Edition two, twenty sixteen. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, King & Wood Mallesons, Minter Ellison, QUT PLT and Thomson Geer Lawyers for supporting the QUT Law Society and allowing us to produce this quarterly publication. Particular acknowledgment goes to the newly appointed publications group, especially Helen Driscoll, Kate Droney, Emily Ryan and Nina VVos. On behalf of Publications 2016 we hope you can continue enjoying the Torts Illustrated magazine for the final half of this year, and many editions to come.
CONTENTS Editor’s Welcome .......................................1 From your President .......................................3 What’s the exec up to? .......................................4 The Big Lift .......................................11 Stepping Outside of my Comfort Zone .......................................13 Bean around Brisbane .......................................15 Linkedin... I still don’t get it? .......................................17 Digital Degrees .......................................21 Humans of the Lawbry .......................................23 Power Posing .......................................25 Social .......................................19 Studying Over Summer .......................................27 7 Useful Tips When Studying .......................................29
Nikki Keijzer
VP of Media & Communications QUTLS 2016
It is with great pleasure that the publications team and I bring you the second Torts Illustrated magazine of the year. First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible hard work of the team around me. Namely, Kate Droney, Helen Driscoll, Emily Ryan and Nina Wos. These ladies are the queens that slave behind the scenes to bring you countless Facebook banners and brilliant articles for submission. You have each contributed substantially to the Torts Illustrated legacy and for that I am very thankful! You may recognise the words Torts Illustrated from the desktops of the lawbry’s infamous level 5, where students like yourself took any means to forget their imminent exams. Although unlike them, I hope you’re sipping on mulled wine and embracing the winter holidays. For those trading their snow jackets for suits whilst undertaking winter clerkships, congratulations! I am sure everyone can agree that the application process alone is worthy of a reward, so you should all be very proud! This year has been one thing after the next for the publications team … which ultimately adds to the unprecedented amount of Facebook invitations you have likely received from us. *Friends please persevere … it will all be over soon!
Along with the media and marketing duties, the publications team have been busy scooping out the finest coffee in town and debating the real purpose behind LinkedIn, all of which is imperative to creating this magazine. So on that note, I hope you enjoy the read and enjoy your winter break! I look forward to seeing you in the next semester. Nikki x
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Harriette Watson
QUTLS President 2016 With Semester 1 of 2016 now complete, our team is gearing back up again to prepare a full calendar of events for next semester. We have had a killer year so far with a string of successes and I really am proud of my team for everything they have pulled off so far. In the past 4 months we have run: our Meet The Profession networking event at Old Government House, the Women in Law Evening at Old Government House featuring an address from Chief Justice Holmes, the Senior Moot Final held in the Federal Court before Justice Logan, the Law Ball at Cloudland with 1200 people, the Soccer Grudge Match against UQ (which we won), the Clerkship Symposium event, Careers Without Clerkships panel event, Working in IHL panel event, the inaugural QUTLS v Professionals Cricket match, the Pub Crawl, and the end of Semester #letsgetrekt3.0 event, as well as 5 competitions with multiple rounds. I hope that through at least one of these initiatives we have been able to have a positive impact on your semester. We also kicked off the year with the strongest L Card sales QUTLS has seen. This joint venture between QUT, UQ, Griffith and several other Queensland Law Societies makes student’s party times more affordable, and – thanks to the work of the Events Portfolio and a pool of volunteers – we can make our social events bigger and better. There have been some slight changes in our committee, and I am delighted to welcome our new Vice President, Stuart Williamson to the team, as he steps up from his Sports Officer role to fills Rosie Kirby’s place.
On June 27 this year, Stuart and I were proud to accept the 2016 QUT Volunteer of the Year (Group) award on behalf of the QUT Law Society. This award is a reflection of the cumulative work of the past few years of committees and it is awesome to have this hard work recognised within the school community. If the QUT Law Society is something that you are interested in being involved with for next year, we will be holding our elections in September. All details on how to apply will be posted on our Facebook page and via our weekly emails, which will be hard to miss. I cannot recommend the experience enough to expand your student and professional network and also have a great time and meet new friends. I congratulate the Publications Portfolio on producing yet another strong publication and hope you enjoy reading. Happy Holidays! Harriette
As one semester comes to a close and another is not far away, we thought to let you in on what your Law Society executive has been up to...
Stewart Williamson
QUTLS Vice President 2016 Semester 1 has seen a changing of the guard. Rose Kirby stood down as Vice President and I was fortunate to be elected to replace her. Since then I have been working alongside QUTLS President, Harriette Watson. Harriettes’ experience has not only offered a great insight into the operations of the Law Society, but she has been incredibly encouraging in my newly appointed role. As I enjoy the mid semester break, I look back and think how proud I am of the society. We achieved many firsts for the year. Semester 1 saw the largest ever attendance of QUT Law Ball, the relationship between law students and the society continue to improve, and student participation in co-curricular activities have nearly doubled.
Looking forward, semester 2 holds another exciting chapter for the Law School. The Law Dinner and Indigenous Reconciliation Breakfast are just some events to name. As Vice President, I would encourage all students to participate in as many events as possible. On behalf of the QUT Law Society, I would like to thank you for allowing us to represent you. We hope you have a safe break and we look forward to representing you in semester 2.
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Radhia Aku QUTLS Treasurer 2016 Dear Friends, Congratulations we’ve made it halfway through another year! With the finish line in sight, I urge you to stay open-minded and positive, and make your very best efforts over the next semester. I also hope that you will take the time to acknowledge and celebrate everything you have accomplished so far. Last semester I had the honour of working alongside a number of students in the QUT Law Society to ensure a smooth sailing of transactions and finances. Among the many events hosted by the QUT Law Society, we’ve had great success in financing one of our biggest events, the QUT Law Ball. I sure hope each and every one of you enjoyed the ‘sweet escape’ from university lectures and tutorials and danced the night away! Next semester I hope to continue my role in maintaining responsible management of the QUT Law Society’s financial records. Over the next 6 months I aim to continue reducing taxes (through the mutuality principle), with a view to increasing our disposable income. What this ultimately means is bigger and better things ahead! I wish all the very best for the second half of the year!
Sarah Nguyen QUTLS Secretary 2016 Hi! I’m Sarah Nguyen and I am the QUT Law Society’s secretary for 2016. I’m currently studying a double degree in Business, majoring in economics, and Law. So far this year, my role as secretary has involved delving into the nitty gritty behind the works of the society itself. While semester one was relatively calm, semester two will involve the next Annual General Meeting as well as the elections for the 2017 QUT Law Society positions. This means I will need to closely monitor everything from compliance with the society’s constitution and by-laws. The election will involve the registration of new members (those who wish to be candidates, and those who wish to vote). Of course, I will still continue to coordinate the weekly newsletters so keep your eyes peeled for that! So far this year, the best part of my role has been the ability to dabble in other portfolios and lend a helping hand. I can’t wait for you all to see what the society has in store for next semester!
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Bianca Parmar QUTLS Vice President for Education 2016 Semester 1 was a busy one for the Education portfolio, with lots of events throughout the semester. Our careers events; ‘Careers without Clerkships’, and the ‘International Humanitarian Law event’ were great successes. There were amazing speakers that imparted their wisdom to students about their own career paths and current topical issues in law at the moment.
Ethan Neil QUTLS Vice President of Mooting 2016
In addition, the first year lunch and external school lunch were held for law students during the semester. There were heaps of pizzas, chocolate, lollies and slushies! The first year lunch was also a platform for the Education team to encourage first year law students to join the Mentor Program. The mentor program has been a huge success this semester, with record-breaking student participation. Semester 2 holds many exciting events as well. The beginning of the semester is the ‘Indigenous Reconciliation Breakfast’ for law students. This is a great event, so I encourage as many of you to attend as possible! There will be some really interesting speakers on the day, and a chance to learn and appreciate the Indigenous culture. Other events include the ‘Judge’s Associate Workshop’ and a ‘Social Justice’ evening. A ‘Higher Research Degree’ (HRD) evening is also planned for next semester, for those interested in furthering their studies after graduating. I look forward to seeing you all throughout the semester and I hope you enjoy the break!
This semester has been one of development for the QUTLS Moot Club. Through running workshops and information nights, we have learned more about what holds students back from really taking advantage of the mooting opportunities QUT provides. From a lack of confidence to a busy schedule, there are many obstacles which dissuade students from participating. With these lessons in mind, we aim to further refine the support available to aspiring mooters – equipping them with the tools they need to overcome those obstacles. In second semester the workshops will be more frequent and more interactive, so keep an eye on the Moot Club’s Facebook page for details. The Moot Club has also played a role in assembling teams to represent QUT at the 2016 ALSA Conference. This year QUT will be competing in the Negotiation Competition, the Championship Moot, and the International Humanitarian Law Moot. We wish our competitors the best of luck!
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pions who fought it out at Minter Ellison’s offices against Holly Vaughan and Chris Coates. The solicitors who judge both the preliminary and final rounds were very impressed with the high level of skills displayed by all competitors. We wrapped up the semester with the QUT Practical Legal Training Witness Examination Competition. The final was judged by Dan O’Gorman SC, Chris O’Brien and Mark Thomas. All judges were impressed with the quality of the competitors. Congratulations to the winner Sian Retchless, runner up Nicola Atkinson and all that competed.
Shona Fitzgerald QUTLS Vice President of Competitions 2016 Competitions have been off to a great start this year with lots of winners and lots of fun had. Winners are grinners. We had great feedback from all our competitions judges this semester but unfortunately there can be just a few winners. Congratulations to Laura Falkner and Alesha Bannet who took out this year’s Ashurst First Year Moot. Congratulations also to the runners up Caitlin Littleton and Laura Riddel and all the teams that competed. The judges throughout the competition were very impressed with your skills! I’d also like to congratulate Ethan Hyde and Nina Wos who won this year’s King & Wood Mallesons Senior Moot held at the Federal Court of Australia. Justice Logan RFD, Jonathan Horton QC and Shane Ogden on the final bench were all impressed with the quality of the final. The final was a close call and the runners up Ryan Sheldrake and Natalie McIntosh should be very proud of their performance. Great work was seen from everyone involved! The Minter Ellison Client Interview Competition has also wrapped up for the year. Congratulations to the external champion Michael Wells and runner up Deanna Harris. We love having involvement in competitions from our external students! Congratulations also to Denise Burloff and Austin Hoo our internal cham-
In between the semesters we will have the Herbert Smith Freehils Paper Presentation Competition and in semester 2 we will be running QUT Law Society Junior Moot, Corrs Chambers Westgarth Negotiation Competition, Clayton Utz Commercial Arbitration Competition and Ashurst Constitutional Law Moot. Keep your eye out on Facebook and the QUTLS Secretary email updates for information on how to enter. Make sure to come along to all the finals to get some really valuable tips and tricks from the grand final judges. Our sponsors always have staff on hand to talk to you about the #lawlyf so grand finals are also a great networking opportunity. Make sure to come along! For all that has been – thanks. I’d like to thank our sponsors for the first semester – Ashurst, King Wood Mallesons, Minter Ellison and QUT Practical Legal Training. Thank you also the many barristers and solicitors who volunteer their time for each competition, we really appreciate the knowledge that you share with our students! I’d also like to thank our volunteers – without you our competitors don’t know how long they’ve been speaking for, don’t have witnesses and don’t have clients. I’m very grateful for all the time you put in to helping the Competitions Team. Finally I’d like to thank my Competitions Officers Eva Sheppard and Yanery Ventura-Rodriguez. I am the luckiest Vice President of Competitions in the entire world to have these girls. They work so hard and should be very proud of all they’ve achieved this semester!
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Liz Singleton Vice President of Sport and Health Hello fellow law students! I am currently studying law (obviously) and business majoring in marketing. Outside of uni I enjoy eating good food, drinking delicious drinks and spending time with my fabulous friends. I ran for election in the law society because I know how difficult being a law student is, and hope to restore a sometimes hard to find sense of community among us.
Claudia Choi QUTLS Vice President of Events 2016
This year in sport and health there are exciting things happening. Social sports is back to provide a much needed run around for willing participants, as well as to hone our sporting prowess for our face off with our (inferior) counterparts at other universities. The soccer and rugby grudge match between us and UQ will be bigger than ever this year, and the law cup will see us face off against other universities as well as the profession and judges associates. Health wise, mental health is a big focus for us this year. The stress of clerkships, grad jobs and finding a general direction in life is very overwhelming for almost everyone; QUTLS will be here to remind you that it really isn’t the end of the world with goodie bags, wellness week, petting zoos, free snacks and other exam week treats.
Semester 1 may be over, but Semester 2 will still be filled with events that will blow your mind. Our upcoming Battle of the Bands with UQ Law Society is now extending to Griffith University Law Society. If you are musically gifted, then please be on the lookout for more information coming out regarding getting involved. Our annual Law Dinner will be on the 17th September. This night will include a special guest speaker, a three-course meal and a beverage package for all to enjoy. Make sure you grab a ticket with they are released! Since auditions for the QUTLS Law Revue, the team has been working hard to ensure an amazing night of entertainment. Clear out your calendar for either the 8th or 9th September and grab a ticket when they are released!
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Fellow law students! I am sure you have heard every joke under the sun about how similar you are to sharks, catfish, or a cold winter’s morning. Well this is a public service announcement. Break that mould and come and engage in something big.
Local Initiatives
Jonathon Worthington, QUT Law student The Big Lift bus provides you with an opportunity to act and feel like a human again, by engaging in needs-based volunteer activities in regional and remote Queensland. Big Lift is run by students, for students. The students organise multi-day bus trips to towns that need a little lift. This may come in the form of painting a community building, gardening at the retirement village, cleaning out a shed for the Bowls club, or helping somebody build a fence. You can help by taking a load off somebody’s mind for a day, or perhaps that was a job that would take them a month. The important thing is that you are there, showing you care. Listen to the stories and immerse yourself in a new community that may have different ideals, different beliefs and a different way of life to your own. The bus has racked up a few kilometres over the years. Stopping in at towns like Murgon,
Cherbourg, Dalby, Chinchilla, Theodore and Eidsvold. All of them have a different story to tell, from the impacts of coal seam gas, to the devastation and heartbreak of the “Protection” policies, and right through to the challenges facing high school teachers and principals. Jump on board the bus to become more informed about the country you live in. On that note, I would like to share a story from the 2015 end-of-year trip: Time slows in regional Queensland. Phones flash one bar or no bars. That doesn’t mean communication travels slow. The grapevine out here is much faster than the NBN will ever be.
The Big Lift bus pulls up to a broken down PCYC sports hall. A barbed wire fence surrounds the building. The windows are barred. Graffiti covers the walls. A bus of QUT students alone in the heart of Cherbourg. Ten minutes later a Holden ute pulls up
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beside the bus. The PCYC contact. Excellent, we are in the right place. His ute has a BBQ in the back along with sausages, bread and sauce. “Come inside and grab some cricket gear guys. Head on down to the field and start having a game,” the PCYC contact says after quick introductions. “But there is nobody here to play with,” a Lifter notices. Nevertheless, thirty Big Lifters carried the gear down onto the oval. The sun was getting low. Another hour before dark. Each of us had a turn at bat and for thirty minutes we were still alone, but then out of the woodwork they came. First there were forty kids, then there were sixty. Sixty Indigenous kids had come to play. Utter mayhem is probably the best way to describe what followed. Everybody wanted a bat and everybody wanted to bowl, but somehow we made it
work. We moved inside the PCYC sports hall as the sun dipped below. Cricket turned to basketball. Basketball turned to Red Rover. After a few rounds of Red Rover there were multiple Big Lifters panting on the floor. The smell of dinner wafted through the hall. While some of us were playing, other Lifters had prepared at least 150 sausages for the kids. The games continued through to 10pm when the PCYC Contact called it quits. We packed up the sports equipment and BBQ as the kids walked back home. A successful Cherbourg After Dark, with a little help from Big Lift.
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Stepping outside my comfort zone Working at QPILCH and facilitating access
Experience
Emily Ryan, Publications Officer 2016 This year I was offered the chance to take up a position as a secondee paralegal in the referrals team at Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH). It has been a steep learning curve, but undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and beneficial experiences of my law career so far. When the role came up, I was embarrassed that I had never heard of QPILCH. However I quickly learned that it is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based legal organization coordinating the provision of pro bono legal services for individuals and community groups in Queensland. It is a partnership of law firms, barristers, the Community Legal Centres Queensland, the Queensland Law Society, the Queensland Bar Association, Legal Aid Queensland, university law schools, accountancy firms and government and corporate legal units. QPILCH comprises a number of different divisions such as the Mental Health or Homeless Persons Clinics, but I work in Public Interest Referrals.
We deal with applications that involve a public interest component. Think not-forprofit organisations, cases that have the potential to set precedent and people from vulnerable groups in society whose issue resolution would likely benefit someone in a similar position. Our service works to connect vulnerable people with legal professionals who are best placed to assist them on a pro bono basis. Not every matter that we refer gets taken up, but more often than not, the people who most need help get it. This role was unlike anything I had done in a paralegal capacity before. Right from the start, I had ownership of files and autonomy in how I dealt with them. I can work on a file from the initial case assessment through to compiling the brief if it is successfully referred. I have phone conversations with clients and draft correspondence throughout the whole process, becoming intimately aware of the facts of a particular case. In addition to the autonomy, every day brings a different area of law.
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My research skills have really been put to the test, particularly when I encounter a legal principal that I may not have studied. I need to go through a methodical research process to familiarise myself with the legal issue, then I need to be able to clearly outline the relevant elements, apply to the facts and conclude as to whether there is legal merit – just as I would in an exam. It really is a ‘light bulb’ moment when I understand how something works and can see how it applies to a problem in reality. It is often incredibly challenging, but is also the most rewarding work I have ever done.
restores their faith in it, has really cemented my passion to work as a lawyer. QPILCH takes volunteers through university clinics but they also often have work available for PLT students. If its something that you think you may be interested in, I would sincerely encourage you to apply. Step outside your comfort zone and apply your legal skills in a way that can make a really significant difference to somebody’s life, and their ability to access justice.
In my experience, it is easy to get caught up in the practice of studying law and forget about the fact that ‘scenarios’ are eventually going to be the lives of real people. Working at QPILCH has definitely been a big reality check. Misreading a case or misapplying a test can be a critical error. Although we are assessing the merit rather than representing the client, if we refer a matter to a firm and/or a barrister and it turns out not to have good prospects, we run the risk of putting everyone involved through unnecessary stress. I need to ensure that I am constantly aware of the fact that I am dealing with a real issue that will affect a real person. When a matter is successfully referred and we are later informed that the firm and/or barrister were able to achieve a positive outcome for the client, it is an incredible feeling. Having a role that ultimately helps vulnerable people to access the legal system in a way that
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QUT Law’s biggest coffee snob is on the hunt again after last years stream of thorough investigations in Torts Illustrated, this time sussing out the newest shiny haunts in the CBD...
Around town
Helen Driscoll, Publications Officer 2016 We all love the Pantry, Bean, Bonsai Botanika and all other fun and nifty places we source our freshly ground caffeine from when attempting to stay afloat under myriads of statute. Why not do something a little different, and unusual, TOTALLY out of order to the point of being UNREASONABLE and RECKLESS (oh so uncomfortable in our world of black and white print and long blacks), and check out the new kids on the block. 1. Botero 258 Adelaide Street The famous boutique coffee roastery from down south recently opened up shop in our immediate vicinity – yas (y). Entering this snazzy little establishment is a joy. One immediately feels super suave and adult in this tiny gem with its rich wood and brick interior, a perfect balance between the mod and tactful faux age. It was clear my pre-packed tuna tins were not appropriate to consume while I caffeinned. My almond milk flat white was frothed to perfection, and my chosen ‘Marco Vianei’ blend did not disappoint. Aesthetics were strong, particularly those custom designed porcelain cups with such prettyful patterning. 10/10 fo sure. 2. Naked Coffee - Post Office Square Food court This one technically isn’t new, however it is new to the Square! Previously located on Elizabeth Street, Naked Coffee is actually super fabulous. Despite its pint- sized diameter, it is quaint, quiet
and cosy, with an excellent bench for spreading out said myriads of statute ^ complete with powerpoints. The lovely barista was so concerned about perfecting my almond milk latte that it actually too far too long to come out, so much so, my companion had theirs changed to takeaway to depart back to his important grad job things. Can confirm the resulting cawfee was strong, although a tad cold. Did not matter however because full advantage of bench space and powerpoints were taken. 7/10. 3. Nodo Donuts 300 Elizabeth Street Donut and cawfee runs will never been the same again. My levels of ecstasy when Pressed Juices joined with Nodo to create heaven on Liz street is indescribable. No longer is a journey via the west end glider to Teneriffe needed to get my gluten free donut fix. Baked and not fried, these bad boys are as delicious as they are aesthetic. There are also raw donuts available – raptures be praised! Oh yes, the coffee- was almost lost in a fantasy of rounded baked goodness - of a very high quality. There is passion in every pour, and a nurturing delicacy to the art perfecting said milks. My almond milk latte although not my favourite, was incredibly pleasing to my fussy palate. 9/10. Have any suggestions for the next adventure or want to accompany on the next investigation? Let us know! We all love a good cawfee date.
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LinkedIn.... I still don’t get it. The publication bae’s weigh in on what they think is proper protocol for the mind boggling platform of LinkedIn
Opinion
The Publication Baes 1. Who should you accept? Helen: It pops up with yet another request from a random who seems all powerful with stellar credentials and 500 + connections, who you don’t know. Do you accept? Linkedin always says you should only accept people who you know ...but to be honest no one seems to follow that rule. I think, if you see there is a decent number of mutual connections you DO know, then it should be all sweet! Obviously ‘Ankur Sharma’ from ‘Noble Persons Communications’ based in Sri Lanka is an ignore. Kate: Because I’m reasonably introverted and a networking retard, combined with my lack of social media prowess, I won’t add anyone unless I would talk to them in the street. (Except Ankur Sharma, I totally added him) Which narrows it down a bit. Also I won’t accept anyone who looks like a paedophile. Obviously. Nikki: Ugh, this is the question I constantly ask myself. There seems to be some hidden agenda among most linked in users to build their connection as far and wide as possible, just for the popular image.
And despite my resentment toward that, it can’t hurt having extra connections… Ultimately this is a professional page and its not as though you’re revealing private information (and if you are you probably shouldn’t be).
2. Who should you add? Kate: No-one. Play hard to get and wait for them to add you. I mean, the semiprofessional cropped photo will really attract professionals. Emily: Thinking about LinkedIn like your resume is a good way to approach who to connect with. There isn’t much point adding old managers from when you worked at McDonald’s - we’ve all been there - because that isn’t putting forward an image of an upand-coming legal professional. Connecting with your volunteering supervisors and the best tutors from uni? Big tick. Nina: I go by a rules of interest and relevance; are you someone with whom I’m (even remotely) able to form a business relationship? Do we have close mutual connections?
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Are you someone who has my dream job? Are you stalk-worthy? I’m a law student first and foremost, and that’s where my career aspirations lie. But if Greg Whiteman the taste-tester from Cadbury has noticed that I visit his profile bi-weekly for life inspiration, and he decides to add me so we can be LinkedIn buddies and watch each other’s professional lives from afar, I will definitely accept his request. Maybe I’m his Ankur Sharma...
3. How should you make your profile? Helen: Make sure your profile picture is professional. Sounds standard but so many people have social photos with awkward crops glaringly obvious. If you do use a social picture, make the crop clean and you yourself looking sophisticated. No, not sophisticated with a glass of wine. Regularly share and like articles, and give a thumbs up to updates of connections. This will appear in the newsfeed, and those professionals you connected with can see you are active on the network and not just a stagnant token profile. Emily: Ensure that everything you include on your profile adds value and describes the unique skills that you have to offer. LinkedIn should be an extension of your resume. Everybody can use Microsoft Word and Outlook so adding them as ‘Skills’ isn’t going to do anything for you if anything, people may question the fact that you think them special skills worth mentioning! As part of this, don’t let your friends go through and ‘Endorse’ all of your skills - it’s glaringly obvious and not doing anything for you. Remember, LinkedIn
isn’t Facebook. Don’t overshare, watch your spelling and grammar and be concise!
4. Should you message potential employers/colleagues on LinkedIn? Emily: To be honest, I wouldn’t do it as a first point of contact. If you’re trying to make a good impression, using LinkedIn to gather background information going into an interview is a good way to go. If you imagine it from your own perspective, having people you don’t know message you privately over a social media platform isn’t going to sit well. Wait until you make contact in person before touching base - and only do it if you have something relevant/useful/interesting to say. Nikki: I’m going to take the different approach here because I know first hand LinkedIn can be a very successful for building connections and networks that lead to long-term employment. Nina: I primarily consider LinkedIn a way to build a brand awareness; you are the brand. I won’t say I would never message a potential employer on LinkedIn, but I find it difficult to believe employers are sitting at their computers, waiting for fresh connections wanting jobs to message them. If I had to paint all employers with a broad brush, I would say they come from a generation where personal contact and physical presence is more respected than an instant message on a social, albeit professional, platform. Kate: Definitely not.
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Social Spotted! Stay up to date on all the latest events by QUTLS with our social shots!
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Moving to a primarily digital degree- are we getting our money’s worth?
Tu che’
Emily Ryan, Publications Officer 2016
There have been a lot of conversations happening lately about how university is changing. Gone are the days of attending lectures with notepad in hand and frantically taking down notes, as the lecturer speaks from the podium sans PowerPoint slides. In many cases, podcasts are now the norm in lieu of lectures. Whether in a single hit or broken down into 10-minute, bite-sized morsels, they are undoubtedly easier to digest than a two-hour informationintensive marathon where attention spans are likely to waiver. In recent times, tutorial recordings have also been provided to the delight of those with inflexible work arrangements. Attendance isn’t graded and you have the luxury of ‘pause’ to ensure your answer structures are wordperfect. In addition to this, virtual-reality scenarios following the exploits of ‘Jess Astrid’ are often available to supplement your knowledge and test your understanding in “real-world” scenarios.
There is no question that these developments are welcome advances. Speaking with students around campus, the issue that seems to be arising is that these advances are often being implemented without any option for a face-to-face alternative. Largely, it would seem the only notable difference between an internal and external student is whether you study in the library on campus, or at home. Universities are obviously recognizing that times are changing however, and ‘feet’ speak for themselves at lectures and tutorials that offer recorded alternatives. It is fair to say that presenting to a theatre with a handful of people in attendance would feel like a less-than-optimal use of time. However, it could be argued that the people who do attend are taking away benefit. A solution could be that the recorded podcast is created with an option for attendance. It should also be noted that this lesser ‘face-time’ is not across the board.
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Some progressive law academics are engaging with students across the full spectrum of social media platforms, including getting their faces out there in Snapchat updates. Although this may not be the way to deliver substantive content, it is definitely a fresh approach to highlighting ‘live issues’ and directing attention to relevant current events.
This is just a Commonwealth-Supported place. University is a significant investment and so people want to feel like they are getting value for their money. This issue has probably heightened in recent times, due to the current job market and lack of guarantee that having a tertiary education will earn you a higher-paid position.
Ultimately, for a lot of people, this shift to digital delivery has made it easier to manage multiple commitments – you can work full-time and study full-time, internally, without worrying about missing content.
Despite this, the discussion shouldn’t be focused on university students feeling sorry for themselves – everyone can appreciate that they are being provided an exceptional service and are walking away with an internationally-recognised qualification. The access to online content is overwhelmingly supported, and rightly so, so perhaps the reality is that students must just learn to adapt.
To achieve this within older structures, internal students would often register as external purely to access the content. Perhaps the main question that keeps arising is if content is coming to us via digital means, why isn’t the cost of the degree changing to reflect this? It would seem that generally, any other industry that has been disrupted by technology has lead to a reduction in price for the service. Every university student generally pays $1250 per subject per semester and on top of that, a Student Services and Amenities fee of $125 and around $400 on average for textbooks.
Regardless of where you stand, this needs to be an ongoing conversation with QUT and other universities throughout Australia. Talk to the Law Society and get your opinion out there - are we getting more or less for our money? Are you still actually going in to uni? Do you need to? Do you want to?
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With her camera in hand Helen heads to the Law Library to see what your fellow comrades are up to...
Humans of the Lawbry
Helen Driscoll, QUTLS Publications Officer 2016
As we approach a new semester and the end of the holiday season is looming on the horizon, there is no better time to find some top quality lawbry dwelling humans… don’t be shy, tell me your story or tell me something sarcastically witty while I invade your personal space with my giant amateur camera lenses. Callum Albury [Fourth Year Law and Psychology] “Currently, in my fourth year of a five and a half year degree and still smiling on a Monday in the Law Lib. Hang in there kiddies – it will all be over soon” James Pratt [Penultimate Law] Bonnie Hunter [Final year Law] “Praying to the lawd for a clerkship”
Charlotte Dougall [Penultimate Law] Ashleigh Pane [Fifth year Law and Business] Charlotte: After learning I only have one exam this semester I am sitting here contemplating my next overseas trip. It’s likely to be the USA but I recently visited China on a study tour to look at environmental law reform impacts on their water pollution.” Ashleigh: “Studying law gave me a vitamin D deficiency” Johnathon Waddington [Fourth Year Law and Justice] Remember to stay human. Too many law students forget their humanity. You are dealing with people, so don’t forget to smile, and still be a person!
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Fake it until you become it, not make it - The power of ‘Power Posing’.
Feature
Helen Driscoll, QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 DID you know holding a certain position or ‘Power Pose’ can summon extra surges of confidence, comfort and a positive state of mind whenever and where ever you need it? We’ve all heard the saying “fake it until you make it”, and we all know that body language affects how others see us, but we often forget about the third audience in the equation, that is, ourselves. Now we have actual science and a method to create the ‘it’. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s fascinating Ted Talk presentation on ‘power posing’ has over 25 million views and is increasing subjective feelings of power all over the world. Assuming a position of confidence, even if we don’t feel it, has been shown to impact our testosterone and cortisol levels and can actually contribute to our chances of success. What is a ‘power pose’? In the animal kingdom, dominance and power is demonstrated by expanding and taking up space. Humans tend to do a similar thing, we either feel powerful in the moment or we feel it chronically. We frequently compliment the non-verbal cues of the other person. When someone is being ‘powerful’, we automatically do the opposite and make ourselves smaller. A good example are ‘alpha characters’ or big personalities in a class situation, stretching themselves out and being very vocal, compared to those who’ll move towards the corners of
the room and minimally participate in class discussion. You might identify some of these individuals from your high school days and maybe even have noticed it in a few tutorials! We are significantly influenced by our own body language, and can take on the non-verbal expression we are giving out onto ourselves which can have a dramatic impact internally as to the way we view ourselves. The most typical pose is one with your hands on your hips, and legs spread wide, a little more than hip’s width. Ms Cuddy conducted studies with participants holding this pose for two minutes each morning where they felt comfortable. Try it – do you feel more assertive, comfortable and accomplished? It was found standing like this can alter your mindset for the entire day. Powerful people are more confident, more likely to participate and more likely to go after what they want. Power is about you react to stress. A stressed powerful person suddenly doesn’t feel or seem so powerful anymore; this is because of the spike in cortisol levels.
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When the participants were subjected to uncomfortable situations such as a blind job interview which they were unaware they were being observed for, those employing ‘power posing’ techniques in the office bathroom before hand felt less stressed and performed better.
Where can I apply ‘power posing’? Applying a ‘power pose’ in evaluative situations such as presentations, speaking to your supervisor about extra work days and job interviews can lower your stress hormones and help exude that radiant inner confidence! If you fake confidence – can you experience a Obviously overt expansion of your body in a job behavioral outcome that actually changes the faking it interview is not appropriate; neither is acting like best actually ‘it’? “I don’t want to feel like a fraud, this is not friends with the interviewer across from you. People me” often assume powerless positions in this situation. Amy Cuddy was born intellectually gifted with What you want to do is sit up straight, look confident incredible ability. but most important feel it. This is how she identified herself. When she was 19, a The studies show job interview applicants are mostly serious car accident resulted in a dramatic drop in her taken on BY THEIR PRESENCE. IQ. She was withdrawn from college and repeatedly told The interviewer is subconsciously not necessarily she would never finish. focusing on your qualifications and experience, but “When what is your identity is taken from you, there is your passion, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Assuming nothing that makes you feel more powerless”. an appropriate degree of confidence and rethinking of that power pose in your head will help you. Amy re-enrolled and finished, taking four years longer “You are bringing your ideas to the interview as to complete it than her peers. Her determination made YOURSELF, which mediates the effect,” says Amy. her successfully convince an interviewer to accept her to Princeton. Class participation and presentations CHALLENGE YOURSELF were vital in this particular course. Try assuming a ‘power pose’ this every morning, “I thought, oh my god, I am a fraud, I shouldn’t be here, perhaps when you’re in the kitchen alone, in the I’ll be found out.” The night before she was due to give bathroom brushing your teeth, stand in the mirror and a presentation in the early weeks of her studies, Amy look at yourself in this position. called her previous interviewer and informed her she No one has to know! Don’t worry about feeling silly. will be quitting. “She said to me, ‘no you will not be, I Before going into the next evaluative situation, put took a gamble on you and now you’re going to do it. your hands on your hips, spread your legs wide. This You are going to accept every speech, task, opportunity can be behind closed doors, a wall, or in the office for comment and do it – and you’re going to fake it, fake bathroom. Hold it, and feel this non-verbal position that you know, fake that your feel confident.” send the power vibes to your brain. Magic! Don’t leave Amy did the presentation. She then did many more the situation feeling “ I didn’t get to show who I really presentations and accepted every opportunity again am.” and again “until then I reached that point when I thought, wow, I’m actually doing it, I’m not faking it, I’m doing!” The next step was Harvard. “In one of my classes, a girl turned to me and said ‘I’m not supposed to be here’.” Amy thought two things; “I realised I didn’t feel like that anymore, and second, of course she was supposed to be there! I told her the same thing, to fake it.” The next day, the girl gave the best class comment resulting in heads around the class all in tune to her direction. Amy realised then that you can fake it and become it, not until you make it.
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Studying over summer: is it worth giving up guiltless pleasure and relaxation?
Uni life
Emily Ryan, QUTLS Publications Officer 2016 Studying over summer is a decision that should be made with sincere consideration. There are pros and cons that weigh on both sides and it’s important that that these factors are balanced against other personal circumstances. First and foremost, the subjects are more expensive. You cannot defer your tuition fees to HECS-HELP and so must either pay them upfront or apply for a Commonwealth loan via FEE-HELP. Deferring the fee in this way will also cost you a 25% surcharge on the price. For this greater fee, depending on the course undertaken, you will have significantly less academic support given that tutorials are often undertaken in intensive blocks. This block may occur at the beginning of the summer and then there will be no further contact until the exam takes place in February.
Some subjects are available as intensive courses taking place either before or after Christmas and others are extended to cover the entire summer. This makes a significant difference and is something you should think about before signing up. People regularly discuss previous summer offerings on the various law-student pages on Facebook so this is definitely a good place to start for the purpose of general opinion research. Also worth considering in subject selection is the complexity of ideas to be covered, the kind of legal application – whether conceptual or problem-based – and the sheer volume of content. Core requisite subjects and those within the Honours program should be selected with a keen awareness of their significance. Having exceptional time management and ensuring that you don’t allow yourself to slip into ‘holiday mode’ is key.
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Having said all that, undertaking subjects over summer does have some considerable advantages. You have less subjects to focus on and can devote your time to achieving a good result. In addition to this, you allow yourself to get ahead â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either by repeating subjects you may have failed or allowing yourself to undertake less subjects per semester down the track. You have access to all of the content relatively early and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re efficient, you can knock it over in a shorter timeframe. Over summer 2016/17 at QUT, some of the subjects on offer include: Legal Problems and Communication, Constitutional Law, Equity and Trusts, Real Property Law, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law and Taxation Law. This is just a selection and for a full list of offerings, and further information about procedural requirements, the university website should be consulted: <https://www.student.qut.edu.au/enrolment/ continuing-enrolment/summer-programenrolment>
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Seven Helpful Hints for Law Study Success
Top Tips
Paul Catchlove, 2nd year Grad entry.
I have been fortunate to complete tertiary study in a variety of different disciplines, across a number of different universities (both within Australia and abroad). Studying law is one of the most intense and demanding university programs I have experienced. The following is a list of 7 helpful hints that I have developed whilst studying law at the Queensland University of Technology.
you. When reading a case for a legal precedent find the relevant section of the case and read around that (this can sometimes be as little as a couple of sentences). Also, look for case summaries produced by the various publishers (LexisNexis, Butterworths, etc.) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these will save you a great deal of time.
1. Create a Network
There are lots of notes out there, but many are poor or out of date â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be careful. Taking notes provides both early preparation for open book exams and helps you to begin the process of learning and integrating unit content with your own experience.
University is not a competition, so partner up with people who are willing and able to mutually support one another. Study groups are a great way to develop your knowledge base. Researching collaboratively, unless expressly prohibited, is a great way to locate sources in a time efficient manner. 2. Be Strategic with Reading You do not need to read every word in every case or article that is given to
3. Taking Notes
4. Plan for Assessment At university you often need to make choices as to how you invest your time. Focus you time by making sure that the areas covered in your assessment are the areas where you spend the most time. 29
Getting slight direction from tutors or lecturers leading into exams about where to spend your time is also worth following. 5. Build Relationships with Academics Academics want you to succeed – answering questions and providing assistance is part of an academic’s role. More often than not, academics will have roles in a number of course disciplines and I guarantee you will encounter them more than once. Also, know your lecturer’s consultation times so that you can see them at a convenient time. 6. Textbooks are Essential Don’t think you can survive without them and make sure you use the current editions. There are numerous places you can pick up second hand books (Gumtree, Second Hand Bookshop, Facebook Groups, Student VIP, Text Exchange App, and Equity Support). You can also borrow textbooks from the Law Library, however this is on a first come basis. 7. Support Services are Available Queensland University of Technology provides a wide range of support services to assist you both academically and personally. Make sure if you need some help or assistance you tap into these free services.
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