QUT law society inc. Torts illustrated issue Four 2017 acknowledgements The QUT Law Society’s annual Careers Guide publication would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors, as well as its dedicated Media & Communication team. Our sponsors Allens | Clayton Utz | Johnson Winter & Slattery | McCullough Robertson | MinterEllison Thomson Geer | QUT PLT | Ashurst Herbert Smith Freehills | King & Wood Mallesons Content Editors Claudia Choi [Vice-President of Media & Communication] Visual Design and Formatting Claudia Choi [Vice-President of Media & Communication] Royce Adcock [Designs Officer] Article Writers Megan Dudley [Publications Officer] Mellisa Hillier [Publications Officer] QUT Law Students Models Aiho Tan, Chizzie Phiri, Elena Dimeski, Jack Bristed and Yehanka Ranasinghe
Contents Connect with us on............................................................................................... 4 From the Editor ...................................................................................................... 9 From your President............................................................................................ 10 Keeping up with your Executives..................................................................... 11 2017: The Year in Review.................................................................................... 18 Prime Facie Your Fellow QUT Law Students................................................ 22 The Dreaded ‘R’ Word: Responsibility........................................................... 27 How to Leave a Lasting Impression............................................................... 28 Lawyers: Why Unemployment Looms If You Don’t Get Smart ............ 30 Movie Review: Murder on the Orient Express............................................ 33 Post Unit Dredd.................................................................................................... 34 Five Years Later... 12 Alternative Careers for Lawyers............................... 36 Investing in Yourself............................................................................................ 38 You There! Disrupt the Law in 2018............................................................... 40 Contact Us .............................................................................................................43
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From the Editor Claudia Choi
Director of Media & Communication Hello, it’s me again! The year is finally over and I must give congratulations to everyone for surviving. To some it may have felt like aeons, but for others it may have gone by in a jiffy. I definitely fall within the former category. Now it’s time to take a well-deserved break, get a tan and catch up on a few (or a lot) of TV shows and movies on Netflix. And if the idea of that doesn’t sound appealing, just feel better knowing that I’ll be studying two units over summer semester. 2017 has been a busy year for my portfolio – Competitions were communicated better with registration events created on Facebook to help advertise to the wider law student community. Our quarterly publication Torts Illustrated featured cover photos that were more engaging and fun. We launched our new website (check it out at www.qutlawsociety. com). Facebook posts were more frequent to ensure constant communication with our members. And better communication and filing procedures were implemented behind the scenes.
After three long years of volunteering with the QUTLS, it’s time to handover the reigns to some younger and fresher blood. So with that I bid you all adieu. If you ever see me up and about the Lawbry (or food court, or corner shop buying lollies), feel free to say hi and stop for a chat! I’ll be the cute Asian one that will most likely be pulling a face at you instead of just smiling when you walk by. So for the last time on Torts Illustrated – “Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good morning, and goodnight!” – The Truman Show (1998) Claudia
Special thanks to all my officers: Megan Dudley and Mellisa Hillier (Publications Officers), Royce Adcock (Design Officer), Rianna Shoemaker and Izzy Machin (Photographers) and Tristan Hall (IT Officer). Thank you for putting up with my many requests and weirdness. I’d also like to take this time to introduce the incoming 2018 Media & Communication team. Charlotte Mann will be the new Director of Media & Communication with her officers Rianna Shoemaker and Anna Wilson (Publications Officers), Wei-Han Chan (Design Officer), Silvia Lee and Josh Dunn (Photographers), and Zane Jhetam (IT Officer). I look forward to seeing what you all will do in the new year! If you ever need a helping hand, you know where to find me. 9
From Your president Harrison Bell President
To all our members, Thank you for tuning in to another edition of our Torts Illustrated publication. I hope you have found many of our publications useful for your career progression and would like to start off by congratulating our Media & Communication team lead by Claudia Choi for yet another successful edition. I would also like to thank each of you, our members, for supporting so many of our education, competition and social events this semester. We try to add as much value as possible to each of our initiatives and have spent countless hours planning to make sure that every event is constantly improving and meeting industry expectations to make QUT Law the number one pick for employers. I write to you all for the final time as President and on our behalf of our Committee for 2017, we thank you for making 2017 one of our best years on record. We had some of our best attendances at many of our social and educational events and had significant improvement in participation from competitors across each of our 8 moots. Each of our Directors should be tremendously proud for what they have achieved and I know their hard-work will be continued on in the new year. Special thanks must also be said for our 2017 Management Committee who have assisted me in making sure we are both financially and legally compliant. My hat goes off to all of you for putting in so many hours behind the scenes and I wish you all the best for future academic and professional pursuits. I wish Jake Stacey and his Executive and Committee the best of luck in 2018. I can confirm there are many new events in the pipeline which I’m sure will re-vamp QUTLS and make 2018 is an incredible year for all.
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Should anyone ever need to contact me, please free to do so at ipp@qutlawsociety.com. Should you have any queries or feedback I am always up for a cheeky chai latte at aromas. On a more serious note, I cannot recommend to each of you enough the importance of getting involved in extra-circulars and improving your CV. I completed a double degree in Law and Accounting and only started building up my resume in the final two years of my degree. This helped me land many internships and clerkships with my marks being nothing to write home about. So if you are a first year, try your hand at everything, you never know where it may lead, if you’re an unsure second-third year, now is the time to try something new, if you’re nearing the finish-line like me, give it everything you’ve got – this is your time to shine. As a final remark, wherever your aspirations may lead you, I wish you the best of luck with your final results and want to thank you again for supporting us in 2017. To all of those who are graduating, congrats! I shall be joining you soon. Harrison
Keeping up with your executives With 2017 finally over, it’s time to check in on your executives to see what their portfolios have been up to!
Alastair Page Vice-President
Assessments are finally all over. We did it. And more importantly, however you feel like you went, you made it to the end. Another set of horrors fade behind us once again and you all have the pleasure (or misfortune) of reading my words for one last time before we all move onto whatever the summer holidays have in store for us. If you have been paying attention to other passages in previous issues of Torts Illustrated, you will have noted the strong self-congratulatory theme that the society often imbues itself with. There has and always will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the incredible work that we have achieved. I would be surprised if this will change with Jake and his incoming team for the 2018 Society, who I wish all the best for the incoming year ahead.
Finally, a word to anyone that might think none of the above applies to them. Whether you’re a nervous first year or an exhausted fifth year, I have one simple message: Don’t give up. This degree has a knack for making you want to drop everything and run. I can promise you that whatever insecurity you may be harbouring, someone has felt it and has gone on to start a successful career in whatever they chose to do. Again, a massive congratulations to all for completing their year and best wishes for all future endeavours: graduation and beyond. Alastair
I wanted to break away from this tradition for my final message and dedicate this passage to someone completely different; you, the student reader. Thank you for your engagement over the year. University years are considered to be the best of our lives, and that only happens with a community like ours of dedicated, engaged and enthusiastic members. I happily speak on behalf of the Society in thanking each and every one of you for making it our pleasure to engage in our community and an honour to serve you. Thank you also for your ever-present comradery. Whilst I’m sure other faculties look to us in horror as we flaunt our RM Williams and Polo/Mimco and Country Road look, the collective will of a law student body never fails to impress me. Even if we have to knock our pride down a few notches, our drive will take us places, so we should never hold it back. 11
Kate Jamieson Secretary
I hope everyone has survived their exams and is well into holiday mode - free of a legal care in the world. Well, except those devoted to firms/chambers/moots and the most valiant among us who are completing Summer Sem - may your GPAs be ever favoured. QUTLS has, by all measures, had a big year in 2017. We have successfully amended the Constitution, implemented a new membership system and have held possibly the longest AGM and election in history. This has been demanding so a big thanks to everyone who got involved. A special shout out to our Returning Officer, Claudia Choi, for being an absolute legend when it came to the Election. On this note, I’ll let you know that in 2018 our Portfolios will be headed by Directors instead of Vice-Presidents. Additionally, the Indigenous Liaison Officer has had a name change to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer. I am pleased to announce that next year QUT will be hosting the Australian Law Students Association February Council, convened by yours truly. Delegates from 37 Law Societies around Australia will gather to discuss legal education and how societies can be of most assistance to students. Hosting at QUT will be a great opportunity to showcase our city and, of course, brag about our Lawbry river views. As of December 1, I will be handing over to the talented Michael Webster. I have the utmost faith in him and believe the Society will be in very capable hands. I’m truly excited to see what he and the 2018 team create. Well, that’s it from me. Have a rewarding summer and I’ll see you around campus in 2018! Kate
Yanery Ventura Rodriguez
Director of Competitions
I am happy to officially say goodbye to the QUT Law Society 2017 and the Competitions portfolio. I have been in Competitions for two years, and safe to say that at times it was a struggle, but the friendships and professional connections I have formed have made the experience extremely worthwhile. Over the past few weeks, we have asked for your feedback on what you think of competitions: how they are run, what you want to compete in, what you want to see more of. The results of the survey will be passed on to the incoming Director of Competitions. Thank you for all your feedback. We want competitions to enhance your legal skills and I am excited to see what changes will come from this survey. Lastly, I am excited and proud to present Annalise Spurge, the incoming Director of Competitions. I have had the privilege of working with Annalise this year as an officer. She is an approachable and switched-on leader who will bring fresh eyes to the role. Competitions always relies heavily on the team’s dedication and organisation. The success of this year comes down to our incredible team who spent many late hours responding to emails, running competition rounds, and trouble-shooting. I am confident next year’s team will carry this year’s progress to even greater heights. Thank you again for electing me as your VicePresident (now Director) of Competitions. I will see all of you next year, though not in this role. You might catch me on the scary side of the bar table. Yanery
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Patrick Johnson Director of Mootclub
This is my final submission as an Executive of QUTLS, but it’s also been a quiet end to the year for the Moot Club so I’m going to keep it short and sweet. I would like to quickly say thank you to the competitions team for the many hours they put into making sure that there were competitions available to students. I would also like to thank everyone who gave mooting a try this year. People often are afraid to give mooting a chance as it is outside their comfort zone, but I urge every law student to use the opportunities that mooting presents to be able to develop a unique set of skills. While it may be quiet on the internal mooting front, there is plenty going on this summer with external moots. We currently have students spending their summer in the library with their new families (totally not forced) and preparing for international moots including Vis, Jessup, ICC and Oxford IP. I would recommend students who are interested in getting into mooting in the coming years to follow the QUTLS and Moot Club Facebook over the next six months to keep up to date with the progress of these summer moot teams and catch a glimpse of the amazing opportunities that mooting can provide for you. From December 1, my chapter as Director of Moot Club will be over and Helen Driscoll will be stepping up. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to share my enjoyment of mooting this year, and I am glad that we have such an experienced and accomplished mooter like Helen to continue furthering the mooting community at QUT. I have every confidence in her passion and ability, and I’m sure we will see more from the Moot Club going forward. PJ out.
Jake Stacey
Director of Education
Studying in 2017 has finally come to an end. For those currently like me (unemployed) and wondering how to relax after the many podcasts watched on double speed this semester, I implore you to get your CV and cover letters in-check for the joyous clerkship season fast approaching. The QUT Law Society will be back bigger and better in 2018 with an array of new and exciting events currently being planned. However, it would be unbecoming of me not to thank the many students who made 2017 one of our best years on record. Special commendation must go out to the countless volunteers who assisted me behind the scenes during each of our clerkship, networking and career events. Special thanks must go out to the Education Officers, Charlotte, Josh, Amelia and Mikaela. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support and for keeping me sane during one of our biggest years to date. I would also like to thank the 2017 Committee for the incredible achievements of this year. You have set the bar very high and the 2018 Committee is very fortunate to have had such dedicated and talented people putting the society in the position it is in today. It has been a pleasure to work with each of you and I wish you all the best with your remaining studies and careers. If you ever see me walking around campus (in boardies and thongs) and want to know how to get involved with QUTLS in 2018 or what events we have in the pipeline, please don’t hesitate to ask. Happy holidays, Jake 13
Alexandra Pearman
Director of Sport & Health
At the end of the year we look back on the achievements of the QUT Law teams in both the social sports and the grudge matches. Social sport this year saw nearly half of the teams compete in the finals and some wonderful leadership moments, aiming to bring together the law community through sport and health.
Yehanka Ranasinghe Director of Events
The end is here! Another year of reckless drinking, partying, and of course lots of studying, has gone by and we have made it out alive. 2017 has been a wonderful and success year for the events portfolio. Nick Arndt, Jack Bristed, Elena Dimeski and myself helped put together two L Card parties, Law Ball, Pub Crawl, Law Dinner, #letsgetrekt5 and #letsgetrekt6. Our merchandise was also a hit this year with not only our regular hoodies and t-shirts but also our new pullovers! We had a record number of sales for our law ball at Cloudland (1300 people!) as well as tickets for our pub crawl selling out well in advance of the event. We are so grateful that so many of our students want to get involved and come along to our events; I’m sure the bar tabs are just an added incentive! I would like to thank my events team for all their hard work, dedication and support throughout the year. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make these events happen and I am so proud of everything they have done. On that note, I would also like to thank the rest of the QUTLS committee, especially the Executive for all their help throughout year. From helping us shop for props and setting up venues to even just attending our events. We appreciate it all. This is not goodbye though, I will be back again in 2018 to organise more events. There will be exciting changes to our calendar next year so keep an eye out. Come along, get involved and get rowdy with us, you won’t regret it. Have a safe and merry holiday. Yehanka xo. 14
Special mentions go to Kate Adnams, Tom Klepper and Jack Bristed for their unfailing weekly pre-game commitment to their teams and their stunning captaincy reigns. Both the netball and the touch teams soared into the finals for the first time marking QUTLS as a strong society in the guild competition. To close out the sport year UQLS was meant to lose pitifully to the QUTLS in the Rugby Grudge but due to the rain, and potentially the after effects of #letsgetrekt, the game was called off on the 18th. Next year will see the return of the QUTLS grudge teams stronger than ever, so stayed tuned! The Mental Health Breakfast in conjunction with the Education portfolio was a massive success in promoting awareness of mental illness and the daily struggles that students face in their law degrees and at university. It’s up to Lucy Hammond now as the incoming Director of Sport and Health to ensure that QUTLS remains at the top of its game and to continue to build and strengthen QUTLS’s commitment to the health of students in the Law School. Good luck and goodbye from me and I wish everyone their best in 2018 Alexandria
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The Year in Review 2017. What can I say? You made us. You tested us. You may have almost broken us. But we’re here! And although it isn’t over just yet, let’s take a moment to look back at the moments that have shaped Australia’s political, entertainment and sporting landscape this year.
News Headlines This year was nothing short of extraordinary in news headlines. Between Trump, the plebiscite and terrorist attacks − it’s been a busy year for our news outlets. January: Melbourne City Centre was shaken when five people were killed and more than 30 injured after a man drove his car into pedestrians on Bourke Street. Meanwhile, in the US, the Women’s March against the inauguration was taking the world by storm with participation in over 168 other countries. March: Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall hitting the mid-to-north Queensland coast with incredible wind and rain. In total, Debbie was an expensive girl costing over $2.4 billion in damage and 14 deaths across the affected area. May: Our favourite Masterchef, George Calombaris was charged with common assault after attacking a 19-year-old during the 2017 A-League Grand Final. In the month prior, news broke that he underpaid his staff $2.6 million. Spoiler alert: Calombaris received a $1,000 fine but has lodged an appeal against conviction. On the 22nd of May Australia woke up to news of a suicide bomber blowing himself up at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, killing 22 and injuring more than 60 others. The devastation spread south in the coming weeks, with a 21-year-old from Queensland and a 28-year-old from South Australia killed in a terrorist attack in London. Four Australians were also among the 48 injured. 18
July: Australia learned the sentence of ‘Cocaine Cassie’, an Adelaide woman who was caught smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine through Bogota International Airport in April. More interestingly, her entire defence was dependent on her phone passcode, which she forgot. August: Universities Australia released a report which found 51% of university students were sexually harassed on at least one occasion in 2016. Sexual harassment made further headlines in October, where the #MeToo tag went viral because of the Harvey Weinstein revelations. Since releasing the same sex marriage survey in August, a record number of Australians (approx. 95.3%) were enrolled on the Australian Electoral Commission roll, after enrolments closed for the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey. It is also revealed 90,000 new voters enrolled for the survey. This vote was challenged in September, with the High Court of Australia dismissing two legal challenges to the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey proposed by the Turnbull government.
Politics April: Malcolm Turnbull made a controversial decision to scrap the 457 visa program, citing that Australians should come before overseas workers. The dual citizenship debacle formed an ongoing issue in Australian politics. It kicked off with Scott Ludlam resigning as a Greens Senator for WA after discovering he is also a citizen of New Zealand. Ludlam was followed by Larissa Waters who (also a Greens Senator) discovered she was also a citizen of Canada. Just when we thought our parliament were all eligible for office, news slipped that Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is also a citizen of New Zealand. To put the cherry on top of the undercooked political pavlova, Nick Xenophon referred himself to the High Court as he is.. You guessed it.. A citizen of the United Kingdom. Is it time for a democracy sausage yet? August: Counter-terrorism efforts were increased with bollards being installed in Brisbane’s major malls including Queen Street, King George Square and the Valley Mall. Interestingly, advertisers have benefited with plastic slips being able to cover the bollard. `
Law and Courts January: Susan Kiefel was sworn in as the 13th Chief Justice of Australia paving the way for women in the industry. June: In a landmark decision, Australian actress Rebel Wilson won a high-profile defamation case against Bauer Media, claiming they painted her as a serial liar. The trial gained worldwide media attention and is the biggest defamation payout in Australia. October: Gun amnesty collected 16,000 illegal firearms in Queensland and 51,000 nationwide after the end of a three-month national firearm amnesty.
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International February 11: North Korea prompts international condemnation by test firing a ballistic missile across the Sea of Japan. May 12: Computers around the world are hit by a largescale ransomware cyberattack, which went on to affect at least 150 countries. September 6–10: The Caribbean and United States is struck by Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane that is the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin outside the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The storm causes at least 124 deaths and at least $63 billion (2017 USD) in damage. September 19–20: Just two weeks after Hurricane Irma struck the Caribbean, Hurricane Maria strikes similar areas, making landfall on Dominica as a Category 5 hurricane, and Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane. Maria caused at least 68 deaths and damages estimated in excess of $91 billion (2017 USD). October 1: The Las Vegas Strip shooting took place, killing 58 and injuring 530, surpassing the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting as the deadliest mass shooting perpetrated by a lone gunman in U.S. history.
Entertainment January 26: Flume’s “Never Be like You” tops Triple J’s 2016 Hottest 100, becoming the first electronic song to do so. Flume’s single also marked a record-breaking fourth consecutive annual countdown in which the number-one track was by an Australian artist. April 23: Samuel Johnson won the Gold Logie Award for Best Personality on Australian Television at the Logie Awards of 2017, held at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. August 24: Taylor Swift released ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ and sets Spotify’s global first-day record with eight million streams on the first date. September 15: The Bachelor’s Matty J found his perfect match in Laura Byrne in a controversial Bachelor finale.
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Sports February 3: Australian Rules Football − The first AFL Women’s (AFLW) match was held at Ikon Park in Melbourne, with a capacity crowd of 24,500 attending February 11: Baseball −The Brisbane Bandits defeated the Melbourne Aces in the Championship Series of the 2016–17 Australian Baseball League at Melbourne Ballpark. March 5: Basketball − The Perth Wildcats won the 2016-17 NBL season, defeating the Illawarra Hawks in a 3-0 clean sweep of the finals March 25: Australian Rules Football −The Adelaide Crows won the inaugural AFL Women’s Grand Final, defeating the Brisbane Lions at Carrara Stadium May 5: Rugby League − Australia defeated New Zealand 30–12 in Canberra, in the annual Anzac Test June 17: Netball − Sunshine Coast Lightning defeated Giants Netball 65-48 in the inaugural 2017 National Netball League grand final at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre July 2: Boxing − Australian Jeff Horn defeated Filipino Manny Pacquiao in a unanimous decision by judges at Suncorp Stadium, becoming the WBO welterweight champion September 30: Australian Rules Football − Richmond Tigers defeated Adelaide Crows 108-60 to win the 2017 AFL Grand Final October 1: Rugby League − Melbourne Storm defeated North Queensland Cowboys 34-6 to win the 2017 NRL Grand Final
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Prima Facie
your fellow QUT Law students Meet Chizzie Phiri
bachelor of laws/business (finance) [ fourth year Why did you choose to study law? I was actually keen on doing my degree in interactive visual design initially but I ended up choosing law because I felt it fulfilled my interests and accommodated my goals in a more complete way. The French call this concept ‘raison d’etre’ – in Japanese it is known as ‘Ikigai’ – which translates into “the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence.” The concept essentially describes your life’s purpose as doing something you love and are good at, with that thing being something the world needs and what you can be paid for. For me, that thing ended up being law! What are your favourite and most hated law units? Why? Real Property was probably my favourite because that’s what I hope to get into once I graduate. Most hated? A toss-up between Admin and Constitutional. That’s not to say they are bad subjects but I just found the content incredibly dry. What would you tell your younger self? Not to dwell on the past because it can't be changed, and not to worry about the future because it is constantly changing. Truly live in the present for it is the present that creates a past worth remembering and a future to look forward to. What are some fun facts about yourself? I love photography! Although I haven’t really put enough effort into it over the past year and a bit. Getting back into it is definitely one of my goals for the summer. I also love shoes and have a perpetually growing sneaker collection. What is a guilty pleasure of yours? Peach ice tea! I’m obsessed. If ever there was a ‘nectar of the Gods’ I’m pretty sure this was it. 22
meet elena dimeski
bachelor of laws/business (finance) [ pre-penultimate Why did you choose to study law? I co-founded a start-up in the health sector in my first year of biochemistry and felt like there needed to be more people that could traverse both the legal and science spheres when it comes to commercialising ideas. What are your favourite law units and Why? Contracts B so far as it changed my perspective on a lot of legal issues early in my degree. Peter Black’s adventures in constitutional law were also a highlight. His passion for the subject will ignite your inner Dennis Denutu and will stay with you well after the exam. What are some fun facts about yourself? I was once played the Genie in a school production of Aladdin. What is a guilty pleasure of yours? Google fact-checking implausible statistics.
Meet Aiho Tan
bachelor of laws [ final year Why did you choose to study law? I chose to study law because the skillset required in the profession aligned with my interests and past work experience in journalism and communication. I was able to apply these practical skills through my legal placement at Caxton Legal Centre assisting the Duty Lawyer at the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
What are your favourite law units and why? My favourite law units are Public International Law, Legal Research Capstone and Family Law. In particular, the Capstone course and online interactive interface which was designed by Associate Professor Leon Wolff and was very engaging, which fostered a positive learning experience for all. What would I tell my younger self? Not to worry too much about uncertainty in life. Everything happens for a reason just continue to work hard. What are some fun facts about yourself? I’m a very sentimental person. Art galleries are my happy place and a place to gather inspiration. My favourite art galleries are Tate Modern, National Gallery of Victoria and The Broad. In the past, I was fortunate to collaborate with Burberry, The Daily Edited and Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival to produce written content, industry advertising and marketing campaigns. What is a guilty pleasure of yours? I have two. Retail therapy and bubble tea at Gong Cha in the city.
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meet jack bristed
bachelor of laws [ second year (post grad) Why did you choose to study law? A law degree provides many opportunities in many different areas. Law pairs well with my previous degree in political science and communication (yay separation of powers and admin!) and is a great degree for career progression. It also allows you to make a difference in the world and leave it a better place than it was before. What are your favourite and most hated law units? Why? Favourite, dispute resolution. Hated, contracts. Dispute resolution was extremely interesting and I found the syllabus to be very engaging and that it prepared me for the real world (thanks QUT!). Although contracts was great up until the exam, the intricacies of the problem questions in contracts stumped me at times and were difficult concepts to get my head around. I am sure this will make me a great contracts lawyer in the future. What would you tell your younger self? Really pursue the things you are passionate about. There is no point questioning yourself all the time. Even if you are unsure of something, sometimes the only way to push through is to go out on a limb, get the fear of failure and let that drive you. What are some fun facts about yourself? Although I am Brisbane born and raised, I lived in Tonga for 2 years when I was younger while my parents were part of Australian volunteers international. It was a fantastic eye-opening and rewarding experience that will stay with me forever. Ever since then I have had the travel bug and am always looking for new opportunities to explore different cultures. What is a guilty pleasure of yours? I love watching sport/anything competitive. Whether it be NRL, soccer, cricket, darts, poker, esports... I will watch it and ride the highs and lows with the competitors. What RNB song/s do you jam out to? As an early 90’s kid, I grew up receiving So Fresh CD’s for Christmas so a bit of Justin Timberlake never goes astray. Also no one can go past Can’t touch this and the Hammer dance.
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meet yehanka ranasinghe
bachelor of laws/business (economics) [ third year Why did you choose to study law? As clichĂŠ as it is, I actually chose to study law because I wanted to be a human rights lawyer. I wanted to actually have the ability to make a difference instead of just preaching from the sidelines. What are you favourite and most hated law units? Why? Most hated would definitely have to be Constitutional (despite my love for the movie The Castle) and my favourite so far probably Crim. What would you tell your younger self? Don't cut your own hair!! And cop all that bullying from your brothers because it will eventually make you a more grounded and less stressful person. What are some fun facts about yourself? I love to travel. Much to the anger of my parents and the Law Society, I've spent a fair amount of last year and a half overseas (on exchange and way too many holidays). Another fun fact is that my mum made up my name... Yehanka is legit a made up name! What is a guilty pleasure of yours? Listening to true crime podcasts − Dirty John, Someone Knows Something and Bowraville are my favourites. What RNB song/s do you jam out to? Can't go wrong with Mary J. Blige- Family Affair or Jagged Edge- Let's Get Married (Run DMC remix).
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START YOUR CAREER WITH A LARGE START YOUR CAREER WITH AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM.
A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM
We are one of the 10 largest law firms in Australia by size. We have more than 500 people, including 96 Partners, operating out of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Our industry coverage and client work is diverse.
WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY ABOUT US “My time at Thomson Geer has seen me transition from a summer clerk to an admitted lawyer. Throughout this time, Thomson Geer has provided me with the exciting opportunity to be engaged directly with clients, helping solve real issues and provide value-add services. Importantly, the summer clerkship and graduate lawyer programs gave me an opportunity to choose a career path after being exposed to a range of different practice areas.” Thomas Honeywill, Lawyer “I really enjoyed my Summer clerkship and graduate rotation at Thomson Geer. My favourite thing about working at Thomson Geer is the progressive culture and collaborative work environment. Working together with those in your own team, other teams, and nationwide offices provides endless learning and growing opportunities. It also provides the opportunity to build strong relationships with colleagues and receive active mentoring throughout the whole experience.” Tammy Vahaviolos, Law Graduate “I started my time at Thomson Geer as a summer clerk, and then accepted an offer into their graduate program. From day one in my first rotation on the transactional side I was given the opportunity to directly communicate with clients and build relationships with them for the future. My second rotation has shown me a completely different side of legal practice, and from the beginning I have been invited along to meetings with clients. Being exposed to two practice areas has been invaluable and irrespective of which area I end up in, I know that the skills I have developed in the other area will be of great use.” Katarzyna Skonieczna, Lawyer
Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer
www.tglaw.com.au
ADVICE | TRANSACTIONS | DISPUTES Domestic & Cross Border www.tglaw.com.au Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide
So, you’re graduating university (congratulations!) and you can’t wait to start the next chapter of your life. Although you are quietly wondering where the last four+ years just went… The good news is that you are about to have a beautifully framed certificate to show for it, and a wealth of knowledge you’re chomping at the bit to use in the ‘real world’. But what if a job is harder to come by than what you expected, and if the ‘real world’ is just too, well, real?
Work it
A survey by Graduate Careers Australia, suggests that around 11% of grads struggle to find any full-time work after leaving uni. And while 20% manage to secure part-time or casual work, they’re still on the hunt for that elusive 9 to 5 job. While the numbers aren’t dire, there are still plenty of uni leavers facing some stiff competition from other grads – and the rest of the workforce. So, how do you stand out from the crowd?
Experience is king
So, when all of a sudden the call-backs aren’t coming and you’re repeatedly told ‘the successful candidate had more experience’, what’s a girl to do? You’ve probably heard it before, but on-the-job experience really does set you apart. There are some great paid internships out there that will get your well-heeled foot in the door – and some money to play with, too. While others might be unpaid, they are still worth considering. In a quality internship, the real-world insights you gain can far surpass the short-term financial loss.
Show me the money
Though graduate salaries aren’t particularly high, for someone who’s just spent the past few years of their life living off a casual paycheck, it may feel like you’ve won the lottery and money is yours to burn. But wait, it’s a trap! A regular full-time salary can take a lot of pressure off financially but the key is to allocate it accordingly. You don’t want to blow it all on pay day on a new outfit and shouts at the bar because you think, ‘YOLO, I’m rich now’. That money might have to last up to a month and needs to cover rent and bills too. (Sorry to sound like your parents.) It’s helpful to create a budget from the outset so that you know what you need to keep for bills, and what is left for play!
RIP freedom
The daily buzz of your alarm clock can signify the end of a life of sleep-ins, daytime TV, and 2-minute noodles – a bitter pill to swallow for a recent graduate. (That’s not to discount the superstars who worked three jobs all the way through uni and wouldn’t know a sleep-in if it hit them in the face.) The point is, uni is mentally challenging, but it allows a sense of freedom that full-time work does not. Routine is your best bet here. Getting into a habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps you more easily adapt to your new daily life. And if all else fails, you can always do your Masters, right?
The Dreaded ‘R’ Word
Responsibility Edited by Mellisa Hillier QUTLS Publications Officer
Sourced from MyFutureMe – The CareSuper Initiative to connect women with their future selves.
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How to leave a
Lasting Impression Written by Kirsten Ceddia QUT Law Student
Well folks clerkship season is upon us – time to shine your shoes and polish that resume. Applying for a clerkship can be an overwhelming experience. From filling out multiple forms to completing psychometric tests, the process of applying requires considerable time and effort. If you’re fortunate enough to secure that coveted face-to-face interview, it’s important to make a lasting impression. Conventional wisdom will tell you that speaking with confidence, maintaining eye contact and asking insightful questions will improve your prospects of securing the job. But let’s face it – everyone’s doing that. So how do you leave a lasting impression in an increasingly competitive market? Well I’m glad you asked. Throw out everything you know and consider an entirely new approach. The following advice is bullet proof and will ensure those recruiters never forget you!
1. Rock up late for your interview We hear it again and again, be early! Practical yes - but hardly creative. Anyone can arrive early. But showing up late is a completely different ballgame. For one, it shows that you’re the type of persons who defies social expectations. You challenge norms and aren’t afraid to do things differently. When you stop and think about it, aren’t these the type of people law firms want? If they ask why you’re late, spin some story about being inebriated from some QUTLS party last night. This will go a long way in demonstrating that you aren’t afraid to take risks in life.
2. Answer questions with a question We’ve all been in those situations where an interview question stumps us. Most people think carefully before delivering a well thought out response. But that was the old you. Instead, when you’re faced with a tough question, throw it back to the interviewer with something like this: what do you think YOUR weaknesses are? If there’s more than one person conducting the interview, put this question to the person you feel hasn’t asked many questions. This demonstrates that you’re not afraid to take control of stressful situations. It’s a ballsy move but one that will definitely score you some big points on the lasting impressions scoreboard. 28
3. Request a break Sometimes interviews can feel like an interrogation. You have to answer a barrage of questions and essentially pitch yourself to complete strangers in thirty minutes. When you feel the pressure weighing down on you just request a break. You don’t have to physically leave the room. Picking up your phone or a magazine can help relieve some tension. More importantly, this shows the interviewer that you know how to achieve a work life balance. You can handle the heat but you also know how to tap out when it gets too much.
4. Be yourself Too many people pretend to be someone they’re not in an attempt to impress prospective employers. Rather than creating some false persona, be authentic to yourself. If your phone rings, answer it. If you have to fart then don’t hold back. If they ask you about yourself, then by golly gosh tell them. Starting with your earliest vivid memories from childhood is a great way to show them who you really are. This will garner their respect and show them how genuine you are.
5. Go out with a bang The end of an interview can sometimes be a bit awkward. It usually involves the exchange of niceties followed by the inevitable ‘we’ll be in touch.’ It’s a nerve-wracking moment as you walk to the elevator hoping that you did enough to make a lasting impression. The problem with this approach is that it’s passive. Don’t let life happen to you, pave your own way instead. When the interview concludes, just assume you’ve got the clerkship. Ask whether you can work from home or whether an office with a window is doable. This will show them you’re confident and self-assured. And that my friends is how you make a lasting impression. Happy Clerkship Games - may the odds be ever in your favour! Disclaimer: This author makes no representations as to the suitability or validity of the above advice and will not be liable for harm arising from its use.
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Lawyers: Why Unemployment Looms If You Don't Get SMART Ok, so this is something I need to talk about. No, actually, this is something we all need to talk about. That’s right, contracts. And not any old snore-fest-snail-magic-medicine-promisee-nap-inducing contracts but SMART contracts. If you haven’t already witnessed the hype surrounding crypto-currencies like Bitcoin and Etherium then where have you been? They are all the new rage and a favorite topic of R.M Williams wearing Queen Street cowboys on a Friday night after a few cold ones. They are a major element of the future of law and if you haven’t already done your reading - you better get started. So, without further adieu, what are SMART contracts, how do they work, and why are they going to be The Next Big Thing™?
OK, so ughh, I know what they are like...kind of...but for argument’s sake, remind me again? SMART contracts are a new form of self-executing contract developed to operate in conjunction with the blockchain. The blockchain is a digital ledger where transactions made in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly. SMART contracts are a way of interacting with these virtual currencies by helping to safely and securely exchange virtual currency, money, property, shares or anything of value in a way that is efficient, transparent, conflict-free and - importantly predicted to replace some traditional professional services involving a middle-man (*cough*, lawyers, eeek).
So it’s a decentralised virtual currency designed to replace the standard fiat money system and ...ugh..yeah...you lost me - what about a simple example? Asking for a friend I attended a work-held seminar recently (la-dee-da) where a prominent U.S. attorney gave a presentation about virtual currencies, using a vending machine as a metaphorical example. He explained that an ordinary transactional process would require a client to pay a lawyer to prepare, organise, and deliver a particular document confirming say, the ownership of property. This lawyer-involved process would typically require laborious paper management, human interaction, uncertainty and - let’s face it - high costs. Alternatively, a SMART contract could see the ‘client’ drop virtual currency, like Bitcoin, into the ‘block chain vending machine’ (which acts as the ledger) and your escrow (not to be mistaken with the similarly named bird) such as a bond, deed, title or other document would then be digitally dropped into your account upon satisfaction of the pre-determined virtual currency cost (the if-then trigger). 30
Umm...ok, so I get the example − but, so what? So what? Well, for those of us commercial-businessy-economics types this can translate in a very simple way to “a significant increase in efficiency and profitability”. SMART contracts would achieve economic gains by reducing labour and administrative costs and increasing efficiency, privacy and procedural transparency. This, ultimately, means cheaper products with a better service (or more money for shareholders, depending on your level of cynicism).
Ok...I’m interested...but how do lawyers related to SMART contracts? As fresh new ambitious legal professionals, we get to approach the SMART contract market like any other innovation-hungry generation. We find ways for legal practitioners to interact with new technology in a productive and meaningful way. We can look to: • • • • •
drafting SMART contract templates and processes developing legally-viable programs, technological systems, and frameworks establishing legal educational services pertaining to this new process engaging with industries to develop secure, enforceable and profitable contracts; and making some big old dollars while paving the way for the future of legal transactions.
This sounds great, but like, surely it’s not all roses and butterflies? As with any nu-tech, potential issues cannot be definitively known or predicted. That said, the current pseudo legal blockchain community usually cites the following as potential issues in the evolving SMART contract market: • • • • •
government regulation such as China’s recent ban of Initial Coin Offerings (ICO’s) producing a 100% bug-free SMART contract updating SMART contracts as the law evolves key, identity, and security management ensuring SMART contracts are valid and enforceable should things go wrong
I seeeeeee, well...there you go - so what’s next? Really? Who knows. The world, or industry in this case, is your proverbial oyster, and it would be smart (see what I did there) to start to educate and inform yourself on the future of commercial legal operations. Or, alternatively, you could sit idly by and watch the Apple of our generation (or maybe Apple is of our generation, but I digress) waltz on by and tell the grandkids how you “just missed out” on the SMART contract boom of the early-ish 21st century. See you on the bandwagon peeps.
Written by Ross Wakeford Past QUT Law Student
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Movie Review:
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS “Murder on the Orient Express” is a murder mystery based on a novel by renowned Crime and Mystery novelist, Agatha Christie. Set in the 1930s, the story follows a world-renowned Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), a man with an impressive moustache and a talent for solving unusual mysteries using only the slightest of clues. After successfully solving a case in Jerusalem, Poirot is looking forward to taking a vacation and so travels to Istanbul to meet his friend, Bouc, the Director of the Orient Express. Unfortunately, his vacation plans are dashed as he receives an urgent telegram calling him back to London. Buoc offers him passage aboard the fully booked Orient Express. Soon after boarding, a somewhat shady American arts dealer and fellow passenger, Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp) tries to hire the detective for protection. Poirot refuses and of course, Ratchett is murdered, stabbed to death during the first night of the journey. To make things worse, an avalanche has fallen, derailing and trapping everyone on board with a murderer. Poirot assembles the suspects and interviews them one by one: Ratchet’s secretary (Josh Gad), his Valet (Derek Jacobi), a socialite (Michelle Pfeiffer), a princess (Judy Dench), a professor (Willem Dafoe), a governess (Daisy Ridley), a doctor (Leslie Odom Jr.), and a missionary (Penelope Cruz). His questioning reveals a connection to every person on the train and the problem becomes that the more Poirot learns, the less the clues add up. He soon comes to realise that this case will lead him to question everything he knows. This isn't a traditional murder mystery, in that it's not particularly suspenseful or thrilling. Rather, it’s content and mature enough to explore the reasons behind it all, to find the soul of the thing. For those who know the outcome of “Murder” going in, the question isn’t so much whodunit as how Branagh will keep audiences guessing, and though he succeeds in creating the most memorable incarnation of Poirot ever seen on-screen. This is a movie aimed at viewers who have a little bit of patience and who don't mind a little bit of the way things used to be.
Written by Mellisa Hillier QUTLS Publications Officer 33
If you’re like me, you started studying law because you thought Judge Dredd was awesome. Or maybe you thought you’d walk straight from uni into a toptier law firm, with a linear career path and be rolling in the dosh. Or maybe you’re one of those blessed with moral superiority; dedicated to the sole cause of bettering humanity through the superpower that you are rapidly developing called legal reasoning. Either way, sooner or later, the cold harsh reality of this universe will strike you down: you will likely never be Judge Dredd, Robert Kardashian, or Atticus Finch. But don’t despair. With the assistance of two-anda-half clichés you can turn your life around.
GET SOME EXPERIENCE This is probably the most important. I did a full-time Bachelor of Architecture back in the day before Law even crossed my mind as a possibility. I was straight out of high school, still living in my cotton wool universe with a very loving and supportive mum and dad, with nothing but about a year’s worth of retail experience to base my real-world life decisions on. I decided I wouldn’t volunteer or anything like that because I mean only idiots work for free, right? I thought I would get a job straight out of uni. I mean who wouldn’t want to employ a graduate arts student with no work experience? I had a great beard (still do) and fortunately graduated just as the Global Financial Crisis hit. The world was my oyster! Well it turns out oysters are gross… After struggling to find work in Architecture I took a few years before eventually deciding to study law part-time. I spent these years exploring career possibilities and suffering continuous eye opener syndrome. Now, getting toward the pointy end of my law degree, having had some experience, both in and out of the legal field, both paid and unpaid, I feel more confident, settled and secure with where I’m headed… until the next night terror at least. 34
Community Legal Centres, ANY entry level job in the legal sphere, or making coffee for a lawyer kind enough to let you hang around the office, are all great places to start. You’ll get to look at, file, and maybe even draft some legal stuff. Don’t think to highly of yourself, the reality is you’re of no use to anyone without some actual experience, and everyone needs to start somewhere. So, unless you are going to work for the family law firm, swallow your hubris and your fear, put yourself out there and make the most of, and learn from, what opportunities present themselves.
PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE Look at your colleagues. Do you want what they have? If the answer is yes, then ask yourself why? Don’t worry about being condescending; you don’t have to tell them about your conclusions. Just be honest with yourself. I spent awhile stressing about the approval of others, that perfect GPA and resume. Luckily the stress took up so much time, I had none left to pursue any of those things. After failing a couple of units, working with people who had nothing but horror stories to tell about life (or lack thereof ) in a top-tier law firm, and seeing the sheer workload lawyers actually labour under (if you thought your prescribed weekly readings were a lot, just wait until you see a legal workplace), I realised I could probably settle for less and be perfectly happy. I’m still searching and discovering, but I’m beginning to see that the old cliché of ‘putting it in perspective’ is true. Find your own niche and motivations. They don’t always have to conform to acceptable norms, designated paths, or the expectations of others. If you don’t believe me then maybe you’ll believe the self-help half-cliché that has become Marcus Aurelius, “Is it your reputation that is bothering you? But look at how soon we’re all forgotten. The abyss of endless time that swallows all. The emptiness of all those applauding hands.”
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1. Public relations (pr)
If you’re any good at networking and building professional relationships, PR is a viable option for you. Most positions are within large corporate firms, but there is a number of smaller, boutique agencies popping up, where you may find a more hands-on role. Many agencies niche by industry as well, so if you’re interested in sports, you might well find a PR agency that specialises in just that.
3. Teaching and Academia
Perhaps you enjoyed law school so much you never wanted to leave? Well, you have the option of going back as a law professor. The world of academia is changing and you will likely need a Masters-level or higher qualification to get a teaching gig, but the jobs are there if you want them. Becoming a teacher can be hugely satisfying, helping others love the law (or something else). So, naturally, it can be a career that gives you a huge amount of personal value.
4. Account manager
If you have the right temperament and good client relationship skills, account management in an industry like advertising is another option to consider. In the typical account management role, you would manage and maintain existing client relationships and be the intermediary between the client and the project team. It’s a dynamic and engaging role that requires high-level problem-solving skills. If you are a bookworm or prefer to keep your head down, this might not be a good fit for you.
5. Project manager
Ah, yes, the mysterious project manager. What do they actually do? Well, they manage projects (funny that) in a variety of businesses and contexts. Like account management, it requires strong organisational skills, high-level problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence and basic people management skills. You also need to have a keen intellect to be able to spot gaps, as well as to plan and execute. This is a great career option that can take you across a range of industries. 36
2. Digital Marketing
The marketing world has expanded greatly with the advent of social media and digital marketing. If you’re more on the creative side, marketing is an alternative career for lawyers to consider. You can easily teach yourself the digital marketing skills required with one of the many online courses out there. Once you’ve learnt the ropes, you have the option of working in-house (at a start-up or an established business), at an agency or freelancing.
five year 12 Alter Care For La 6. Management consultant If you’re dead set on leaving the law, but aren’t quite ready to give up your cushy salary, management consulting is an option. It can be a demanding career and you can prepare to work similar hours as you would in practice. The upside is that you get exposure to a wide range of businesses and industries and can choose to specialise over time. This role requires high-level analytical skills (which usually isn’t an issue for lawyers) and a high degree of creativity (which can be a problem for some).
7. Politician
Some of the biggest players in Australian politics today have law degrees. Whilst you probably won’t be the next Malcolm Turnbull, there are many options at both the state and federal government level. If you want to take your lying skills to the next level then this is the career for you. Just make sure you secure a safe seat so you don’t have to work too hard come election time. It goes without saying that this can be a risky career in times of great change and leadership turmoil.
rs later... rnative eers awyers Written by Anonymous
11. Policy advisors in government
Many arms of government have huge policy teams that are a great fit for lawyers with an interest in policy and regulatory development. While a lot of the roles start out at a junior level, there is the opportunity to progress. The work can also be incredibly important and rewarding. You might have a particular passion for financial regulatory work, or access to justice or competition law, and get a big kick out of being involved with developing policy directly.
8. Business development manager
This might sound like a big leap from law, but it actually isn’t. If your firm has an in-house BD manager, you could start by showing interest in making the move across. Otherwise, be prepared to highlight how your BD skills have brought in work for your team when applying for BD roles. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and typically is the driving force for preparing pitches and tenders, as well as following leads and managing existing client relationships.
9. Private equity / Private client associate
A lot of private equity firms hire lawyers with corporate and PE experience to move over to the commercial side. Most of these roles involve a significant amount of deal management and will tap into your legal skills, making this a great alternative career for lawyers.
10. Regulatory investigation work Regulatory investigation work is another alternative career option for lawyers. Many government agencies have large investigation teams that work on both physical investigations and policy matters. Options for Australian lawyers include the ACCC, Federal Police, ASIC and the ATO, just to mention a few.
12. Mediator
Lawyers with enough experience in the litigation and advocacy side of practice in areas like family law, consumer law and general commercial litigation might consider stepping sideways into mediation. The alternative dispute resolution area is a growing one, as the legal system and government seek to drive efficiency. It can be quite adversarial, but the purpose of mediation is to find common ground and avoid full-blown litigation. 37
Investin g in Yourself Written by Emily Readman
September has not been what I expected. A combination of university work piling up, the inevitable life-reshuffle of changing from one job to the next and some other 'perfectly lovely' stressful situations that I won't go into has left me out of whack. I've been stressed more, sleeping to catch up from being stressed and stressing because I've been sleeping and not working. It's a vicious cycle, and I'm sure that a lot of you have found yourselves stuck going in unhealthy circles once or thirty times in your life. That being said, there are ways to help. I'm going to dive straight in with some tips for investing in yourself, body, mentality, social spheres, the lot.
LOG OUT (AND DON'T FEEL BAD) Whenever I feel under the weather, I log out straight away. Don't get me wrong, social media is fantastic, but things like blogging can always come later. If you're feeling volatile, comparison is your worst enemy and when you follow 300-500 people it's hard to avoid. You can do without it for a week. It will let you gain some perspective, and perspective is always a welcome refresher. With the added time and clarity, you can channel your energy into other things!
PRIORITISE JOY Happiness is something I honestly crave so much, enough is never enough. We all find happiness in different ways, but whatever avenue you take to get it is the right one. Personally, I'm always happy drinking coffee, having good conversations or listening to live music. These are the things which bring me joy and so I've started to make them my priority. You may find joy in other things, yoga or weightlifting or baking, but you should take the time to do these things as often as you can. Seek joy in abundance, make it a daily pursuit. Joy is not a luxury item, you can make as much of it as you like (preferably make tonnes) so make the investment.
EAT / SLEEP / WALK / REST A key part of investing in yourself is investing in your body! Like mental health, which I have mentioned here and here, physical health is something you should be checking in with and improving regularly. You should eat well (and often), try as best you can to get 7-8 hours of sleep, and exercise as much as you feel comfortable with. Even just walking around your neighbourhood gets you out breathing fresh air and releasing endorphins into your body. With any luck you'll get into a nice routine, fixing the problem I was talking about in my introduction. Also, make sure that you get to properly rest. Take the time to stop and check in with your body. Relax points of tension and try intentional deep breathing. Your body is the only thing you truly own, so treat it with care. You won't regret it.
CREATIVITY & INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS Even if you think of yourself as the analytical type, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking is incredibly valuable. Stimulating your creative thinking skills does wonders to adjusting your critical reasoning, and opens your mind to new ideas. Wherever you find creativity, within visual art or writing, photography etc, try to practice regularly and cultivate your craft. From it, you learn a medium of expression, passion, and a way to enjoy your time. Make some good art and I promise good things will come back to you. 38
I'm a massive advocate of life-long learning. Intellectual pursuits are an excellent way to invest in yourself; seriously, you can never be over-educated. Some great ways to do this is through Crash Course by the Green Brothers (I recommend world history, economics and philosophy), TEDtalks and podcasts. I also love going to talks and workshops, if you live in an Australian capital city, give Creative Mornings a try. Also reading non-fiction books outside of your course of study is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in new topics, plus you'll be wiser for it. As well as being clued up on a number of topics, if you're currently at university investing in your intelligence and research skills will pay you back when it comes to retaining information that you need to know for your coursework. Knowledge is an infinite and rewarding resource and it will never be unwelcome in this day and age.
FIND YOUR ROOTS I mean this in the respect of keeping in touch with your environment. Go to the untouched natural places around you, beaches, rivers, forests, and take in the beauty of the world around you. I personally find that I get a great deal of energy from feeling connected with nature. This also ties in with the logging off point I made before, whenever I log out of social media I make a point of going to the beach and letting myself revitalise by taking time to appreciate the water, the sand and the sky. There is a wonderful sense of belonging that can only be found when making a connection with the land you are walking on.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE I cannot stress how important it is to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Your friends and colleagues make up a lot of who you are and in turn, you make up a lot of who they are. People around you will always be an incredible influence, for better or for worse. I've been on both sides of the spectrum in my life, I've had people around me at stages of my life who made me feel worthless. Thank goodness I've wound up being in the company of the most supportive and wonderful people who consistently take my breath away with their generosity and kindness. The people in my life are so beautiful (honey I'm talking inner beauty), and I wouldn't be as confident or happy without their life-changing presence. If you aren't with people who make you feel special, go find those people. They're out there. Chances are, they're looking for you too. Hope you found this useful, actually, it really helped me just writing it all down. Remember, you'll never go broke from investing in yourself.
See you soon, E.
Read more about Emily’s blog by visiting www.heya-emily.blogspot.com.au
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You there!
Disrupt the Law in 2018 The top event of my year – Disrupting Law. In one page I’m going to tell you why you should do it next year. Let me pitch it to you. Technology and its developments are becoming increasingly relevant to every industry. Many of the individual tasks and practices in the legal industry face a disruption. They face a technological revolution. There are exciting glimpses of the future of legal practice - from smart contracts to blockchain. Disrupting Law is a legal hackathon that stimulates a discussion about these topics and groups it together in a single weekend. A hackathon is typically an event where people collaborate as groups, working together to develop a technological solution to a problem. Disrupting Law is the legal industry version of a hackathon event, run by The Legal Forecast and QUT Starters. There are many issues in legal practice and many chances to use technology in addressing them. This is a valuable opportunity to network with peers and prospective employers. It allows for a genuine exchange of ideas and interests – something that not all network events can always capture. At the start of the weekend, each group is paired with a mentoring law firm. During the event, representatives from the legal industry such as Thomson Reuters and Janders Dean rotated from group to group to offer their advice in developing each product pitch. Mentoring law firms included Piper Alderman, Herbert Smith Freehills, Allens Linklaters, Clayton Utz, Helix Legal, Law Squared, ClarkeKann, Minter Ellison, Hall & Wilcox, DLA Piper, McCullough Robertson and King & Wood Mallesons. This means over the course of the weekend you truly get close to a leading law firm and converse with the engaging proponents of this industry. This is the type of experience that no other networking event provides; the event in 2018 should be on your bucket list. Think differently, discover technology, investigate legal issues and meet the leading minds of your industry. Next year, disrupt the law.
Written by Michael Webster QUT Law Student
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MOVE YOUR MIND
Graduates in Law
Aim beyond pure legal knowledge. Beyond commercial advice. Be known for something more: a clarity of thought and an instinct for problem solving that can influence governments and leading businesses the world over. Join us and we’ll help you enrich and expand your worldview, grow your skills and influence new ways of thinking. In other words, we’ll help you move minds.
Begin now at careers.ashurst.com Connect with us on
As a junior lawyer, your enthusiasm is in overdrive. Everything is interesting. You have a million questions for everyone. You want to be the best. And for me, I wanted to be the best lawyer and leader I could be. Right now I’m a corporate and tax lawyer, buying and selling companies, structuring investments and having the occasional battle with the ATO.
STAY TRUE.
So, a little while after I started at Clayton Utz, I joined the social committee. A powerful assembly fuelled by lunchtime pizzawielding lawyers making important decisions like choosing the Christmas party theme. They knew I liked pizza, but had no idea I was gay. You see, I wasn’t out at work yet and this became a genuine source of anxiety for a good two years. But In May 2015 this all changed... To listen to Luke’s full story, go to: claytonutz.com/graduates Academic brilliance certainly counts, but graduates who thrive here have something extra – a natural passion for connecting with people and a strong sense of self. That’s what staying true is all about. If you have these qualities, Clayton Utz is for you.
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President Harrison Bell president@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Jake Stacey)
Vice-President Alastair Page vicepresident@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Jack Bristed)
Secretary Kate Jamieson secretary@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Michael Webster)
Treasurer N/A treasurer@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Rana Lateef)
Director of Competitions Yanery Ventura Rodriguez
director.competitions@qutlawsociety.com
(2018: Annalise Spurge)
Director of Education Jake Stacey director.education@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Ebony-Lee Corbyn)
Director of Events Yehanka Ranasinghe
director.events@qutlawsociety.com
(2018: Yehanka Ranasinghe)
Director of Media & Communication Claudia Choi director.mediacommunication@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Charlotte Mann)
Director of Moot Club Patrick Johnson director.mootclub@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Helen Driscoll)
Director of Sport and Health Alexandra Pearman director.sporthealth@qutlawsociety.com (2018: Lucy Hammond)
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