The UNSW JD Juris Doctor 2012 Program Guide Never Stand Still
Faculty of Law
UNSW Law School offers the
HIGHEST–RATED LAW DEGREE IN AUSTRALIA. Founded 40 years ago, UNSW Law School offers innovative legal education in a stimulating and inclusive environment. Our 10,000 graduates apply their broad range of skills and a distinctive approach to the law in a diversity of careers, both
LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Welcome to UNSW Law School a dynamic learning environment which is among the finest Law Schools in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Employers tell us that the distinctive UNSW approach gives our students the edge. We place emphasis on combining the study of technical legal principle with a wider focus on both the operation of law in practice and social justice. This means that our graduates are recognised as having a broad range of skills for practice at the highest levels of law, business, government and the wider community. Our award-winning teaching faculty bring a world of legal knowledge to your classroom and, together with our students, create a stimulating and productive intellectual and social community.
Your time at UNSW Law School will be one of opportunity. Having come to UNSW from across Australia and the world, UNSW JD graduates will leave with not only an outstanding law degree, but one which is recognised internationally.
WELCOME
The academic excellence of our programs has always been paramount in our students’ success. The UNSW JD, or Juris Doctor, combines proven academic rigour, program flexibility, and professional engagement.
You can be confident that your investment in your education will be respected by a Law School which values academic excellence and strives to ensure that our students are well placed for success, regardless of career path.
We are immensely proud of our graduates and our achievements and I look forward to welcoming you as a student of our Law School and lifelong member of our Alumni community.
Professor David Dixon Dean, Faculty of Law
2 The UNSW Juris Doctor
The UNSW JD is a professional law degree for graduates of disciplines other than law.
THE UNSW JURIS DOCTOR
The JD is nationally and internationally recognised as a graduate level law degree and can be used as a basis for seeking admission to the legal profession. Students will develop their legal knowledge in a challenging and dynamic learning environment, under the guidance of a world-class faculty. Harnessing the core structure and teaching of the renowned UNSW law degree, the UNSW JD allows students to study law at a postgraduate level which reflects their maturity and proven proficiency with tertiary study. Honours will be awarded to the highest performing UNSW JD graduates. The quality of any law degree lies in the structure of the academic program. The compulsory courses of the JD provide comprehensive knowledge of the various areas of law that are fundamental to legal practice and an understanding of the legal system. Students then choose courses from a very wide array of electives on offer. This enables students to graduate with specialised knowledge in a particular legal area, such as international or corporate law. Alternatively, students can experience law’s diversity by exploring and studying a range of areas of law before they graduate and make career decisions.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
At UNSW Law School, the JD gives students a particularly broad range of opportunities for high-level experiential learning in order to gain a critical and deep understanding of the law in areas which will especially benefit them in their future careers. Included in our long list of electives are a number of courses which offer direct engagement with legal practice in the form of internships, clinical practice at our Kingsford Legal Centre, national and international mooting competitions and an international exchange program. We offer students exceptional opportunities to study international legal systems by joining our two week summer or winter schools in China, Vietnam, Italy, Vanuatu and New York. Our JD cohort continues to expand UNSW Law School’s tradition of excellence and inclusion.
3 The UNSW Juris Doctor
Duration of the Program The UNSW JD is a three year program. The Law School offers courses over three semesters during the year. The main semesters are 12 weeks long and run from late February to June, and late July to November. The Summer Semester runs over a shorter period of eight weeks from late November to early February. Some students use the Summer Semester to spread their courses over the full year to better balance their study and working commitments. They take a course over Summer so as to have a slightly lighter workload during the main semester period. Others choose to use the Summer Semester to take an extra course or two and thereby accelerate their progression through the degree. Alternatively, students can choose to enrol in fewer courses each Semester and extend the duration of the program, up to a maximum of eight years.
In first semester I was on campus 4 days a week, which meant working afternoons and on my non-uni day during the week. In second semester I was able to squeeze everything into 2 days from 9-6pm. Although it’s seems like any other 8 hour working day, learning so much in one day is certainly exhausting. The great thing is you always get a lunch break from 1-2pm so there is a chance to take a breather, grab some lunch or go to one of the presentations that are so often held on campus by faculty staff. The workload has been huge, and entering law really does mean you have to think about problems and the world in a whole new way.
CLANCY KING 2ND YEAR JD STUDENT
Commonwealth Supported Places are offered to students based on the standard three year program structure. International students must enrol in the minimum number of units of credit per semester to meet their visa requirements.
First year was a wonderful and intense experience. The foundations of law classes immersed me in law and set the stage for the classes to come. Although studying full-time, I’ve managed to keep up part-time work, but it makes for a busy schedule.
4 Program structure
To prepare our students in the best possible way for studying law, we offer the introductory course, Foundations of Law, on an intensive basis prior to the start of other first year law subjects.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Students begin class in ‘O-week’ (or Orientation Week) for Foundations of Law and continue this introductory course into their first semester. This enables students to acquire the basic conceptual tools needed to study the substantive law subjects, such as principles of statutory interpretation and how to read and interpret case law as well as introduce students to essential legal writing and research skills. The UNSW JD is a flexible program; students can commence in either semester 1 or semester 2, can choose to study part-time or full-time, and choose to take compulsory courses in the CBD or at Kensington. The Law School recommends students follow a defined sequence of courses in their program of study so that the knowledge and skills in one course best prepares them for the next course of study. Generally, students will complete all or most of their compulsory core courses prior to selecting from the range of elective courses offered each year.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Honours Honours is awarded to graduating UNSW JD students of the highest calibre. The award of Honours is based on the weighted average mark of a student’s academic results and research papers completed as part of the Law program of study. Students are not required to complete an additional research paper or an additional year for the award of Honours in Law.
Because of the small classes, people know who you are. No-one’s a stranger.
MARK DUFFY 2ND YEAR JD STUDENT
5 Program structure
Standard 3 Year Program:
The program structures provided below are offered as a guide to help students select their courses.
Semester 1 Start
Sample 0nly
YEAR 1
Foundations of Law (O-week classes) Semester 1
Foundations of Law
Criminal Law 1
Contracts 1
Public Law
Semester 2
Criminal Law 2
Torts
Contracts 2
Administrative Law
Semester 1
Property, Equity & Trusts 1
Litigation 1
Federal Constitutional Law
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Semester 2
Property & Equity 2
Litigation 2
Business Associations 1
Advanced Legal Research
Semester 1
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Semester 2
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Foundations of Law
Torts
Contracts 1
Public Law
Semester 1
Criminal Law 1
Property, Equity & Trusts 1
Administrative Law
Federal Constitutional Law
Semester 2
Criminal Law 2
Property & Equity 2
Contracts 2
Litigation 1
Semester 1
Business Associations 1
Advanced Legal Research
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Litigation 2
Semester 2
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law, Lawyers & Society
YEAR 2
Summer Semester
Law Elective
YEAR 3
Summer Semester
Semester 2 (Mid Year) Start Foundations of Law (O-week classes)
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
Semester 2
Law, Lawyers & Society
Summer Semester
Summer Semester
Summer Semester Semester 1
Law Elective
6 Program structure
Accelerated 2.5 Year Program
Students can choose to accelerate their progression by taking courses during the Summer Semester. Students can seek advice from the JD Director about accelerating their study.
Semester 1 Start
Sample 0nly
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
Foundations of Law (O-week classes) Semester 1
Foundations of Law
Criminal Law 1
Contracts 1
Public Law
Semester 2
Criminal Law 2
Torts
Contracts 2
Administrative Law
Summer Semester
Federal Constitutional Law
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Advanced Legal Research
Enrol in 3 courses this Summer if you wish to apply to undertake a Summer Clerkship next Summer Semester. If not students enrol in two courses.
Semester 1
Property, Equity & Trusts 1
Litigation 1
Business Associations 1
Law Elective
Semester 2
Property & Equity 2
Litigation 2
Law Elective
Law Elective
Summer Semester
Federal Constitutional Law
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Advanced Legal Research
* Summer Clerkship with Legal Firm during Summer Semester. If not students enrol in one course.
Semester 1
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law, Lawyers & Society
Law Elective
Law Elective
Semester 2 (Mid Year) Start
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
Foundations of Law (O-week classes) Semester 2
Foundations of Law
Torts
Contracts 1
Public Law
Summer Semester
Federal Constitutional Law
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Advanced Legal Research
Enrol in 3 courses this Summer if you wish to apply to undertake a Summer Clerkship next Summer Semester. If not students enrol in two courses.
Semester 1
Criminal Law 1
Property, Equity & Trusts 1
Contracts 2
Litigation 1
Semester 2
Criminal Law 2
Property & Equity 2
Administrative Law
Litigation 2
Summer Semester
Federal Constitutional Law
Law & Social Theory or Legal Theory
Advanced Legal Research
* Summer Clerkship with Legal Firm during Summer Semester. If not students enrol in one course.
Semester 1
Business Associations 1
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Semester 2
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Law Elective
Fewer elective courses are offered over the shorter Summer Semester. Please refer to the website for further information on timetables.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Law, Lawyers & Society
*Students apply to undertake a Summer Clerkship. UNSW does not select students for Summer Clerkships.
7 Program structure
What is a summer clerkship? Summer clerkships are offered by legal firms and some government departments. Students usually apply for the clerkships during their penultimate year of study and undertake the clerkship during the summer before their third or final year of study. These clerkships allow students to gain practical experience and skills and discover what life is really like as a legal practitioner. The NSW Law Society coordinates the Summer Clerkship Program and Graduate Employment Program on behalf of law schools and law firms in NSW.
In addition, a significant number of UNSW law academics are also award-winning teachers whose commitment to excellence in teaching, through ongoing and innovative course design and teaching delivery which utilises the most effective teaching technologies and strategies, is second to none.
PROFESSOR ROSEMARY RAYFUSE PROGRAM CONVENOR UNSW JD
For more information: www.lawsociety.com.au
Commitment to pedagogical excellence and student centred learning are the central hallmarks of teaching at UNSW Law School. The academic staff are nationally and internationally recognised experts in their fields, with many of them being authors of the leading law text books in use in Law Schools across Australia.
8 A distinctinve study experience
A DISTINCTIVE STUDY EXPERIENCE
A very distinctive feature of the UNSW JD is the depth of study of the law we provide for our students and the opportunities we give them to gain real experience in the law. JD courses are offered in areas in which our academic staff are leaders in the field including human rights and social justice, international and comparative law, criminal law, criminal justice and criminology. We offer our students courses where they take part in real experiential learning like our extensive range of internships and clinical legal education courses.
Structure The UNSW JD comprises 144 units of credit, with 17 compulsory core courses and 9 elective courses. Elective courses can be selected from a wide range of offerings, with opportunities to study alongside our Masters students.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Compulsory courses The Law School’s rigorous academic program provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the core legal concepts. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Foundations of Law Criminal Law 1 Contracts 1 Public Law Law, Lawyers & Society Criminal Law 2 Torts Contracts 2 Advanced Legal Research Administrative Law Property, Equity & Trusts 1 Litigation 1 Federal Constitutional Law Law & Social Theory / Legal Theory Property & Equity 2 Litigation 2 Business Associations 1
Elective courses Students are able to select nine elective courses in areas of particular interest to them and which will especially benefit them in their future careers. Included in these electives are internships, our clinical program and our two week short courses overseas to study the legal systems of particular countries.
9 A distinctinve study experience
It can be challenging to balance part-time work and full-time study. For some courses you need to be able to attend court during the day to observe and learn from seeing the law in action.
Small classes Studying in small classes is what UNSW Law is known for and it’s why our teaching and learning consistently ranks above other Law Schools.
CLAIRE STIMPSON 2ND YEAR JD STUDENT
UNSW JD students are able to engage in real debate and discussion in the classroom because there are just 30 students in the group. They develop the legal techniques and skills of reasoning and analysis, argument and negotiation which are critical to successfully practise as a lawyer.
I find the CBD classes make it easier to fit everything in. Last semester I spent Tuesdays and Fridays at Kensington and took two evening classes after work on Mondays and Thursdays. The CBD campus is a great complement to day classes at Kensington.
Electives
CTIV ELE
10
g erin d n u y La nd the e n o a ti-M Right s nal n A of s• t io rket n Bill s onstitu ce • a C ti se lM li a pita Austra tralian nd Prac • Chine a C t s Deb Crime • t s • Au n Law a he Law l d e h c of dt ig t io rcia an Adv roceeds uman R mmigra ldren an Comme al Law P erci of H ralian I h • Chi ience • m n and Law o s m c i t r t s n e o e c o e u C i p e p • icat on • Prot sues • A Free S egal Ex tract s n u m Is ati er on lL nd m Law rship a Clinica ercial C ns • Co ivil Litig onsum • C io m •C so Cen System s • Com ransact mplex f Laws T o inal Co w al Leg ct of La roper ty stice • Conflict y • Crim Media P • ic l Ju fli he Con mercial rimina igation and Pol y and t e Law c h it m eC al L on Law n, Priva t s and t Law i • Co parativ c r me pt i m atio y Righ merce m a • Co lex Com • Corru f • bilit ic Com De p a w • s a Law • i m y l L t n D a s n o t Co • e o n tr ecti shon d Policy • Elec ironme de Law cial Prot and Di w an La Env and Tra • Finan w • e d a h u w t L s ic d La Fra bility Law n Right n an yment nom y a l o o i i s c t i a lo • D rimina U: E s • Fam d Hum nuation p E m • s n n m •E sc rket l Syste ation a Supera • Di ractice a M P al nt, and ega d Migr e L w m a and nment d an and age ition L rce o s n o h r i n t a F l v o t • ti M e ea En stitu nd Law • Funds n Comp aw • H oples • n I : i e lL sa EU mic nal Law l Issues mercia nous P NY o – n o e e a o c m i c g b i o E ti at lo nd C and Ind in Prac eople tern nce • G a n I n in io ts ts sP ra li sat an Righ n Righ igenou al Law n su I a d b an • Glo • Hum • Huma w • Ind rnation aw y c i a l e a w Po ce L ax L s in Int l L a s i n A si n T a a c r e i u e d Me n Right l • Incom s Peopl r ty • Ins a o u e Hum er Scho digeno al Prop n m •I c tu Sum e Law elle t n I d th and strial an u • Ind
11 Electives
VES
er ty p o r lP al ctua rnation itration e l l te e In ce • Inte cial Arb aw v i t a par ial Justi ommer omic L m o n c C C and t s of So ational nal Eco l Law l a c ta n io on nati al Aspe s • Inter nternat ronmen tion r e t I i n la on • In ctio l Law • nal Env egu nati a R r s e n t a & cy • and • In ess Tra min ternatio Policy a i c r o C v l : w in n Bus nationa gion • I System and Ad onal La ot • o e w ti er al • Int Asian R inanci ight s La Interna titive M • e lF R pe in th nationa uman ian Law w Com tion lH Law La er ar na • Int nationa umanit ational i scrimi l Trade h is D H er na rn • Int ational e • Inte ality & ernatio ity • Jew s u ie rc rn nt qu Inte e of Fo w of E ions • I es in Eq Industr at d La re Us su ani s ct s • Is e Cultu ght s an l the ational g r a lO t ra rn d th Law, Ri tion licy n a Inte nationa of Con a N • Po n Law e Sea • er Law e Law, s • Int pretatio lings • h e t of ea er ourc tive Titl ublic • Int Land D g • Law nd Res • Na ems • P w • a • in s k g t w n n t h a i L l La er vices f Ba • Min Rig Sys a l o n a n a w o g • La opment d Hum nds Le ternati ancial S d n a l n n l a I in e Dev ty Law acific Is Public s and F Spor t a tory • ri •P ritie gram • • Statu iety am r u Secu ractice c g e o c Pr Pro keting •S P n n n r il So r d o e v i e n r i t t t a a C n u n I I t r dM esti tice rest y fo e Law Inte dies • R cial Jus rship an dvocac of th ade o o e A S s k c r m • n i l n b Tr Re wo po latio por t s S egic Pu Frame ocate • ght s • u g i l t v S Re Stra ceptua tial Ad w• an R Law • a m L n u n ht s sen and H Co the retatio s g i e E h R e r g h rp •T licin • Wate l•T Inte ession o a i P r l m a lT cc • Su Crimina snation al Syste g e an e Le • Th ces • Tr s e ti am Prac • Vietn ts Trus
Not all electives are offered every year. Students should refer to website for current timetable information.
12 Beyond the classrom
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
In addition to classroom-based teaching, we encourage our students to gain high-level practical experience of the law by offering an extensive range of outstanding opportunities which are credited to their degree. These opportunities include: internships, mooting, UNSW Law Journal, clinical practice and international opportunities.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Internships Internships give UNSW JD students an opportunity during their degree to ‘trial’ careers in advocacy and policy areas by working in non-government organisations (NGOs), social justice organisations, law reform and public interest groups. Students gain training and practical legal experience beyond the classroom, and a unique insight into future career paths. In addition to the partner organisations listed, students can also undertake Internships for course credit at organisations around the world, including the United Nations, other intergovernmental organisations or NGOs in foreign countries.
The value of internships: There is no doubt that employers are impressed by the skills that students gain during internships. From an employer’s point of view practical experience in a workplace is invaluable and this type of experience makes a student stand out in a crowd of applicants.
FRANCES GIBSON DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Clinical Practice - Kingsford Legal Centre Working with experienced solicitors, UNSW JD students interview clients, develop legal strategies for conduct of the case, undertake legal research, write letters, prepare briefs to counsel, make submissions and instruct barristers in court. Students might be assisting with advice involving family law, domestic violence, discrimination, personal injury, credit and debt, immigration, employment law, criminal law and other matters. Students undertake clinical practice at UNSW’s own Kingsford Legal Centre located in the Law building on campus.
Internship Partner Organisations Amnesty International, Arts Law Centre of Australia, Asia Pacific Forum of Human Rights Institutions, Aurora Project Office, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Australian Human Rights Centre, Australian Human Rights Commission, Australian Law Reform Commission, Australian Red Cross, Australian Taxation Office, Baker & McKenzie Pro Bono Practice, Centre for Refugee Research (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences), Corrs Chamber Westgarth Pro Bono Practice, Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre, Department of Public Prosecution, Diplomacy Training Program, Edmund Rice Centre for Human Rights, Environmental Defender’s Office, Federal Magistrate’s Court of Australia, Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby NSW, GetUp!, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, Gilbert + Tobin Pro Bono Practice, Greenpeace, Indigenous Law Centre, International Humanitarian Law Program, Australian Red Cross NSW, Justice Action, National Children’s and Youth Legal Centre, National Pro Bono Resource Centre, New Matilda, New South Wales Law Reform Commission, New South Wales Ombudsman’s Office, Oxfam Australia, Public Defender’s Office, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Refugee Advice and Casework Service, Sentencing Council of NSW, Social Justice Project, Tenants Union of NSW, Voiceless, Welfare Rights Centre, Women’s Legal Service
The KLC experience:
Students love the chance to meet with real clients, learn about how law and lawyers work in practice and see how law frequently fails disadvantaged clients and communities. They enjoy using the theory they have learnt in their work and can imagine themselves as lawyers. KLC gives students an opportunity to re-connect with why they chose to study law in the first place. Our teaching methodology relies on students taking responsibility for client files and law reform or community education projects and running these under supervision. Meeting people with real legal problems brings law alive in unexpected ways. Students also love the chance to work in a community legal centre, as part of a team who together try and help people with their complex issues.
ANNA CODY DIRECTOR KINGSFORD LEGAL CENTRE
14 International opportunities
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Take a course overseas JD students are keen to add international experience and legal knowledge to their study program and find that our 2-3 week summer and winter schools overseas are ideal. We offer these courses at a range of overseas locations during the main semester breaks. The courses are elective Law courses and are credited to the student’s law degree.
Beijing and Shanghai, China: Students travel to China to study the Chinese Legal System in Beijing or Shanghai. This two week course provides an introduction to the legal system of the People’s Republic of China with particular reference to modern developments in contract and commercial law. In addition to studying the legal system, students see this legal system in practice with field trips to a Chinese law firm and Chinese court. The itinerary also includes opportunities to experience local culture and attractions.
Port Vila, Vanuatu: Students travel to the University of the South Pacific Law School, located in Port Vila, Vanuatu to study Pacific Islands Legal Systems. This two week course provides an introduction to the legal systems of the South Pacific with particular focus on Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu. There will be some focus also on local commercial and environmental law, as well as Indigenous land tenure. The course will be taught by lecturers from a number of countries. The itinerary
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
includes visits to the local courts as well as field trips to explore local customary law in operation. There will be opportunities to explore local culture and attractions.
Hanoi, Vietnam: The Vietnam Summer School takes place in Hanoi and offers students an exceptional opportunity to be immersed in one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in the region. The program offers two courses over a three week program - Vietnamese Legal System, and International Economic Law in the Asian Region - and students may select to be enrolled in one or both courses. Both provide an opportunity to learn about the Vietnamese legal system, to put comparative law theory into practical context, and to gain a deeper awareness of cross-cultural communication and Vietnamese culture. A vibrant program of field trips and presentations by local experts complements the formal academic program.
15 International opportunities
New York, USA: Taught in conjunction with Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute, this two week intensive summer school, Human Rights in Practice, examines the operation of human rights law in practice in international, regional and domestic US and Australian contexts. Based in New York, the course draws together leading US and international human rights lawyers to provide cutting-edge case studies from US courts, regional human rights commissions and the UN system. It also provides students with doctrinal foundations in international human rights law and its incorporation into domestic law, as well as an introduction to the US Bill of Rights and civil rights law. The program will include field visits to the United Nations and other major New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Prato, Italy: Students travel to Italy to study the European Union: Institutions and Legal Systems. The course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the constitutional theory and history, institutional structure and basic elements of the legal system of the unique polity which is the European Union. The course also features guest speakers who are specialists in European law from the European University Institute and European Commission.
International Exchange JD students can go on a semester long international exchange to leading Law Schools around the world. UNSW students do not pay any additional tuition fees to the overseas host institution and they are able to do courses which are credited to the UNSW JD. The Law School has direct links with the following leading Law Schools: Canada: McGill University, Queen’s University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario China: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Beijing Normal University Denmark: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University France: Paris 2, Aix Marseille 3, Lyon 3, Sciences Po Finland: University of Turku Germany: University of Bonn, Bucerius Law School Hamburg, Freie University Berlin, Freiburg University, Tuebingen University, Mannheim University Iceland: University of Iceland, India: NALSAR School of Law Ireland: University College Dublin Italy: Bocconi University, University of Bologna, University of Padua
Korea: Korea University, Yonsei University, Ewha Women’s University, Seoul National University Mexico: University of Guadalajara, Tech De Monterrey Netherlands: University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Law School New Zealand: University of Auckland Norway: University of Oslo Singapore: National University of Singapore South Africa: University of Cape Town Spain: University of Zaragoza, University of Carlos 3 Madrid Sweden: Lund University, Uppsala University Tahiti: University of French Polynesia Taiwan: National Taiwan University Thailand: Chulalongkorn University UK: University of Birmingham, Glasgow University, University of Nottingham, University College London, University of Exeter, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds USA: Boston College, University of Texas, Tulane University, University of California, Hastings College of Law For further details, please visit www.international.unsw. du.au/exchange
16 Who’s studying the UNSW JD
WHO’S STUDYING THE UNSW JD
Our JD students are an exceptional group of students. Their qualifications, experience, skills and interests are wonderfully diverse which makes for a very rich learning experience. UNSW JD students study with their peers, a mature cohort of postgraduate students with proven proficiency in tertiary study. Exclusive JD classes throughout the compulsory component of the program enable UNSW JD students to establish a strong collegial network from a variety of discipline backgrounds and experiences.
sizes in later semesters. As active participants in these class groups, our students develop outstanding skills of analysis and argument, and a strong and lucid grasp of legal concepts and processes.
A fundamental philosophy of the Law School is small group teaching. Courses are taught in small classes of just 30 students in the first semester, with the opportunity of flexible class
As students at one of Australia’s leading Law Schools, UNSW JD students will learn from some of Australia’s leading scholars and professional legal practitioners.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Who’ll be teaching you
My JD cohort is a diverse mix and includes musicians, doctors and business people. The value of this comes out in the classroom where your fellow students bring a wealth of life experience to discussions. This differs from my undergraduate studies because the JD is a mature learning environment where I feel I learn as much from my classmates as from my lecturers.
XAVIER O’HALLORAN 2ND YEAR JD STUDENT
17 Who’s studying the UNSW JD
JD SNAPSHOT Average age of 28 years.
Ages range from 21 to 60+ years.
Previous degrees from 20 Australian universities & 25 international universities in Science, Linguistics, Music, Pharmacy, Politics, Communications, Biotechnology, Medicine & Surgery, Architecture, History, Social Science & Policy, Business, Accounting, Media, Neuroscience, Commerce, Metallurgy and Philosophy among others.
The international currency that is a JD has enormous potential value in serving the needs of Australia as a country that increasingly looks out into a world where we send our best and brightest to shine; not only in sport, the arts and sciences but in commerce, international justice and governance.
Occupations include engineers, journalists, accountants, doctors, pharmacists, architects, teachers, social workers, army & naval officers.
Nearly 40% have postgraduate qualifications in areas including psychology, criminology, music, public health, international finance, development and international relations, and commerce.
CHRIS CRAIGIE COMMONWEALTH DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
Over 30% speak two languages, with 17% speaking three or more languages which include Spanish, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Thai and Portuguese.
18 Class format
A distinctive feature of the UNSW JD is our small class format.
CLASS FORMAT
Each compulsory course is usually taught over four hours per week, comprising 2 x two hour classes. An exception is Foundations of Law, which is taught in intensive format and commences one week prior to the start of semester. Electives are taught in a variety of formats, including: • Weekly daytime classes • Weekly evening classes • Intensive classes (taught over a condensed timeframe)
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Where are classes held Most compulsory courses are offered at both the UNSW Kensington Campus (just 7km from the Sydney CBD) and the contemporary UNSW Sydney CBD Campus at No. 1 O’Connell Street, in the heart of Sydney’s legal and financial district. Classes at Kensington are generally scheduled during the day, and CBD classes are held in the afternoons and evenings. Students can elect to study (on a course by course basis) at whichever location best suits their personal circumstances. Classes held at the UNSW Kensington campus, in our modern, purpose-built law building, provide easy access to the Freehills Law Library which is within the law building, to academic and student services staff and the university campus and facilities.
Academic support The Peer Tutor Program: is offered free to first year JD students to assist them in developing and practising legal skills such as case-reading and statutory interpretation. Senior students are trained to act as paid peer tutors and work with a small group of students for about one to two hours per week. The International Student Peer Tutor Program: is a dedicated program of support for International JD students. The program is offered free to International students in their first two semesters. In addition to offering academic support in relation to key legal skills such as case reading and problem solving, the program has particular emphasis on developing legal writing skills.
19 Class format
Professional Recognition The JD is nationally and internationally recognised as a graduate level law degree and can be used as a basis for seeking admission to the legal profession. As the requirements for admission to legal practice are complex, you should refer to the relevant admitting body in the State or Country where you intend to practise.
Admission to practice To be admitted to the profession and practise in NSW you need to apply to the Supreme Court of NSW. For more details about the admission process and practising Law in NSW, visit the Law Society of NSW website www.lawsociety.com.au.
Academic requirement The UNSW JD is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and satisfies the academic component for admission to practice as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of NSW.
Working internationally As in Australia, to practise Law in other countries you must satisfy the academic and accreditation criteria in the particular jurisdiction. Always refer to the relevant authority or admitting body in that country or state.
Practical Legal Training Following academic study you will be required to complete an accredited program of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The Law Society of New South Wales regulates and conducts a course in practical legal training through the College of Law. The program is designed to provide the practical legal training required for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW. For more details about PLT visit the NSW College of Law website www.collaw.edu.au.
Note: As the requirements for admission to legal practice are complex, please refer to the relevant admitting body in the State or Country where you intend to practise.
Practising Law
JENNIFER McFARLANE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CLEANSOURCE POWER (USA)
The information below is provided as a guide only.
Practising in other States of Australia – Interstate Mobility Under the National Practising Certificate scheme legal practitioners with a current practising certificate in NSW may also practice in other Australian States and Territories. Please refer to the relevant Law society in the state or territory where you wish to practise.
The JD degree from UNSW Law School further extends the invaluable skills the school provides to its graduates to do business successfully globally, whether as a lawyer or in business.
20 Careers and employment
CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT
The UNSW JD will open doors to many career opportunities in Australia and internationally in legal firms, business enterprises, government agencies or the community sector. Our graduates work in Australia and all over the world as solicitors and barristers, as in-house lawyers in the corporate and government sectors, as policy and legislative advisors or researchers, as prosecutors or public defenders in the criminal justice system, as lawyers in community legal centres or working in nongovernment organisations focussing on particular issues or rights.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Your UNSW JD gives you the opportunity to join the global network of UNSW law graduates. You will be able to take advantage of the supportive and connected Law Alumni chapters around Australia and in cities across the United States, England, Hong Kong, Germany and Canada.
JD students are a diverse group. We’re different from undergrad law students in lots of ways – we’re older, many of us have had successful careers and most of us are working while we study. So we have created a JD committee in the student Law Society to ensure we cater to the different needs of JD students. Our committee of seven members meets regularly to discuss a whole range of issues that are important to us as JD students. Things like scheduling of events at different times and at different venues to cater to different time schedules for students who have other commitments. We host a number of JD only events like welcome drinks and JD BBQ and we also take part in a number of other Law Society events like careers forums, competitions and equity presentations. UNSW JD students also have representatives on the Law School’s education committee so that we can be meaningfully involved in discussions which affect us. For anyone who has a keen interest in student politics, or who wants to better represent their cohort, the JD Committee or being a student rep is a great opportunity!
WILL HOUSE 2ND YEAR JD STUDENT AND JD COMMITTEE DIRECTOR LawSoc
21 Careers and employment
Career presentations, publications, mentoring and advice UNSW JD students can attend career presentations and meet legal professionals at a series of events throughout the year. Presentations
Publications
Career presentations from top-tier firms bring prospective employers and students together on-campus in the Law building. These presentations give you the chance to meet prospective employers and gain an insight into each firm and what they look for when selecting employees.
Our student law society (LawSoc) produces a number of publications designed to give you the information you need when you’re considering your future employment.
Twilight Drinks is an opportunity for penultimate year students to network with professionals from Sydney’s top commercial law firms. Partners, lawyers, HR and previous summer clerks from top tier firms attend so you can ask questions in a relaxed setting. Alternative and Government Careers Week lets you explore other ways to use your law degree. Featuring short presentations from a range of government agencies and other institutions, students can talk to experienced professionals in the public and community sector.
Summer Clerkship and Graduate Employment Guide This guide provides a rundown of the clerkship and graduate programs offered by most firms. It includes information about the process for applying for a clerkship or graduate position, a timeline of ‘important dates’, a profile and description of each participating firm and their recruitment programs, and where possible, a personal account by a student from UNSW who undertook their clerkship or received a graduate position at the firm. Government & Public Careers Guide This guide targets areas of law that are less commercially orientated and which are not traditionally defined under ‘corporate law’. It provides detailed information on a broad range of law related and non-law related careers. This includes information about pro-bono departments in law firms, public interest law (such as international humanitarian rights law or native title law), and other non-commercial career opportunities (eg, opportunities in the Australian Defence Force and other Government Departments).
Corporate Careers Guide This guide provides information on yet another sector that law students often choose to specialise in. It details all you need to know about working in the financial sector (eg, management consulting and investment banking), accounting or other commercial areas in which you won’t necessarily practice law. Mentoring The Headstart Mentoring Program offers students an opportunity to network and learn from leading Australian legal professionals. Running throughout the year, the program provides students with a rare insight into life as a lawyer. It offers students and mentors flexibility in meeting times and facilitates a genuine interaction with an experienced professional. Advice Careers and Employment Service UNSW Careers and Employment service can assist JD students in finding graduate, part-time and vacation employment while you complete your studies. You can also attend career planning workshops or book individual appointments. www.careers.unsw.edu.au
Graduates
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22
n. o H alia r t s Au ice t f s o u J our t • Hon. C l ol as a h r c O i e N ed tt A n F n. e h o n e o J n H h t e B of tice SW t h e s l s l N u e J e f . g b o n d e o b na Ju rt a H n u z • i o A El nn eC ice e a t c s m i • t m e u J tz us m pr J a a u . K h S n a Ho Lat the • n ice f Ann r t a r o s g a s u B ge n. J Me m d o e a u J c H h i • t • i ly a s r m u G m J a . u ice eF all on ei h C H l t c s • Just f n cy M dges o Ann Ai r ton u e n. l l L o u J e H e Fu c • c i sti in • an us t t J u J s . m . u n h n Ho Ho rt A Rot ine a a n i n w l e a e J a h t r ng Step of Aust ustice S . Justice t in Ho .J on rt n our u H o C o • H C ge t h • s d g i e e u J r c eH ll a g• For h n t n u f i Wa ak, l F o o w s e C a a ab ice ral udg Sar J n e r d • d a Just n e son stice B •F ha n a g e b n v a S . Ju and Ste Wo n l n i l d o e t i l r v a cC gH ou Kon High C ustice D ber t M ent m J o . e n R n i ro v of th sia Ho al Hon. n or E f er lay r n a rts e e t A G M s i e th ney al Min d r n o t a At ge der a e t i F r • He , MP n o c ti e t o Pr
23 Graduates
S ATE
• P M , blic M u A P of et t r r ral r o e a t d c G e eter lth Dire igie • F and P r . e n Ho wea hri s Cra sion e s n i o m C mm or Ag o C Com utions ion le f c t k• b e i a c i s s n r i o n e r P rim spo rod c e s B hur i t R h r D r t A e Se x zabe Allens ye sion i l s a i E K , , m n r r atio Par tne Par tne Com n Tan i e m • i n e r se tiv elei o u c d Di sc R a e l x g, e M E a n i ) f h k c A e an Mi US Chi B , n t k o r n Yo i ns ard me t b h w s c o i e e R ers (N lR nv I g r a r e n n e l a o tio a t, M n Sch Chairm n r e e t id A) In s e S c e h i r c U r, ( P n e r •V y e c e c L i n ffi ar rV rr i l l o W al O i e i n c e e M n m ina A) k • S ons, Ti F S c f o U e c hi ia, Al it i C s n i r • arie ie u o u f n q i i q l c & A el Del N wer (Ca of Mac acquar ha Po EO r, M ke e C o c t • r Mi c c i re ya Sou ane l a D n r n a • a a cF re Cl e o M ram o k r i e M f i ra W ol as Jenn a h c m i he kN S n p a B rou G s d Fun
24 Entry requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The UNSW JD is open to applicants who have completed, or are in their final year and about to complete, a Bachelor degree in any discipline other than law. Selection into the UNSW JD is based on academic merit and candidates will be assessed on the basis of their academic results in completed tertiary study only. UNSW offers Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and also full-fee places in the JD. Commonwealth Supported Places are offered to the most competitive applicants and the remaining eligible applicants will be offered a fullfee place in the JD program. See ‘Fees’ section for more information on CSP and full-fee places. As a guide, to be competitive for a CSP, students would have achieved a distinction average in their Bachelors degree, or have successfully completed an Honours year, a Masters degree or higher degree. To be competitive for a full-fee place, students would have achieved a credit average in their Bachelors degree.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
Transfer from Full-Fee to CSP UNSW JD students enrolled in a full-fee place can apply to transfer to a Commonwealth Supported Place after one full-time year of study (or equivalent). Applications will be assessed on results in their JD study. As a guide, to be competitive to transfer to a CSP, students must have achieved a distinction average in their first year of JD study.
Transfer from another university to the UNSW JD Students enrolled in a JD in either a CSP or full-fee place at another university can apply to transfer to the UNSW JD after one full-time year of study (or equivalent). Applications will be competitively assessed against all other applicants for the semester in which you apply. Students cannot be considered if they have completed more than the equivalent of one full-time year of JD study.
25 Scholarships
The following Scholarships are available for JD students. International applicants
English language proficiency requirements Applicants who do not have a university degree undertaken and assessed in English, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the requirements for admission. IELTS: An overall minimum score of 6.5 is required, together with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests of listening, reading, speaking and writing. TOEFL (Computer test): An overall minimum score of 233, with a minimum score of 5.0 in Essay rating. TOEFL (Paper-based test): An overall minimum score of 577 with a minimum score of 5.0 in the Test of Written English. For further information, please visit www.unsw.edu.au/elp
SCHOLARSHIPS
International applicants may improve their chance of entry by providing an LSAT result in addition to their academic grades.
Juris Doctor (JD) Scholarships for Academic Excellence • $10,000 - for the duration of program (minimum) • Scholarship code: [PGCE1038] • Established to assist high achieving students to undertake the Juris Doctor Program at UNSW.
Juris Doctor (JD) Equity Scholarships
• $10,000 - for the duration of program (minimum) • Scholarship code: [PGCE1006] • Established to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake the Juris Doctor Program at UNSW.
Juris Doctor (JD) Scholarships for Indigenous Students
• $10,000 - for the duration of program (minimum) • Scholarship code: [PGCE1007] • Established to assist high achieving Indigenous students to undertake the Juris Doctor Program at UNSW.
Juris Doctor (JD) Scholarships for International Students
• $10,000 - for 1 year only • Scholarship code: [PGCA1039] • Established to assist high achieving international students to undertake the Juris Doctor Program at UNSW. For further information about these scholarships and to apply online: www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au
26 JD Fees
A distinctive feature of the UNSW JD is that we offer both Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) and full-fee places. CSP places are awarded on the basis of academic merit to the most highly qualified applicants. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Students enrolled in a CSP pay a proportion of the cost of their tuition (a Student Contribution) and the balance is funded by the Commonwealth Government. As a guide, the Student Contribution for a CSP in Law at UNSW in 2011 was $9,080 per year. For further information visit: https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/ fees/StudentContribution.html
Full-Fee Places - Domestic
JD FEES
For domestic students enrolled in a full-fee place, the 2012 tuition fee in the UNSW JD is $31,200 per year (based on a full-time year of 48 units of credit) or $650 per unit of credit.
Full-Fee Places – International For international students the 2012 tuition fee in the UNSW JD is $32,640 per year (based on a full-time year of 48 units of credit) or $680 per unit of credit.
The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
FEE-HELP FEE-HELP is a loan available to help eligible students pay part or all of their tuition fees. It is available to students who are either Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents with a humanitarian visa. In 2011, the FEE-HELP limit was $86,422. This amount is indexed each year. For further information visit: www.goingtouni.gov.au
Student Income Support The UNSW JD is an approved program of study for Youth Allowance and Austudy payments. For further information please visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.deewr.gov.au/ HigherEducation/Programs/ YouthAllowance/
27 How to apply
Domestic applicants
International applicants
For Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, applications for the UNSW JD are online through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Go to www.uac.edu.au and click on “UAC Postgraduate�.
Applicants who do not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency are International applicants and apply directly to UNSW at www.apply.unsw.edu.au
To commence in Semester 1 2012, applications are due by the end of October.
HOW TO APPLY
To commence in Semester 2 2012, applications are due by the end of May. Domestic applicants who feel their tertiary educational performance has been affected by circumstances beyond their control may complete a Special Consideration for Applicants with Tertiary Study (SCATS) application. Applications for consideration under SCATS are made directly to the UNSW Admissions Office and are in addition to the application for admission to the JD via UAC Postgraduate. SCATS applications close at the end of November for admission in Semester 1 and mid June for admission in Semester 2. For details see www.unsw.edu.au/scats
Information sessions JD information sessions are held throughout the year. Please register online www.law.unsw.edu.au/jd for the session you would like to attend.
28 Calendar of dates
Semester 1 2012
20
CALENDAR OF DATES The UNSW JD 2012 Program Guide
6-15 2-25
February 2012 Orientation & Foundations of Law classes for new students April 2012 Mid Semester break June 2012 Study period & exams
Semester 2 2012
11
July 2012 Orientation & Foundations of Law classes for new students
16
July 2012 Classes start for continuing students
1-9
September 2012 Mid Semester break
20
October – 13 November 2012 Study period & exams
Summer Semester 2012/2013
26
November 2012 Classes start for continuing students
22
December-6 January 2013 Mid Semester break
2
February 2013 Study period & exams
29 Contact details
CONTACT DETAILS
Online
Telephone
www.law.unsw.edu.au/jd
+61 (2) 9385 2227
You will find more information on the UNSW JD on our website.
Post
Email jdlaw@unsw.edu.au You can email our Student Services Office with enquiries about application and admission.
UNSW Law School The University of New South Wales UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
Location Law Building Level 2 University Mall Kensington Campus
The information contained in this publication is correct at July 2011. Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and availability of Programs. The University reserves the right to alter any program or admission requirement in this booklet without prior notice. CRICOS Provider Code No: 00098G Images by Milk&Honey Photography Š 2011 UNSW Law School
UNSW Law W www.law.unsw.edu.au/jd E jdlaw@unsw.edu.au T +61 (2) 9385 2227