worries and mistakes
Care instructions
I like the routine of being at work full-time I occasionally miss being able to go to a random 10am yoga class but I get to do lots of fun things at work anyway. I've made so many lovely friendships and relationships with people I'm enjoying getting to know which keeps my cup full when at work
Warning
Recently, I've started wanting (involuntarily!) to start timers to track my time in my personal life which is very odd As in, I was walking into the shops a few weekends ago and I felt the need to start a new timer to track my time because it felt like I was starting a new task
I can be a bit type A so I suppose it makes sense…be warned though
Ciaran Greig
Ciaran Greig is a Graduate at Law at Clayton Utz in Brisbane She graduated from QUT last year with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Creative Writing Ciaran is a former QUTLS Publications Officer and editor of The Gavel
Ready to imagine?
By Darcy Lee By Darcy Lee
In our current age, we are constantly bombarded
In our current age, we are constantly bombarded with advertising From our phones to the bus stop with advertising. From our phones to the bus stop to the sides of buildings, we are targeted by to the sides of buildings, we are targeted by companies trying to sell us things. Advertising tells companies trying to sell us things Advertising tells us that we have a problem and that Product X has us that we have a problem and that Product X has the potential to fix that problem – all for 3 small the potential to fix that problem – all for 3 small payments of $19 99 Perhaps no industry is more payments of $19.99. Perhaps no industry is more notorious for this than the beauty industry notorious for this than the beauty industry. Whether it’s a cream that will take away your acne Whether it’s a cream that will take away your acne or foundation that will get rid of your pores or or foundation that will get rid of your pores or Botox to take away your frown lines. The industry Botox to take away your frown lines. The industry created problems to fix in order to sell more and created problems to fix in order to sell more … and more and more more … and more.
Humanity buys into the marketing because we Humanity buys into the marketing because we want what we can’t have. A capitalistic mindset has want what we can’t have A capitalistic mindset has driven into us into the thought process that we driven into us into the thought process that we should want it all, even if that means taking it from should want it all, even if that means taking it from someone else So, we want the unattainable This someone else. So, we want the unattainable. This explains why in the time of an obesity spike, the explains why in the time of an obesity spike, the trend is to be rail thin whereas in Ancient Greece, trend is to be rail thin whereas in Ancient Greece, in a time with less readily available food, the trend in a time with less readily available food, the trend was to be happily plump Age used to be a signifier was to be happily plump. Age used to be a signifier that you had made it through the trials of life, each that you had made it through the trials of life, each line was a signal that you had defied the odds and line was a signal that you had defied the odds and gained wisdom along the way. However, it is now a gained wisdom along the way However, it is now a thing to be combatted. thing to be combatted.
Yes, beauty trends have existed for a long time, but Yes, beauty trends have existed for a long time, but now they have been given the environment to now they have been given the environment to become more intense. The clever marketing people become more intense The clever marketing people who realised they could prey on our desire to be who realised they could prey on our desire to be accepted and our desire to be the best have accepted and our desire to be the best have doubled down on this push to be perfect doubled on this push to be perfect.
Social media has ensured we are surrounded by
Social media has ensured we are surrounded by their message of ‘you are not enough’ considerably their message of ‘you are not enough’ considerably more than in the past The additional problem is more than in the past. The additional problem is that once you begin, you cannot just stop. Filler is that once you begin, you cannot just stop Filler is absorbed by the body, as is Botox. It’s not a one- absorbed by the body, as is Botox It’s not a oneand-done scenario, you have to keep going back and-done scenario, you have to keep going back again and again to even maintain the same look let again and again to even maintain the same look let alone get more drastic results It’s an expensive alone get more drastic results. It’s an expensive process. It is little wonder that the trend is in process It is little wonder that the trend is in getting plastic surgery now, for it is another thing getting plastic surgery now, for it is another thing that is out of reach for the average person. The that is out of reach for the average person. The trend of ‘Instagram face’ is not a surprise – you trend of ‘Instagram face’ is not a surprise – you have to pay for the privilege of having the perfect have to pay for the privilege of having the perfect face and it doesn’t come cheap. face and it come cheap.
Humanity comes in all shapes and sizes and almost everyone can agree that if we were all the same, everyone can agree that if we were all the same, the world would be a dull place And yet, we all the world would be a dull place. And yet, we all seem to let marketing overwhelm that idea I am seem to let marketing overwhelm that idea. I am no different – I publicly have said that I refuse to no different – I publicly have said that I refuse to age until I turn 70 when I will stop all beauty age until I turn 70 when I will stop all beauty treatments. Recently I have questioned this stance treatments. Recently I have questioned this stance more because at the end of the more because at the end of the day, however, I do not want day, however, I do not want to spend my life and hard- to spend my life and hardearned money on letting earned money on letting marketing people win. I marketing people win. I plan to grab a ladder and plan to grab a ladder and climb slowly out of the climb slowly out of the rabbit hole. rabbit hole
Humanity comes in all shapes and sizes and almost
Create your story
With
Tips for success
Make a great first impression
Consider your personal brand, how you want to be perceived and recognised in terms of your strengths The best way to create a good impression is by being authentic
A great attitude, enthusiasm for any task and the ability to quickly build rapport is an asset
Remember, a 3 5 to 4-week clerkship is an extended interview for a graduate position in locations with multiclerkship opportunities
Get feedback
Show initiative and seek opportunities
Have a clear picture of what you want from your clerkship, what you want to learn about the firm, and the type of work you want to get involved in
Take the initiative to get to know your team as well as other practices across the firm, meet as many people as possible and try to get involved in different types of work, projects and activities
Communication is vital
Take on various work for different people across the team, but don’t forget the importance of managing your priorities
Clerkships involve several training sessions and activities. You will also be completing various projects for people across your team; make sure you keep your team and supervisor updated on your workload and training schedules to ensure your success
A clerkship is an excellent opportunity for you to learn and develop your legal knowledge and skills, remember to request feedback after completing tasks, as acting on this feedback is a great way to demonstrate your ability to learn quickly – an essential skill for junior lawyers
Take the time to follow up with the team members that have assigned you tasks and get their thoughts on the work you have completed - just be conscious of their workload and the timing.
Develop
your networks
Speak to as many people as possible This is your opportunity to find out if Ashurst is the place you want to begin and grow your career
Take every opportunity to meet people from across the firm to learn about the practice groups, and if they are people you would like to work with in the future.
Lastly, take the time to get to know your fellow clerks - you may be colleagues one day!
An Interview with Personal Injury Solicitors by Ethan Lee Hang
Corporate attire, impromptu coffee dates, outsmarting opponents, and getting paid to argue it’s the Corporate attire, impromptu coffee dates, outsmarting opponents, and getting paid to argue it’s the glamorous lifestyle your favorite TV shows love to portray. But for most lawyers, it’s far from reality. glamorous lifestyle favorite TV shows love to portray But for most lawyers, it’s far from reality
To my peers and aspiring law students who haven't yet experienced the lows of the
To my peers and aspiring law students who haven't experienced the lows of the profession, the harsh truth is that a Law degree doesn't guarantee a superior profession, the harsh truth is that a Law degree doesn't guarantee a superior lifestyle. While it’s not all doom and gloom, you’ll probably spend most of your lifestyle. While it’s not all doom and gloom, you’ll probably spend most of your time behind two outdated screens and dealing with a computer that freezes every time behind two outdated screens and dealing with a computer that freezes every 30 minutes 30 minutes.
Now, you might be thinking what does a third-year law student know about the real life of a lawyer? Fair Now, you might be thinking what does a third-year law student know about the real life of a lawyer? Fair point. But as someone who loves chatting with people more experienced than myself, I’ve made an effort to point But as someone who loves chatting with people more experienced than myself, I’ve made an effort to interview senior lawyers who have weathered the storm. So, instead of taking my word for it, listen to their interview senior lawyers who have weathered the storm. So, instead of taking my word for it, listen to their insights about the true realities of the profession insights about the true realities of the profession.
1.What is the most humbling part about being a lawyer?
One of the most humbling aspects of being a lawyer is the stark reality that, despite our best efforts, we cannot always secure good outcomes for our clients. The emotional toll on clients during legal proceedings can be profound, knowing that the legal process can be slow and arduous, with no guarantee of a favourable result.
2.How often do you actually go to court, and is it like the media portrays?
Solicitors in a litigation-focused practice might attend court several times a month, while others might rarely see the inside of a courtroom (me included). Contrary to how the media often portrays it, reallife court proceedings are typically far less dramatic and much more procedural – think less Harvey Specter and more… law tutor that you fall asleep listening to.
SOLICITOR A (10 YEARS PAE)
3 Do you genuinely believe that being a lawyer is worth the stress? Honestly, whether being a lawyer is worth the stress is something only you can decide, and it varies a lot from person to person The job can be incredibly stressful You often deal with long hours, high expectations from clients, and the constant pressure of ensuring the best outcomes But let’s be real – this profession isn’t for everyone The stress can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Burnout is common, and the work-life balance can be screwed. If you're passionate about the law, resilient, and good at handling stress, the rewards might just outweigh the downsides
4 Do you believe that Suits is an accurate representation of the profession?
I don't mind Suits, it's a bit of a brain break for me, but it's definitely not how the legal world actually works The lifestyle portrayed is also pretty far from reality Sure, some top lawyers might enjoy big salaries and fancy offices, but most lawyers deal with long hours, lots of stress, and a lot less glamour Let’s not even get started on the ethical shortcuts they take on the show – real lawyers can't get away with that stuff.
SOLICITOR B (14 YEARS PAE)
So, there you have it. If your favorite TV show is "Suits," don’t study law expecting that lifestyle it's a media
So, there you have it. If your favorite TV show is "Suits," don’t study law expecting that lifestyle it's a media fantasy, or as a certain political figure might say… fake news. But don’t lose all hope. As these seasoned lawyers fantasy, or as a certain political figure might say fake news But don’t lose all hope As these seasoned lawyers have pointed out, law can be a rewarding career for the right person. You should study it because you love the have pointed out, law can be a rewarding career for the right person You should study it because you love the law, not because you’re after a lavish lifestyle. And if these experienced lawyers haven’t convinced you – good law, not because you’re after a lavish lifestyle. And if these experienced lawyers haven’t convinced you – good lluckuck.
MARK SALAMY – LAWYER AT CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH
At a high level, a law firm is a business that provides legal services. As such, an employee’s ‘transferable skills’ will be just as
At a high level, a law firm is a business that provides legal services As such, an employee’s ‘transferable skills’ will be just as valuable at a law firm as they are at any other business you may have worked at. This is because certain transferable skills, valuable at a law firm as they are at any other business you may have worked at This is because certain transferable skills, including the skills set out below, are essential to being a good member of any team, independent of the nature of the work. including the skills set out below, are essential to being a good member of any team, independent of the nature of the work The good news is that you will have developed many of these skills from your previous experiences. The good news is that you will have developed many of these skills from your previous experiences The following guide will The following guide will assist you in demonstrating the most important transferable skills from Day 1 of your clerkship. assist you in demonstrating the most important transferable skills from Day 1 of your clerkship
Clerkships are packed full of tasks, events, training, seminars and
Clerkships are packed full of tasks, events, training, seminars and coffee catchups, which can make it tricky to balance your priorities coffee catchups, which can make it tricky to balance your priorities (e g do I finish an urgent advice or go to a lunch with the CEO?) To (e g do I finish an urgent advice or go to a lunch with the CEO?) To show that you’re organised and reliable, consider the following: show that you’re organised and reliable, consider the following:
Manage deadlines
Manage your Capacity
Start scheduling coffees early! sometimes these can be moved, but we won’t know until you ask!
To demonstrate to your team that you will be a good person to work
To demonstrate to your team that you will be a good person to work with, consider the following: with, consider the following:
For example: if you’re going to suggest a different structure for an For example: if you’re going to suggest a different structure for an advice, get your team’s feedback before you start adopting that advice, get your team’s feedback before you start adopting that approach Leverage the questions you have about the work to grow approach. Leverage the questions you have about the to grow relationships within your team – they’re a great way to start a relationships within your team – they’re a great way to start a conversation conversation
You will need to be able to explain your views, and the reasons for You will need to be able to explain your views, and the reasons for those views, to your team If you are required to do a presentation, it those views, to your If you are required to do a presentation, it will be a great opportunity to demonstrate your communications will be a great opportunity to demonstrate your communications skills It can be helpful to practice giving the presentation with your skills. It can be helpful to practice giving the presentation with your buddy to ensure you are prepared, feel confident and are ready buddy to ensure you are prepared, confident and are ready.
Seek regular input
Be enthusiastic!
Develop relationships
Be concise
Presentation
Talk to your team
Consider the following to show that you know how to solve a problem
Consider the following to show that you know how to solve a problem (even though there may be different views as to the best approach): (even though there may be different views as to the best approach): Suggest a way to tackle a problem related to your task, including your Suggest a way to tackle a problem related to your task, including your reasoning for taking that approach. For example, when completing a reasoning for taking that approach For example, when completing a research task, try and also think about the practical application of research task, try and also think about the practical application of your findings for the client. your findings for the client
You will receive a lot of instructions, information and advice during You will receive a lot of information and advice during your clerkship, which may seem overwhelming at times To your clerkship, which may seem overwhelming at times To demonstrate your listening skills: demonstrate your listening skills:
Brainstorm
Have a first go
Take notes
Ask questions
Repeat back instructions
FIND YOUR OWN RABBITHOLE
In response to the future of the legal professions attitude to legal illiteracy surrounding the voice to parliament referendum.
ByEdwardWalsh
Last year, the Commonwealth tried to pass a Last year, the Commonwealth tried to pass a referendum to create a constitutionally referendum to create a constitutionally entrenched advisory body to the parliament, entrenched advisory body to the parliament, comprised of First Nations people elected by their comprised of First Nations people elected by their communities to give advice on laws that affect communities to give advice on laws that affect First Nations people [1] First Nations people.[1] Unfortunately, a large Unfortunately, a large portion of the public lacked an understanding of portion of the public lacked an understanding of the concept of constitutional entrenchment and the concept of constitutional entrenchment and advisory bodies. This highlighted a major issue advisory bodies. This highlighted a major issue with legal literacy amongst the public I will argue with legal literacy amongst the public. I will argue that the response amongst the legal profession and that the response amongst the legal profession and its future to legal illiteracy is concerning. This is its future to legal illiteracy is concerning This is because: legal literacy is a major issue in Australian because: legal literacy is a major issue in Australian law; there is an ignorance of legal illiteracy law; there is an ignorance of legal illiteracy amongst the profession and its future; and this amongst the profession and its future; and this contradicts the duties of a legal practitioner contradicts the duties of a legal practitioner.
Legal illiteracy is a major issue in the fairness of Legal illiteracy is a major issue in the fairness of law in Australia. In the book, Alice in Wonderland, law in Australia In the book, Alice in Wonderland, Alice follows a rabbit into a rabbit hole and finds Alice follows a rabbit into a rabbit hole and finds herself in a confusing and seemingly nonsensical herself in a confusing and seemingly nonsensical world [2] The same can be said for members of world.[2] The same can be said for members of the public attempting to navigate the law in the public attempting to navigate the law in Australia. Australian law is complex world with Australia Australian law is complex world with rules dictated by hundreds of years of decisions rules dictated by hundreds of years of decisions and legislation and legislation.
Surveys from the state of Victoria shows that
Surveys the state of Victoria shows that 42.7% of people do not always understand legal 42 7% of people do not always understand legal issues that arise in the course of everyday dealings. issues that arise in the course of everyday dealings [3] This is particularly concerning given the rule [3] This is particularly concerning given the rule of law, which is preserved in the constitution, of law, which is preserved in the constitution, requires people know the law [4] Whilst our requires people know the law.[4] Whilst our legislation and courts are open to the public, the legislation and courts are open to the public, the lack of legal literacy is a practical barrier to lack of legal literacy is a practical barrier to knowing the law. knowing the law. Therefore, legal illiteracy is a Therefore, legal illiteracy is a major issue of fairness in Australian law major issue of fairness in Australian law.
The response to the referendum shows the The response to the referendum shows the professions ignorance towards the public’s legal professions ignorance towards the public’s legal illiteracy. During the referendum, there were illiteracy. During the referendum, there were attempts made to take advantage of the public’s attempts made to take advantage of the public’s legal illiteracy by describing the voice to legal illiteracy by describing the voice to parliament as a third chamber with a veto power, as a third chamber with a veto power, [5] and instructing members of the public, “if you [5] and instructing members of the public, “if you don’t know, vote no”.[6] I don’t know, vote no” [6] In response, it was n response, it was common to see members of the legal profession common to see members of the legal profession and law students, who were passionate about the and law students, who were passionate about the issue, make statements encouraging people they issue, make statements encouraging people they know to “do your own research” or “educate know to “do your own research” or “educate yourself”.[7] Whilst these statements were trying yourself” [7] Whilst these statements were trying to increase understanding of the referendum, they to increase understanding of the referendum, they failed to explain concepts behind it The problem failed to explain concepts behind it. The problem is, telling people to do their own research, while is, telling people to do their own research, while lacking understanding of the core concepts, when lacking understanding of the core concepts, when there was a great deal of misinformation, is that there was a great deal of misinformation, is that they will rely on irrelevant or misleading facts. they will rely on irrelevant or misleading facts.
[1] Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) Bill 2023 (Cth) sch 1.
[2] Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Macmillan, 1865)
[3] Nigel J Balmer et al, ‘Public Understanding of Law Survey: Understanding and Capability’ (Report no 2, Victoria Law Foundation, April 2024) p 70.
[4]Australian Constitution s 5
[5] Daniel Wild, ‘We’re not fighting a fair fight on The Voice to Parliament after uneven Budget funding for the ‘Yes’ vote’, Sky News (Online, 29 October 2022).
[6] Howard Manns, ‘Voice referendum: “If you don’t know, vote no” – an old slogan for modern politics’, Monash University Lens (Web Page, 24 October 2023)
[7] The nature of law students stories posting is not easily citeable but a similar sentiment can be found in support statements from law firms such as Alice Byrnes, ‘The Voice Referendum – inform yourself’, Cheney Suthers (Web Page, 8 September 2023) <https://cheneysuthers com au/thevoice-referendum-inform-yourself/>
A common critique to this thought is that it is not the
A common critique to this thought is that it is not the job of law students and the profession to educate the job of law students and the profession to educate the public Whilst this is true, it is also true that these public. Whilst this is true, it is true that these statements were out of passion for the subject with the statements were out of passion for the subject with the hope of increasing the knowledge of the public. This hope of increasing the knowledge of the public This makes the hesitance to explain the concepts even more makes the hesitance to explain the concepts even more concerning, as we are in a privileged position of being concerning, as we are in a privileged position of being taught and assessed on our ability to explain the law taught and assessed on our ability to explain the law. [8] As such, the hesitance to explain the concepts in [8] As such, the hesitance to explain the concepts in the voice referendum highlights a ignorance amongst the voice referendum highlights a ignorance amongst the profession to consider the public’s lack of legal the profession to consider the public’s lack of legal lliteracy. iteracy.
Further, this ignorance of legal illiteracy is inconsistent
Further, this ignorance of legal illiteracy is inconsistent with the duties of a legal practitioner. The Australian with the duties of a legal practitioner The Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules state that a paramount duty of Solicitors Conduct Rules state that a paramount duty of a legal practitioner is to deliver legal services as a legal practitioner is to deliver legal services as competently and diligently as possible [9] Further, a competently and diligently as possible.[9] Further, a legal practitioner must assist a client to understand legal practitioner must assist a client to understand relevant legal issues to make informed choices about relevant legal issues to make informed choices about their action.[10] Whilst only required when dealing their action [10] Whilst only required when dealing with clients, a hesitance to inform the public, due to with clients, a hesitance to inform the public, due to ignorance of their legal illiteracy, hinders the ignorance of their legal illiteracy, hinders the performance of these duties In the referendum, a performance of these duties. In the referendum, a large portion of the population voted without large portion of the voted without understanding what they were voting on. Whilst this is understanding what they were voting on Whilst this is not a legal issue, the same could apply for a great deal not a legal issue, the same could apply for a great deal of common offences and disputes. A prime example of of common offences and disputes. A prime example of this is the rise of driving offences amongst sovereign this is the rise of driving offences amongst sovereign citizens It is much harder for solicitors to advise citizens. It is much harder for solicitors to advise clients who do not have any understanding, or have a clients who do not have any understanding, or have a misunderstanding, of the law than those who misunderstanding, of the law than those who understand the basics. Therefore, the ignorance of understand the basics. Therefore, the ignorance of legal illiteracy and resulting hesitance to inform the legal illiteracy and resulting hesitance to inform the public is inconsistent with the duties of a legal public is inconsistent with the duties of a legal practitioner. practitioner
In conclusion, the ignorance of the public’s legal In conclusion, the ignorance of the public’s legal illiteracy amongst the legal profession is concerning illiteracy amongst the legal profession is concerning. This is because legal illiteracy is a major issue of This is because legal illiteracy is a major issue of farness, the response by the legal profession and it’s farness, the response by the legal profession and it’s future to it is dismissive, and this is hinders the duties future to it is dismissive, and this is hinders the duties of a legal practitioner. Ultimately, the legal profession of a legal practitioner. Ultimately, the legal profession and it’s future must acknowledge legal illiteracy and be and it’s future must acknowledge legal illiteracy and be proactive in explaining the law to the public proactive in explaining the law to the public.
[8] ‘Bachelor of Laws (Honours)’, QUT (Web Page, 20 March 2024) <https://www qut edu au/courses/bachelor-of-laws-honours> [9] Queensland Law Society, Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules (at 1 June 2012) 4 4 1 3 [10] Ibid r 7.1.
for those who have fallen down the hyper masculine influencer rabbit hole
By Tom Cockburn
The impact/power that ‘social media influencers’ The impact/power that ‘social media influencers’ (‘Influencers’), can have over impressionable (‘Influencers’), can have over impressionable audiences cannot be understated. Influencers can audiences cannot be understated. Influencers can gain more audience and influence culture to a gain more audience and influence culture to a greater extent than traditional celebrities (Nouri, greater extent than traditional celebrities (Nouri, 2018). Influencers have earnt the trust of their 2018). Influencers have earnt the trust of their followers by providing them with what their followers by providing them with what their followers consider to be valuable and authentic followers consider to be valuable and authentic content (Grau, 2022). However, influencers can content (Grau, 2022). However, influencers can also spread messages that can be problematic, also spread messages that can be problematic, harmful, and regressive Notably, this has been harmful, and regressive. Notably, this has been seen through the rise in problematic Influencers seen through the rise in problematic Influencers weaponizing hyper-masculine ideology. The most weaponizing hyper-masculine ideology The most prolific of these creators being Andrew Tate. This prolific of these creators being Andrew Tate. This essay will focus on the issue of men's mental essay will focus on the issue of men's mental health and how the ideologies of such health and how the ideologies of such Influencers, are presented as the only solution to Influencers, are presented as the only solution to the disenfranchisement experienced by their the disenfranchisement experienced by their followers. It is important to therefore: evaluate followers. It is important to therefore: evaluate the current situation regarding men’s mental the current situation regarding men’s mental health; examine how toxic-masculinity health; examine how toxic-masculinity Influencers have been able to connect with their Influencers have been able to connect with their audience; and explore why we must treat those audience; and explore why we must treat those influenced with sufficient empathy and provide influenced with sufficient empathy and provide education to empower them to stop spreading education to empower them to stop spreading hateful rhetoric Down the hole they may go hateful rhetoric. Down the hole they may go.
Men's mental health and associated feelings of Men's mental health and associated feelings of disenfranchisement are an incredibly pressing disenfranchisement are an incredibly pressing issue. Around 4% of Australian men have issue. Around 4% of Australian men have reported that they are lonely and have no close reported that they are lonely and have no close friends (Terhaag et al , 2020) Loneliness is friends (Terhaag et al., 2020). Loneliness is causally linked to depression and suicide among causally linked to depression and suicide among Australian men, with those who reported lacking Australian men, with those who reported lacking close friends/relatives being twice as likely to close friends/relatives being twice as likely to have thoughts about suicide (Terhaag et al , have thoughts about suicide (Terhaag et al., 2020) In 2021, an average of 6 5 men died by 2020). In 2021, an average of 6.5 men died by suicide every day across Australia (Australian suicide every day across Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022a). Suicide rates for Bureau of Statistics, 2022a) Suicide rates for men (2,358 deaths) are three times greater than men (2,358 deaths) are three times greater than the rate for females (786 deaths) (Australian the rate for females (786 deaths) (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022a) Bureau of Statistics, 2022a).
During this time, despite the disproportionally
During this time, despite the disproportionally higher suicide rate for males, only 37% of men higher suicide rate for males, only 37% of men consulted a mental health professional, compared consulted a mental health professional, compared with 54 7% of females (Australian Bureau of with 54.7% of females (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022b). Historically men have grown Statistics, 2022b) Historically men have grown up socially to believe that to seek help for mental up socially to believe that to seek help for mental health issues is to display weakness and that they health issues is to display weakness and that they should be capable of handling such issues should be capable of handling such issues themselves and they simply need to "man up" themselves and they simply need to "man up" (Campbell, 2019). This regressive thinking leaves (Campbell, 2019) This regressive thinking leaves men less likely to seek external help from mental men less likely to seek external help from mental health professionals (Staiger et al., 2020). Down health professionals (Staiger et al., 2020). Down the rabbit hole they go People suffering from the rabbit hole they go. People suffering from mental health conditions who are not mental health conditions who are not implementing healthy coping strategies are likely implementing healthy coping strategies are likely to turn to alcohol and other drugs as self- to turn to alcohol and other drugs as selfmedication tools (Campbell, 2019). This is medication tools (Campbell, 2019). This is evidenced by men being two to three times more evidenced by men being two to three times more likely to misuse drugs than women (National likely to misuse drugs than women (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022). Therefore, not Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022). Therefore, not only is men's mental health an incredibly pressing only is men's mental health an incredibly pressing issue but men are also less likely to seek help issue but men are also less likely to seek help from external sources such as health practitioners from external sources such as health practitioners and instead are more likely to engage in self- and instead are more likely to engage in selfmedication practices Down the rabbit hole they medication practices. Down the rabbit hole they go. go
As explained above, men are disproportionately
As explained above, men are disproportionately facing mental health issues and are less likely to facing mental health issues and are likely to seek the help they need Accordingly, figures like seek the help they need. Accordingly, figures like Tate are therefore able to target these vulnerable Tate are therefore able to target these vulnerable people who feel ostracised by society. people who feel ostracised by society When When addressing his audience, Tate taps into a concept addressing his audience, Tate taps into a concept that Michael Kimmel, Director of the Centre for that Michael Kimmel, Director of the Centre for the Study of Men and Masculinities at Stony the Study of Men and Masculinities at Stony Brook University, labels as ‘aggrieved Brook University, labels as ‘aggrieved entitlement’. ‘Aggrieved entitlement’ is a state of entitlement’ ‘Aggrieved entitlement’ is a state of fear that primarily young men feel due the fear that primarily young men feel due the changed world that we live in, in which they have changed world that we live in, in which they have moved from the centre of society to the margins moved from the centre of society to the margins of society (Conroy, 2018). of society (Conroy, 2018).
the rabbit hole they go. the rabbit hole they go.
already feel disenfranchised and already feel disenfranchised and ety Ridiculing and insulting them only ety. Ridiculing and insulting them only being less likely to be open to being likely to be open to aging. ging.
Further, they express that hyper-masculinity is not
Further, they express that hyper-masculinity is not something to be vilified but is an important aspect something to be vilified but is an important aspect of being a man, which is needed to fight mental of being a man, which is needed to fight mental health issues and broader personal and societal health issues and broader personal and societal issues. These figures are trusted and seen as role issues These figures are trusted and seen as role models because they present themselves as models because they present themselves as powerful, wanted, and wealthy. Tate attains this powerful, wanted, and wealthy. Tate attains this perception by using attractive women as "arm perception by using attractive women as "arm candy", displaying his wealth and discussing his candy", displaying his wealth and discussing his fortune and superior status due to the power he has fortune and superior status due to the power he has because of his brand and wealth. Figures like Tate because of his brand and wealth Figures like Tate are in a sense a personal lifestyle brand that can be are in a sense a personal lifestyle brand that can be aspired to and allegedly attained through following aspired to and allegedly attained through following their ideology These characteristics are generally their ideology. These characteristics are generally absent in, but aspired to, by their followers. Tate absent in, but aspired to, by their followers Tate portrays his lifestyle as the result of following his portrays his lifestyle as the result of following his ideology. In this context, it is understandable why ideology. In this context, it is understandable why Tate’s lifestyle, built on the pillars of being wealthy, Tate’s lifestyle, built on the pillars of being wealthy, wanted, and powerful, would be appealing to those wanted, and powerful, would be appealing to those feeling unwanted and disregarded by society and feeling unwanted and disregarded by society and why they would be open to following his messages. why they would be open to following his messages Down the rabbit hole they go. Down the rabbit hole they go
to vindicate these people for sharing to vindicate these people for sharing but we need to be empathetic, as but we need to be empathetic, as empathising with your political opponents increases empathising with your political opponents increases your chances of changing their minds (Stanford your chances of changing their (Stanford University, 2022). We must show a required level of University, 2022) We must show a required level of empathy to those influenced by harmful messaging. empathy to those influenced by harmful messaging Those influenced already feel abandoned, and vilifying Those influenced already feel abandoned, and vilifying them for their beliefs only supports this ideology We them for their beliefs only supports this ideology. We need to give those influenced the opportunity to need to give those influenced the opportunity to undergo positive change and this involves undergo positive change and this involves understanding the root cause of their issues, providing understanding the root cause of their issues, providing targeted education, promoting alternative content targeted education, promoting alternative content creators that do not share hurtful rhetoric and creators that do not share hurtful rhetoric and providing them opportunities to leave such radicalised providing them opportunities to leave such radicalised ideology. Or down the rabbit hole they will go. ideology Or down the rabbit hole they will go
Showing the necessary level of empathy towards those
Now that it has been outlined why these followers
Now that it has been outlined why these followers are influenced by such messaging, how should we are influenced by such messaging, how should we respond to those influenced? The approach in the respond to those influenced? The approach in the current discourse is to ridicule those influenced and current discourse is to ridicule those influenced and approach them with disdain. To be clear, the hyper- approach them with disdain. To be clear, the hypermasculine ideology shared by these kinds of masculine ideology shared by these of Influencers is harmful/regressive It is contended Influencers is harmful/regressive. It is contended however that the current response is flawed. It fails however that the current response is flawed It fails to address the root cause of their beliefs and only to address the root cause of their beliefs and only reinforces them As the followers are so entrenched reinforces them As the followers are so entrenched in their beliefs, if attempted persuasion is through in their beliefs, if attempted persuasion is through insults this will only result in these followers insults will only result in these followers doubling-down on their beliefs (Henricks, 2022). doubling-down on their beliefs (Henricks, 2022) Down the rabbit hole they go. Down the rabbit hole they go
Showing the necessary level of empathy towards those who spread hateful rhetoric is not easy and may seem who spread hateful rhetoric is not easy and may seem contrary to good conscience However, responding contrary to good conscience. However, responding with empathy is crucial because people following such with is crucial because people following such harmful messaging are rooted in insecurity regarding harmful messaging are rooted in insecurity regarding their place in society, which is likely to be intrinsically their place in society, which is likely to be intrinsically linked generally to mental health issues. These linked generally to mental health issues. These Influencers who weaponize toxic-masculinity know Influencers who weaponize toxic-masculinity know that vulnerable followers are susceptible to such that vulnerable followers are susceptible to such messaging and will focus on it and spread it. We need messaging and will focus on it and spread it We need to therefore counter this harmful behaviour, not to therefore counter this harmful behaviour, not through vilifying the followers, nor through through vilifying the followers, nor through vindicating them We should give them the chance to vindicating them. We should give them the chance to see the alternative, socially acceptable viewpoint by see the alternative, socially acceptable viewpoint by responding constructively and positively rather than responding constructively and positively rather than ridiculing and insulting them. Empathy and kindness ridiculing and insulting them Empathy and kindness need to be shown to those influenced by toxic- need to be shown to those influenced by toxicmasculinity messaging This is the only way to address masculinity messaging. This is the only way to address the root cause of why these people were receptive to the root cause of why these people were receptive to such harmful rhetoric in the first place. such harmful rhetoric in the first place
You have to give them the chance You have to give them the chance to leave the rabbit hole. to leave the rabbit hole.
From law clerk to graduate lawyer at
DLA Piper – Kristen Politis & Brigette Ciampoli
We started as law graduates at DLA Piper in february 2023 after completing a summer clerkship in november 2021 and winter clerkship in june 2022.
A clerkship at DLA Piper
DLA Piper were dedicated to making our clerkships an invaluable experience They placed us in one practice group for the duration of the clerkship (4 weeks) We clerked in the Corporate and Employment teams. You don’t need to have experience or knowledge about the area before the clerkship. Although daunting at first, exploring new areas is very rewarding – you just need to have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn The lawyers, at all levels, are happy to take the time to explain challenging concepts and direct us to useful resources
During our clerkships, we completed a range of diverse and extremely interesting tasks including legal drafting, substantive research and correspondence Highlights included sitting in on client meetings, working directly with the Partners on matters, getting to know our teams over the catered breakfasts each morning and attending the multitude of hosted events including the Christmas Party and Trivia Night!
The best part of our clerkship at DLA Piper was the firm’s investment in learning and development and the focus on its people You are included in everything and are given a significant amount of responsibility even as a clerk. DLA Piper holds Practice Group presentations where a leader explains the types of work they do This way, you can get a taste of what DLA Piper offers You are encouraged to separately catch up with lawyers from other practice areas that may be of interest you, even if you don’t get the opportunity to clerk there Another highlight of the clerkship was the level of comfortability we felt as clerks
The people at DLA Piper were incredibly generous with their time, made every effort to welcome us, and endeavored to get to know us on a personal level
The Grad Experience at DLA Piper
The transition from clerk to graduate was seamless. DLA Piper’s graduate program commences with a weeklong National Graduate Induction We were fortunate to fly to Sydney for this and partook in a number of team building activities and workshops The best part of the trip was meeting the graduates from the other Australian offices DLA Piper works collaboratively amongst offices, emphasising the importance of networking with your fellow colleagues.
More generally, the DLA Piper graduate program is an 18-month program which comprises of 3 x 6-month rotations across different practice groups We have completed/are currently completing rotations in Corporate, Competition & Regulatory, Real Estate and Intellectual Property & Technology Each rotation is very different, all providing new opportunities, clients and colleagues and challenges to navigate No two days are the same for a graduate/junior lawyer.
SOME KEY HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR INCLUDE:
• assisting with high profile litigations, including the penalty hearing against Fitbit LLC for making false, misleading or deceptive representations to consumers;
• advising and assisting on large cross border deals, including for a well-known Australian owned skin care company;
• attending a range of client events including a Women in Deals Networking Night;
• partaking in pro bono work, including volunteering at Fitzroy Legal Centre and the Know Your Rights program where we presented to groups of refugees and migrants on their legal rights;
• partaking in the DLA Piper fundraising trek in Tasmania to raise money for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and
• and of course, completing PLT and getting admitted!
If you want to undertake meaningful and exciting work in a global law firm, we encourage you to consider applying to DLA Piper
Good luck throughout the clerkship period and we hope to see you at DLA Piper
Pride
andProfitIncreases:An Pride andProfitIncreases:An Pride andProfitIncreases:An ExhaustedLesbian’sThoughts on ExhaustedLesbian’sThoughts on ExhaustedLesbian’sThoughts on RainbowWashing RainbowWashing RainbowWashing
It’s June – which means every business with an Instagram promo page has applied a rainbow filter and released some kind of ugly t-shirt, mug, or cap with a dated 2010s-esque phrase on it (think ‘Ooooh gurl she fierce’). It also means that at any moment you can find me falling down some TikTok rabbithole with a bunch of my fellow queers reviewing this year’s Pride collections and reminding me to not allow myself to myself to fall victim to ‘rainbow capitalism’.
I was ruminating on this when I was asked to do the inaugural QUT Law Society Law Revue ‘Pride Month’ post. I had downloaded some basic Pride flag background and began drafting some kind of generic ‘Happy Pride to members of the LGBT Community’ post for our story. As I was about to hit post, I realised the message didn’t sit right with me It felt insincere, hollow and, I realised, like any other corporate Pride post So, I deleted the whole thing, wrote a very cheesy heartfelt message and posted it on our actual Instagram page where it will remain forever (or until the younger, cooler gays turf me out of our social media pages next year). But the whole experience left me with a thought II did not want to see one more damn Pride campaign or Pride collection from a big corporation that clearly hadn’t let a queer person even serve coffee in the meetings where the campaign decisions were made This fact is obvious to me for two reasons – the campaigns are always SO UGLY; and companies will post about Pride Month without actually taking any action to address their internal homophobia.
Other than the ongoing oppression (and lack of good dating apps), the most unfortunate thing about
byGMcCosker
being queer is pretending to be thankful for the world’s ugliest Pride Merch You remember that feeling when your Great Aunt Marsha would give you the world’s ugliest paisley print shirt, picked up in the bargain bin from The Reject Shop for Christmas?
Yeah, it’s a lot like that. Except now I’m meant to spend my own money on it
Some brands thought they could sell us on it by trying to convince us that it was ‘camp’ or ironic But, realistically, they’ve clearly just given the intern a checklist that reads ‘rainbow’ and ‘says the word gay’. And poof, Amazon is suddenly sending every queer person targeted advertising for garish rainbow tiedyed t-shirts with block letters that say ‘Sounds Gay –I’m In!’.
If any queer person was consulted during this process, they would have been able to explain that ‘camp’ is not a synonym for ugly – but a very specific aesthetic rooted in early 2000s glitter maximalism (like Paris Hilton or a Bratz doll); or that gay icons like RuPaul and Ellen have been replaced by Chappell Roan and Hozier.
Despite the ugliness, queer people still feel pressured to spend their hard-earned money on these products for fear that we will stop appearing as a profitable demographic, causing companies to stop stocking Pride merch all together. I may be advocating for corporations to lose their merchandising privileges, but I also cannot ignore the role that Pride merch plays in how queer people build community. Pride merch is how we flag to other queer people that we exist, that we are a safe person to be around. Pride merch is how we make friends with people who share our experiences
So, we settle for merch that doesn’t accurately represent our community now, which feels ever so slightly embarrassing to wear, because it’s better than nothing.
If companies are going to charge (and let’s be honest, upcharge) queer people to deserve merchandise that we actually like! buy products that represent our identity – we
The only way this can occur is if companies start hiring queer people on their design teams. Queer people who can provide insight into the types of products that queer people want to buy. Until such point, corporations must be banned from creating another garish rainbow polyester suit or boxy tshirt with the words ‘slay all dayyyyy hunnyyyyyyy’ melting across the front
Everyone knows that at midnight, on 1 July, queer people turn back into pumpkins and accountants awaken from their 11-month slumber The companies have sold (or given away, or tipped into land fill) their hats, shirts and keep cups, and we’re left as the few people in the office with the merchandise on display year-round The fact remains that companies do not actively support their queer workers. They may have ‘inclusive policies’ but, realistically, these are just basic respect. Every top tier law firm will tell you that their policy of allowing people to be referred to by their preferred name and pronouns as though it’s groundbreaking – and not just something that any decent person would do
The mere existence of a policy does little to ensure staff are being held responsible to respect queer identities in private – not just on LinkedIn, or to get a free pastry at the firm Pride Month breakfast.It is not a new concept that companies benefit from publicly supporting the queer community without actively taking any steps to support it For example, every year Disney releases a Pride collection wherein they add a rainbow design to some of their iconic characters, despite having no queer relevance at all. Recently, they’ve their performative activism has evolved to include their first ‘openly queer’ characters. There’s press coverage and internet hype, only for the characters to appear onscreen for about 3.5 seconds and do
about as much for the LGBTQIA+ community as the single slice of toast is doing for my organs when I’m drunk at the Beat on a Saturday (which is to say, not much). Any queer scenes or characters are also conveniently and easily cut, so as not to prevent the release of their movie in hostile markets, thus protecting Disney’s profits. Other companies, such as Target (US), will publicly support their queer staff and make profits from their Pride collections – and make profits from their Pride collections – and then use said profits as donations to anti-LGBT politicians. Companies like this actively make money from their proximity to queerness but do nothing with the profits to support the community itself The inclusion of queer people in positions where they can advocate for the interest and representation of their own community could potentially stop this hypocrisy from occurring.
Queer people have only recently won the right to be open about their identity, and companies have capitalised on this fact since then The rainbowwashing of products to increase profits through an approximation of allyship is an ongoing issue – but I’m tired
I’m tired of giving money to companies that don’t care enough to ask a queer person about the type of Pride merch they’d like.I ’m tired of big business failing to actively address the intolerance in their own companies Until major corporations prove that they can be trusted to use their ‘Pride profits’ (and remember, that’s our money) to uplift queer communities, the creation of Pride merch should be left to the true experts – a small slogan tank top business run by a gay man and a lesbian operating out of their garage.
Editor’s addition: the 2023 Optus Pride Merch (below) (Translation - ‘It starts with yassssss’)
SARAH MACDONALD GRADUATE PROFILE
SARAH MACDONALD | SOLICITOR
My name is Sarah MacDonald and I was a Vacation Clerk over the 2021 – 2022 period. Whilst I was at university, I pursued various interests and work opportunities which were not related to the legal field. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, during the Vacation Clerkship application process, this experience counted just as much as my legal experience.
The
clerkship application process
My work experience prior to coming to HSF as a Vacation Clerk was varied. During my university years, I worked as a legal secretary, legal content editor, freelance writer, paralegal and communications adviser at a rideshare startup and Instagram food blogger Although these roles were very different, they all helped to develop different skills which would later come in handy as a lawyer – such as time management, organisation, client relationship management and clear communication.
During the Vacation Clerkship application process, I was surprised to find that my interviewers at HSF were genuinely interested in hearing about my non-legal experience Instead of setting me back, the different interests I had pursued set me apart During my first HSF interview, I chatted with a partner about my favourite recipes to cook for my food blog and the café where I had worked in Tasmania before moving to Sydney (the partner had visited the café on a recent trip, and we both agreed on the best breakfast dish it sold).
Part-time client secondment
Following the Vacation Clerkship, I came back to the firm as a Graduate in March 2023 Through the Graduate program at HSF, you will complete three six-month rotations in teams across the firm. During my second rotation in the Employment team, I completed a two-month part-time secondment with a client I spent two days at the client’s office each week, assisting their employment relations team During the secondment, I had the opportunity to appear on behalf of the client in a Fair Work Commission conciliation – something which I did not expect to ever do, and certainly not as a one-year lawyer!
Through my secondment, I have developed key practical skills and a greater understanding of what clients want from their legal service providers The benefit of taking on a part-time secondment is that you stay connected to your HSF team and continue to develop your practice group skills and HSF network.
I think that my various non-legal experiences prior to joining HSF as a Graduate helped me to enter a different workplace confidently and adjust to a new role quickly as a secondee Never discount your experience, whatever it may be – people come to HSF from all sorts of backgrounds and with all sorts of skills, interests and experience
Hi! I’m Alex Gehrke, a graduate at Hall & Wilcox in Brisbane
Graduating is intimidating, and the stress of trying to secure a grad job only adds to it. The searching, the applications, the interviews - it’s terrifying and exhausting and nerve-wracking During uni, I’d worked at some firms but felt I was still searching for a place that cared and allowed me to be myself While the market is exceptionally competitive right now (sorry to remind you), it’s so important to remember your values and the kind of environment you’ll thrive in and allow this to guide your applications Finding a firm where you feel like you belong will be the most beneficial for you and your career in the long run.
I know all you hear from firm representatives and HR people is ‘firm culture’ this and ‘vibe’ that - but I genuinely think it’s the most important thing to consider Most firms will tell you they have a great culture, and they probably do But you need to determine if they have a great culture for you I was told after one clerkship interview, I was too friendly and they would’ve preferred I spoke more formally That feedback told me that firm wasn’t the best fit for me When I read about Hall & Wilcox’s graduate program, I was impressed by how genuine the firm seemed Their guiding principles, called Hallmarks, resonated with me, particularly ‘stay true’. It told me Hall & Wilcox people are genuine, open and honest, aligning perfectly with what I was looking for in a grad job My interview affirmed this as I felt at ease throughout the whole recruitment process
Now I work here, I can happily say I made the right decision The culture is amazing - everyone is approachable and friendly, even the partners I feel completely supported in the awkward transition from uni life to grad life, and I know there’s space for me to ask for help with whatever I need. My first week included a trip to Melbourne to meet the national grad group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among us.
A grad’s tale: ‘big law’ clients and work with culture intact
Just because I’ve prioritised culture doesn’t mean I’ve sacrificed exposure to exceptional partners, clients and work. You get both in equal measure here. My first rotation has been in the General Insurance team, which I’m absolutely loving. The work is broad and varied. It involves acting for top national and international insurance companies, in matters where they’re trying to recover a sum of money from the person who caused an insurance claim to be made, or where they’re defending against another insurance company trying to recover money from them A lot of my work involves motor vehicle or property damage claims The team also does a range of indemnity, public liability, and professional liability work, which I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in.
I spend my days talking directly with clients and the people involved in the insurance claim, whether that’s the driver of a car that got T-boned at a red light, or the homeowner whose roof was ruined by the neighbour’s tree I have full carriage of some motor vehicle matters, so I’m given the opportunity to form my own opinion about a matter, advise our client on strategy and discuss the matter with the solicitor on the other sideall with direct supervision from experienced lawyers and partners I always had a feeling litigation was where it was at for me, and my experience in insurance has been the perfect way to cut my teeth in the world run by the UCPR!
In just two months with the team, I’ve already gained so much confidence in my advocacy skills and honed my ability to critically analyse complex information, crafting helpful advice for a client It’s fantastic to have the opportunity and trust from the firm to run these matters, and I feel I’ve been given the perfect balance of responsibility and support I believe experience in insurance is valuable for every fresh grad!
《当⽣命之旅偏离了预计的轨道》 《当⽣命之旅偏离了预计的轨道》
By Jennifer Zhang
我来Brisbane⼊读QUT的过程不可思议。
我来Brisbane⼊读QUT的过程不可思议。
底收到两所⼤学录取offer，坚定了⼊读QUT的选择，申请了转学分、
底收到两所⼤学录取offer，坚定了⼊读QUT的选择，申请了转学分、
好机票，委托朋友邮寄⾏李，确认新学校的 Confirmation of 好机票，委托朋友邮寄⾏李，确认新学校的 Confirmation of
Enrollment，⼊读新校，再到申请住宿。
Enrollment，⼊读新校，再到申请住宿。
就这样和原有的舒适圈告别了。仿佛乾坤⼤挪移⼀样，我在⼈⽣的航海旅途中趁着间 就这样和原有的舒适圈告别了。仿佛乾坤⼤挪移⼀样，我在⼈⽣的航海旅途中趁着间 隙迅速跳上了另⼀艘⼩船，于是我的⼈⽣驶向了偏离原本预计的轨道。
隙迅速跳上了另 艘⼩船，于是我的⼈⽣驶向了偏离原本预计的轨道。
刚来布⾥斯班的头 个⽉，我常常有 种很不真实感。
刚来布⾥斯班的头 个⽉，我常常有 种很不真实感。
如果当初没有做出⼊读QUT的决定，我今年的⽣活会和去年 模 样吗？如果没有来 如果当初没有做出⼊读QUT的决定，我今年的⽣活会和去年⼀模⼀样吗？如果没有来
到布⾥斯班，我还会遇⻅到这么多这么善良真实⼜可爱的朋友吗？如果没有加申我现 到布⾥斯班，我还会遇⻅到这么多这么善良真实⼜可爱的朋友吗？如果没有加申我现 在这个学校，那么现在的我，⼜会在哪⾥呢？ 在这个学校，那么现在的我，⼜会在哪⾥呢？
我在这⾥渐渐认识了越来越多的朋友们，和他们在 起都很开⼼。我像 棵⽣命⼒顽 我在这⾥渐渐认识了越来越多的朋友们，和他们在⼀起都很开⼼。我像⼀棵⽣命⼒顽 强的榕树树苗，在异乡安⽣落脚后，⽤⼒地向下扎根汲取养分，⼜⽤⼒地向上⽣⻓靠 强的榕树树苗，在异乡安⽣落脚后，⽤⼒地向下扎根汲取养分，⼜⽤⼒地向上⽣⻓靠 近太阳。 近太阳。
每每在布⾥斯班河畔眺望繁华街市熙熙攘攘的⼈群时，我都忍不住感慨：因为 个⼤ 每每在布⾥斯班河畔眺望繁华街市熙熙攘攘的⼈群时，我都忍不住感慨：因为 个⼤ 胆的决定， 个命运的拐点，让我和平⾏世界⾥本⽆交集的⼈们最终相遇。佛说前世 胆的决定，⼀个命运的拐点，让我和平⾏世界⾥本⽆交集的⼈们最终相遇。佛说前世 五百次的回眸，换得今⽣的⼀次擦肩⽽过。⽽这次 不知是我闯⼊了他们的⽣活， 五百次的回眸，换得今⽣的 次擦肩⽽过。⽽这次 不知是我闯⼊了他们的⽣活， 还是他们⾛进了我的世界。 还是他们⾛进了我的世界。
When the Journey of Life Deviates When the Journey of Life Deviates from
the Expected Track from the Expected Track
By Jennifer Zhang
process of coming to Brisbane to study at QUT incredible. process of coming to Brisbane to study at QUT incredible.
mission offers from two universities at the end of December last year, mission offers from two universities at the end of December last year, and I was determined to study at QUT. I applied for transfer credits and scholarships, and I was determined to study at QUT. I applied for transfer credits and scholarships, booked air tickets, asked friends to mail my luggage, confirmed the Confirmation of booked air tickets, asked friends to mail my luggage, confirmed the Confirmation of Enrollment of the new school, enrolled in the new school, and then applied for Enrollment of the new school, enrolled in the new school, and then applied for accommodation. accommodation.
Just like that, I said goodbye to my original comfort zone. As if the world had moved, Just like that, I said goodbye to my original comfort zone. As if the world had moved, I took advantage of the gap in the journey of life and quickly jumped on another boat, I took advantage of the gap in the journey of life and quickly jumped on another boat, so my life went off the track that was originally expected. so my life went off the track that was originally expected.
In the first month after I came to Brisbane, I often felt a sense of unreality.
In the first month after I came to Brisbane, I often felt a sense of unreality. If I hadn't made the decision to study at QUT, would my life this year be exactly the
If I hadn't made the decision to study at QUT, would my life this year be exactly the same as last year? If I hadn't come to Brisbane, would I have met so many such kind, same as last year? If I hadn't come to Brisbane, would I have met so many such kind, real and lovely friends? If I hadn't joined my current school, where would I be now? real and lovely friends? If I hadn't joined my current school, where would I be now?
I gradually met more and more friends here, and I am very happy to be with them. I I gradually met more and more friends here, and I am very happy to be with them. I am like a banyan tree sapling with tenacious vitality. After settling down in a foreign am like a banyan tree sapling with tenacious vitality. After settling down in a foreign land, I take root and absorb nutrients, and then grow upward to get closer to the sun. land, I take root and absorb nutrients, and then grow upward to get closer to the sun.
Whenever I look at the bustling crowds in the prosperous streets by the Brisbane Whenever I look at the bustling crowds in the prosperous streets by the Brisbane River, I can't help but sigh: because of a bold decision, a turning point in fate, I finally River, I can't help but sigh: because of a bold decision, a turning point in fate, I finally meet people who have no intersection in parallel worlds. Buddha said that looking meet people who have no intersection in parallel worlds. Buddha said that looking back five hundred times in the previous life, in exchange for a passing by in this life. back five hundred times in the previous life, in exchange for a passing by in this life. And this time - I don't know if I broke into their lives, or they walked into my world. And this time - I don't know if I broke into their lives, or they walked into my world.
Sem Spotlight Sem Spotlight
This Semester has been jam packed! See the events and clubs
This Semester has been jam packed! See the events and clubs we run as the QUT Law Society. But note... this is only a small we run as the QUT Law Society. But note... this is only a small ffew! ew!
Negotiation
Moot Club
Law Ball 2024
Women in Law Breakfast
Clerkship Symposium
We are redefining what a law firm can be. Working for some of the world’s most innovative organisations, our people go beyond the law. At KWM, you will have opportunities to learn new skills and master your craft - all while playing a leading role in helping the firm and those around you grow.
Culture of innovation, collaboration and high performance
Multiple career pathways where you can shape your future.
World-class training and coaching to unleash your full potential
High impact work for the world’s leading organisations
Relationships that last a lifetime.
WHAT DO WE OFFER? careers kwm com/en/graduates-australia kwm.com
D
M
E M O N S T R A T I N G A G L O B A L
I N D S E T A S A L A W S T U D E N T
IMPORTANCE OF A GLOBAL MINDSET
The increasing globalisation of the world’s economies has had a profound impact on business and, consequently, the legal industry Some manifestations of this include the thriving cross-border M&A sector and the expanding market control of international law firms. Naturally, as clients continue to exchange goods, technology and knowledge between countries and regions, they expect their lawyers to be able to support them with international knowhow, either directly or by leveraging the expertise of our global networks
For this reason, it is important for young lawyers to start equipping themselves with the tools which will allow them to thrive in an increasingly globalised legal landscape With all of this in mind, you may be wondering how you can stand out from the crowd and demonstrate a global mindset to interviewers and potential future colleagues
WAYS JUNIOR LAWYERS CAN DEMONSTRATE A GLOBAL MINDSET
One of the many advantages of attending a top ranked law school is the plethora of opportunities available to broaden your experience, from subjects with an international focus to extra-curricular activities and events
diverse perspectives on matters such as cross border transactions and the practice of law in an Asian jurisdiction As an excellent side benefit, these subjects typically involve travel to other countries (subject of course to COVID-19 restrictions)
If the international subjects are not to your liking, we suggest getting involved in the range of globally focused extra-curricular activities on offer, including: Global Law Students Association; Melbourne China Law Society; Melbourne Journal of International Law; Lawyers Without Borders; International Humanitarian Law Moot; and State Party Negotiation
Additionally, the university regularly holds free public lectures or forums which deal with international legal issues.
We stress that it is absolutely not necessary to attend every event and join every club with an international flair, although if you are genuinely interested and have the time, then more power to you! Instead, we recommend keeping an eye open for clubs and events that align with and can enhance your own particular interests, be it humanitarian, criminal or commercial law.
THINGS TO DO TO ENHANCE A GLOBAL MINDSET
Melbourne Law School currently offers three elective subjects that can provide you with the opportunity to meet with international lawyers at overseas institutional hubs These subjects give students invaluable access to experienced practitioners who are able to provide careers kwm com/en/graduates-australia kwm.com
In order to thrive as a globally-minded lawyer, it is imperative that we all recognise our own unconscious cultural biases
societal stereotypes, and cultural context can impact our decisions, actions and understanding of situations Understanding that the way you see the world is not necessarily a view that is shared by everyone is an important step toward becoming a globally-minded citizen, and a culturally-aware law student and lawyer. In order to assist with this, it is worthwhile consuming media from multiple sources and preferably, from multiple geographic regions across the world Regardless of your own personal views, it is important to understand all angles of a particular issue Therefore, reading widely and engaging with content from across the political spectrum forces you to think more deeply For instance, watching international news programs and following global media outlets on social media are good ways of broadening the news and views you are exposed to It is important to speak to people you would not normally speak to at your law school and beyond and embrace the opportunity to learn from them and have your views challenged
We challenge you to think big and think globally - about your degree, about your future career, and about your role as a global citizen.
Our background, personal experiences, Grayson Gay, Kat Armstrong and Ivor Wong are Solictors in the King & Wood Mallesons’ Melbourne office.
Start your journey with us.
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We take a tailored and contemporary approach to leading, developing and rewarding our lawyers to facilitate better outcomes for clients and team members alike.
Principals and lawyers have no billable hours target.
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Flat organisational structure with advancement based on merit, not time in seat.
Our consistently high level of deal activity demonstrates our ongoing recognition as one of Australia’s leading M&A firms.
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+ Tobin
Locke
Number of deals up to USD$500m (Refinitiv, 2023) Australia & NZ M&A Rankings
We will be running Clerkship Programs in November/December 2024, February 2025 and July 2025. We are also willing to provide some flexibility on dates for the right candidates.
Rather than lengthy PowerPoint presentations on IT or time recording, we give our clerks a true taste of working as a lawyer at Talbot Sayer –assisting with real work and meeting real clients from day one
Mentoring from market leading lawyers, face time with clients and exposure to challenging and engaging work.
Practice Areas
Our principals have extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, property, agribusiness, intellectual property, employment and disputes
Dedicated Training
Our principals are personally committed to the development of our team Along with our regular training modules, we undertake monthly reviews with all of our lawyers. This regular feedback loop has helped our young lawyers develop more quickly than those working with our national and international peers.
In addition to our extensive internal training, we financially support participation in relevant external courses and training in areas such as negotiation skills and project management.
Enriching Culture
Talbot Sayer has a dynamic, collaborative culture, where we reward positive outcomes for clients, not hours spent in the office. We promote a close-knit and inclusive team environment, where clerks and graduates aren’t lost in the crowd and work closely with our principals and senior lawyers
We work hard, but have a ready sense of humour and take the time to celebrate our successes at regular social and extra-curricular events.
We are seeking penultimate or final year students with outstanding academic results who are motivated to succeed. To apply, please forward your CV, academic transcript and covering letter to:
recruitment@talbotsayer.com.au
Clerkships By Friday 9 August 2024. Graduates We accept applications throughout the year with flexible start dates.
Brisbane
Sydney
Level 1, 175 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Level 22, 56 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
talbotsayer.com.au/careers
Life is this Car Ride
By Sera Al-Rekaby
“Life is not this car ride, life is not this car ride, life is not this car ride” I repeat to myself when I lost my breathe in the bathtub. I repeated it to myself when I lost control of the wheel at 16. I whispered it to myself at 17 when I drove again after I finally remembered life was not the tragic car ride at 16. I forget how my life is one car ride from state to state. I think I knew how to drive since I was 9, after hearing the indicator go off 427 times in the 17-hour drive from Sydney, the home I grew wings and learnt to fly in, to Brisbane, the home where I snapped those wings in that black and white dream where I tried to swim again in the neighbour’s pool. Now I am 19 with too many split ends and dreams with too much colour in them, gripping the wheel in a new state whispering… “Life really is this car ride”.
I wrote this poem when I was 19, I had experienced 6 car accidents in a span of 7 months when I was writing this. 3 of them were on the same road, and that is not even the funny thing really. Want to know what the funny thing is? I was not the driver in any one of those accidents. Hah! it’s almost like the universe is out to get me. Like I closely brushed death at 16 and now it
keeps trying to even out the score as if I owe it a life. But it isn’t the universe, I’m not special, who am I to think the universe is out there waiting and watching for me like I am some sort of chosen one.
It is you, me, and everyone else – I apologise to the universe for ever blaming it.
It is you, me, and everyone else who has yet to learn that life really is this car ride! I know driving begins to feel like a chore, a habit, like muscle memory – you turn the ignition, pretend to check your mirrors, indicate, and take off from point A to point B (and let’s be honest, you check your phone a few times too many than you’ll ever admit to yourself). The day you forget how powerful your vehicle is, the power you wield in being behind that wheel, how a single over steer or few km’s over is the difference between life and death for someone who trusted you meant it when you promised you’d follow the road rules at 17 when you took that test. Remember how that felt, taking that driving test at 17? How nervous you were? Do you remember how it felt to actively care and worry about how much power you were about to be granted after that day? Remind yourself of that feeling again you fool.
becauselifereally is this car ride,youfool
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