2018 USALSA Careers Guide by USALSA Publications

USALSA 2018

CAREERS GUIDE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Editorial Team

Special Thanks

Eden Panozzo Editor-in-chief USALSA Publications Director

Professor Wendy Lacey

Courtney Dolphin USALSA Careers Director

Contributors Travis Shueard Patrick Leader-Elliot Olaf Borutz Lauren Hanna James Caldicott Jake Stone Matthew Atkinson Callum MacLeod Eftihia Popovich Jessica Punch Philippa Jones Dusty Grant Georgie McRae Hannah Thomas Georgie Grosset Leo Coldbeck-Shackley

Previous USALSA Career Guide Teams of which some of their content has been reproduced in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide Australian Law Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Cover photo by Jonathan Daniels on unsplash.com

Sponsors USALSA would like to thank the following firms for their sponsorship: Australian National University College of Law Finlaysons Lawyers Law Society of South Australia Leo Cussen Lipman Karas Minter Ellison Thomson Greer Lawyers

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and not those of the UniSA School of Law or USALSA. Whilst we have endeavoured to verify the information contained in this guide, USALSA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the material. USALSA and the Editors accept no responsibility for any damage, injury, or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. copyright University of South Australia Law Students Association.

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

CONTENTS FOREWORDS Careers Director Dean of Law

6 7

THE BASICS Cover letters 8 CV’s 12 What employers look for 16 Interviews 18 LinkedIn 20 Graduate diploma in law practice 21 Mental health 22 CLERKSHIPS FAQ 24 Dates 25 Tips 25 DECIDING ON A CAREER Career paths To practice or not to practice Alternative paths Job hunting

26 28 29 30

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES First year lawyer 32 Associate 34 Legal advisor 35 Solicitor 36 Academic 37 Community law 40 Regional and remote areas 41 Government 42 Mediation 44 Procurement officer 45 Judge’s associateship 48 Continuing your study 51 Work abroad 52 STAND OUT Stand out from the crowd 56 Exchange 57 Volunteering 59 Social justice 63 Competitions 64 Aurora Native Title program 65 Legal Advice Clinic 66 Business Mentor program 67

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

ADVANCE YOUR LAW CAREER with the Adelaide GDLP The Law Society together with The University of Adelaide jointly delivers the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) for eligible law students. Completion of PLT is required for law graduates before they can be admitted to practice and our GDLP not only meets the PLT requirements but also provides some unique benefits. Why study with us? Fast-tracking Students can commence their GDLP while their LLB studies are being completed (subject to conditions) and complete the course in as little as 6 months.

Face to face networking opportunities No other GDLP provider will provide access to the profession in the way that our course does. Our students are taught by professionals currently working in the profession and in touch with current practices. You will be building your network of contacts and learning to work collaboratively with your future colleagues from day 1. Our GDLP students are invited to exclusive networking events with Law Society members, including those responsible for employment. Students will meet decision makers

in the profession and receive advice on how to best place themselves for employment opportunities.

Placement Our GDLP is now more flexible than ever. You can claim up to 3 weeks in retrospective credit toward the 6 week requirement for work placement. We are the only GDLP provider that will organise work experience for you should you not be able to find your own placement. Many firms we deal with use our students exclusively.

ADELAIDE LAW SCHOOL CELEBRATING 135 YEARS with many commenting that the experience gave them an unparalleled insight into court work and a real boost to their confidence levels.

Flexible delivery We offer classes over weekdays, evenings and weekends. A typical full-time load will only involve 13 days face to face seminar time over 6 months.

Ready to apply? Apply NOW for the Adelaide GDLP program via SATAC (using code 3GD087).

Advocacy

More information

Our students have the unique opportunity to learn and practice their advocacy skills with current judicial officers, senior practitioners and barristers, in an actual court, not a cyber one! This part of the course has been a highlight for our graduates

For sample course plans and enrolment enquiries:

adelaide.edu.au 4 USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

lawenquiry@adelaide.edu.au law.adelaide.edu.au/GDLP

^ U L

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE IS RANKED IN THE TOP 100 WORLDWIDE FOR LAW^

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted a program that would couple the ability to learn practical skills with the opportunity to learn from a range of local and experienced legal practitioners. The highlight was the work placement and the mock Fair Work Commission hearing as part of the Employment Law elective. I am constantly referring to course materials for practical assistance at work. It was great to meet and study with a range of peers at the various regularly conducted seminars. Just as we helped each other through the GDLP we now continue to help and support one another in the work environment.â&#x20AC;? Ryan Ackland Solicitor, Voumard Lawyers

^ Ranked #51-100: QS World University rankings by subject Law 2017

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

FOREWORD FROM YOUR CAREERS TEAM Upon completing Law School, there are multiple career paths that are available to graduates. The range of diverse opportunities can often be overwhelming for students and deciding on a career path can prove to be a great challenge. Whether you have known from the beginning of your degree the area you wish to enter, or you are a final year law student who is still unsure, this Careers Guide is designed to assist you in your decision-making process. Law School involves a number of obstacles, and whilst it is a degree that requires students to put in a lot of effort, it is also very rewarding. The degree is intellectually stimulating and enables law students to develop a refined set of skills. These skills enhance the employability of a law graduate. When deciding on your potential career path, it is important that you are aware of all your available opportunities. This Careers Guide is divided into five main sections. Firstly, it has specific advice about how to land your first job (and keep it!). The second section details valuable information about clerkships. Thirdly, there is an outline of potential avenues for further study, and potential career paths. The fourth section of the guide also contains feedback from various members of the legal profession, to provide law students with some useful and reliable information about life after law school. Lastly, it includes advice about how to stand out from other students and tips on gaining a competitive edge. On behalf of USALSA, we would like to wish each of you the best of luck in the completion of your studies, and in the first chapter of your chosen career.

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

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When deciding on your potential career path, it is important that you are aware of all your available opportunities.

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FOREWORD FROM THE DEAN OF LAW UniSA Law’s mission is to produce outstanding graduates with a combination of legal knowledge and practical skills which make them competitive and prepared for a range of legal and legally-related sectors. More than half of Australia’s law graduates will enter legal practice in some form, whether that be in private firms, working for the Crown or the DPP, or entering practice via an associateship in one of our courts. However, somewhere between 40-50% of law graduates will not enter legal practice but will instead choose to work in business and management, government policy, industrial relations, the community sector, education or areas including the media or international agencies. The great thing about a UniSA Law degree is that we know it provides an excellent foundation for an array of professional careers. Data collated by the School demonstrates that 90% of our graduates are employed within months of graduating and after 6-12 months, all of our graduates have found employment. These are fantastic statistics of which we are incredibly proud and attest to the School’s commitment to providing a diverse and supportive learning experience, relatively small class sizes, flexibility through the trimester system and the opportunity to engage in practical experiences including through the Legal Advice Clinic. Law has relevance for every aspect of society and a UniSA law degree provides an intellectual foundation combined with professional skills that are highly regarded in numerous fields. Our graduates are distinctive and highly employable. The question is, how to match your own unique skillset and personality with the right role in law. Hopefully this publication will help to shed some light on the career paths that are open to you and where you might find the most rewarding opportunities that play to your individual strengths. I highly recommend a thorough read of this Careers Guide and commend USALSA for putting it together for the benefit of law students. I also encourage you to familiarise yourselves with the services provided by UniSA Careers Services – services that will be available to you well beyond graduation day. Good luck in finding your own path!

Professor Wendy Lacey Dean of Law University of South Australia School of Law USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

COVER LETTERS A good cover letter showcases who you are with the intention of impressing the recipient so that they’ll remember you. It is probably the first point of contact between you and your potential future employer. It needs to be engaging and show the employer that you have the skills to do the job, by addressing in particular what it is the job is asking for. You want to show the employer that YOU are what they are looking for. In your letter: • Include a brief introduction about yourself and why you are applying for the job. • Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications and experience. You can do this by relating these skills to the specific requirements of the role. • Provide some real-life examples. Negotiating with your Mum to let you borrow her house to hold your next sweet DJ gig is cool, but it doesn’t really qualify you to broker million-dollar settlements between large corporations. • Make sure your letter is specifically about the role you are applying for. Generalisation is nobody’s friend. • Importantly, don’t be afraid to inject your personal style into your writing. Make yourself stand out! Given that your cover letter is designed to summarise the highlights of your résumé and address selection criteria (if required), it should not be written until you have completed these documents. That is, even though the cover letter appears first in the list of documents that you submit, it should be the final document written. GENERAL STRUCTURE OF A COVER LETTER: PURPOSE OF YOUR LETTER If you’re replying to an ad, include the job title and reference/job number (if you have one). Sound enthusiastic about wanting the job to capture the employer’s attention. Writing a cold contact letter (letter of enquiry) should target organisations you are interested in working for. Include (briefly) your current career or study circumstances and any specialised professional skills. Be specific about the type of job you are interested in being considered for. WHY YOU WANT THE JOB Explain how your qualifications and career plans match the job. You should show that you have done your research and understand what the job entails, and address what the company is looking for. Try to use your own words.

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

SPECIALIST (AND RELEVANT) SKILLS Identify the employers needs and address the value you can bring to the organisation and what you can offer. Describe your skills, qualifications, experiences and achievements. These are your selling points, so make sure they are relevant! Back up your claims with examples. If you’re still studying, briefly describe your course (include a completion date), majors, specialisations, and any strong academic results. GENERAL (AND RELEVANT) SKILLS Now list your general skills, such as communication, teamwork, initiative, problem solving, organisation, self- management etc. Give examples to support these. Group projects, community activities, voluntary work, etc. CLOSING YOUR LETTER Refer to your resume and any attachments. Say you are interested in an interview and list when you are available. Re-state your phone number or email address, whatever is your best method of contact. Thank the employer for their time. Sign the letter at the end – if sending via email or uploading on a website, use an electronic signature! FORMAT AND STYLE • One A4 typed page with margins not too narrow • 10-12 point standard fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial) • Plain business English (avoid abbreviations, jargon and slang) • 100% accurate spelling and grammar • Short concise sentences (avoid chunky paragraphs) • Clear structure - one main idea per paragraph • A positive tone (do not include your weaknesses) Accurate spelling and grammar is crucial! Employers receive a lot of job applications, and it is common practice for them to shorten the pile by immediately dispersing with a letter as soon as they find a mistake.

Your Name Your Address

Date Name of Contact Position Title Address Dear (Ms, Mr etc.) Surname Paragraph 1

If replying to an advertisement, state the position you are applying for (if it’s a Government position then include the Position Classification and Number); and where you found out about it. OR If you’re contacting an employer about working for them even if they haven’t advertised a job vacancy, state the reason for writing and describe the type of work you are seeking, then why you are interested in working for the organisation. This sentence/s should combine your knowledge of the organisation with your experience, skills and goals for the future. Paragraph 2 Your qualifications for the position and any other relevant facts and figures. Paragraphs 3-5 Choose your three main selling points relevant to the Selection Criteria (if there are any) or advertised job description, or general skills if you have no leads as to what is required for the position. Dedicate a paragraph to each skill as follows: • What the skill is; • How you have demonstrated it; and • How it would be useful to the organisation. Paragraph 6 List the documents you have included in your application package. State the action you require – an opportunity to discuss your application in more detail, when you’re available for an interview and how you can be contacted. Yours sincerely, Signature Type name

CHECKLIST  Professional, active and fits the role  Logical and consistent  Checked for errors and edited for order  Check tense

 Reduce complex sentences  Check over-writing  Avoid abbreviations  Most important information first USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

Insight from an LK Senior Associate I started at Lipman Karas as a summer clerk in 2008. Many years later I am still with the firm as a Senior Associate, having spent a year as an associate to a Supreme Court Judge and four years working in Hong Kong. Working at Lipman Karas has been extremely rewarding, providing me with the opportunity to work on significant litigation projects and to broaden my experience internationally whilst learning from a diverse and talented group of lawyers. Early experience and impressions Commencing as a clerk I thought that my work might be relatively mundane, but my experience was the opposite. I immediately assisted in an appeal and conducted legal research for written submissions. After years at university, it felt like “real” law. The work was interesting and challenging. After my clerkship I was fortunate to be offered an ongoing role as a clerk while I finished my university degree. In my first few years as a clerk and then an Associate I assisted in significant, large-scale litigation, including litigation arising from one of the biggest corporate collapses in Hong Kong’s history, the Akai group. I also had the opportunity to work on an appeal to the Court of Appeal of Western Australia in Westpac Banking Corporation v The Bell Group Ltd, which is one of the longest running cases in Australian history. Looking back, one of the greatest influences for me has been the amount I have learnt and continue to learn from my colleagues. Lipman Karas’ lawyers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have experience across a number of jurisdictions, including Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This collective pooling of knowledge and talent is an invaluable resource to a young lawyer and being able to access and share some of that knowledge has definitely helped to advance my career and understanding of the law.

The work is also truly international and clerks are exposed to a range of different jurisdictions. I have mainly worked on Australian and Hong Kong cases but clerks may find themselves researching law in other common law jurisdictions, for example, the United Kingdom, Canada and offshore jurisdictions. Much of my work relates to commercial fraud occurring in the Asia Pacific region and I have worked on a range of investigations and claims against directors, auditors and third parties arising out of corporate insolvency, as well as a substantial international arbitration. Opportunities Lipman Karas provides its lawyers with a number of opportunities to advance their own qualifications and experience, including a strong training program and actively encouraging professional development. A number of colleagues have undertaken further study with the support of the firm. Personally, with the support of the firm, I managed to secure a one-year associateship with the Honourable Justice Kelly in the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2010. It was a great experience and I was lucky enough to be offered a role returning to Lipman Karas at the end of that year. In 2013 I moved to Hong Kong and joined the firm’s office there. The firm supported me in studying for the Overseas Lawyers Qualifying Exams and I was admitted as a Hong Kong solicitor in 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed my four years in Hong Kong, which was a period of great development in my career.

Work at Lipman Karas

I am now based in Adelaide, but continue to work on both Hong Kong and Australian matters. In my time at the firm Lipman Karas has grown substantially, including the opening of the Hong Kong and London offices, but remains true to the values I found when I first joined the firm.

Lipman Karas’ matters are often complex and require in-depth research and the analysis of large amounts of information with a high degree of attention to detail.

Rowan Tape Senior Associate

Local Presence

Global Opportunities

Lipman Karas is a specialist legal practice representing corporate, government and private clients.

A career at Lipman Karas provides opportunities and experiences that are unrivalled in South Australia.

With offices in Adelaide, Hong Kong and London, our team has an exceptional track record of consistently outstanding results in some of the most challenging, complex and high profile commercial litigation in the Asia Pacific region and internationally.

Lipman Karas offers lawyers commencing their careers a chance to work with recognised leaders in their field on litigation projects, investigations and inquiries that are unique in both magnitude, complexity and geographic reach. Clerkship applications are accepted from law students in their penultimate or final year of law. Clerkship applications close Monday, 16 April 2018. For information on the application process please visit www.lipmankaras.com.

Best International Firm for Work Life Balance 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Best Gender Diversity Initiative by an International Firm 2017

CREATING THE PERFECT CV 1. Get the basics right There are some common sections you should cover, including: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; relevant work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job you’re applying for; your interests; your achievements and hobbies, and references.

2. Presentation A successful CV is always carefully presented and printed on crisp white paper. The layout should always be clean and well structured (when it comes to design remember - less is more). Your CV should never be crumpled or folded, so use an A4 envelope if you’re posting your applications. The trick to page design is that the upper middle area of the first page is where the reader’s eye naturally falls. Make sure you include your most important information here.

3. Stick to no more than two - three pages of A4 A good CV is clear, concise and makes every necessary point without waffling on. You don’t need excessive pages full of every little detail you think your employer needs to know - keep things short and sweet. A CV is a reassurance to a potential employer, and it’s a chance to impress them. Employers receive multitudes of CVs all the time so it’s unlikely they’ll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within the first few sections, so summarise and sell yourself straight away.

4. Understand the job description Read the job application from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can’t. With the areas you are lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have.

5. Tailor the CV to the role Much like your cover letter, you need to establish what the job entails and match each of these requirements. Create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a generic CV. Every CV you send to a potential employer should be tailored to that role. Creating a unique CV for every job you apply for doesn’t mean having to re-write the whole thing. You can simply adapt the details so they’re relevant.

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CREATING THE PERFECT CV 6. Making the most of your skills Under the relevant skills section of your CV don’t forget to mention key skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. These could include: communication skills, team working, problem solving or even your ability to speak multiple languages. Make sure to provide examples. You’re expanding on what you’ve already mentioned in your covering letter.

7. Making the most of your interests Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you’ve gained and the things an employer would look for. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or anything that shows you can use initiative. For example, if you ran your law school’s amazing student magazine or if you coached a successful football team. Include anything that shows how diverse, interested and skilled you are. Don’t include interests like TV (your employer doesn’t care about the time you binge watched all the House of Cards), or solitary hobbies which make you look like you have no people skills. Make yourself sound interesting.

8. Making the most of your experience Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as “developed”, “organised” or “achieved”. Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you’re applying for. For example: “The work experience involved a lot of team work and team building exercises,” or “This position involved organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people”. Really think about the skills and experience you have gained from past work and activities.

9. Including references References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. You can also ask a lecturer or tutor to act as a referee or to provide a written reference as to your character. Try to include at least two. Remember to keep your CV updated!

TYPICAL CV STRUCTURE Career Objectives Education History or Qualifications Key Skills Relevant Employment History Other Employment History Achievements & Awards Interests References USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018 13

Mike Ross Harvey Specter’s Shadow Home Phone: New York City, 10003 Work Phone: NY Mobile: Email:

Career Objectives • State specifically what position you are looking for (e.g. an internship, work experience etc.) • Give a brief explanation of any experiences or skills which are suited to the position Your career objective should only be one or two sentences, so choose your words carefully and precisely.

Key Skills For each skill you list, give examples of what you can do or have done already. • Legal Research: Familiar with looking up Australian legislation and legal academic journals through databases such as Westlaw, Austlii and Justis • Leadership: Competent in leading small and large groups and can improvise effectively and efficiently if necessary • Communication: Fluent in four different languages: German, French, Chinese and English

Relevant Employment Organisation Name (Dates you worked there) Position: e.g. Volunteer, Assistant, Intern, Secretary Key Responsibilities: • What was your role in the organisation? • What responsibilities will be relevant? • Were there any responsibilities which were unique or different? Key Achievements: • Give examples of success stories (e.g. were you part of a group which accomplished a particular achievement?) Provide as many employment details as you wish but remember they must be relevant to the position.

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Other Employment Use this section to provide any other employment which showcases your key skills.

Qualifications • Do you have any qualifications which are relevant to the position you are applying for?

Achievements & Awards • List any awards or achievements you have received in the last 3 – 5 years. It’s unadvisable to go further as anything beyond that time frame may not be relevant.

Interests • List your hobbies and personal interests. • You can also list any clubs or groups you are associated with (e.g. Photography Club or Botany Group). This is an opportunity to show your potential employer the type of person you are. Think about the organisation you are applying for and take notice of what kind of image they promote (e.g. Google has a playful and innovative image while Microsoft is generally seen as more serious and structured).

References Professional References Name Position Contact Number Character References Name Relationship with reference e.g. neighbour, teacher, family friend, club member Contact Number

Make sure you let your references know they may be contacted, and hopefully they’ll put in a good word about you.

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018 15

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

(AND HOW TO STAND OUT)

The first thing that will cross an employer’s mind is whether you are capable of doing the job advertised, and whether you have the passion, drive and motivation required for the position. In addition, your interviewer will be looking for a person who is well suited to the culture of their firm. A tip to be prepared for questions like ‘why do you want to work at this firm’ or ‘what makes you the best applicant for this position’ is to tailor your answer by ensuring that you have done some research on the firm you are being interviewed at. A degree isn’t the only thing that will get you a job! Employers will be looking for the following qualities as well. The following skills will also demonstrate to employers that you are the person that they should offer a job to! 1. Communication skills: This extends to both written and verbal communication skills. It includes being a good listener and ensuring that your views are expressed clearly and confidently between other members of the firm, as well as clients. TIP: Improve this skill by participating in class discussions and getting involved in competitions to improve your public speaking skills. 2. Teamwork: Teamwork goes hand in hand with communication skills. An employer wants to be assured that their potential employee is capable of working with numerous people on a designated task. Teamwork also involves being able to delegate tasks and being able to work cohesively. TIP: Participate in events that require you to work in groups (i.e. mooting competitions) 3. Problem Solving Skills: An employer will also be looking for a candidate who shows initiative, independence and is a critical thinker. It is also important to ensure that you incorporate a wide range of strategies, because the same method of thinking will not apply to every situation or client. TIP: The best way to learn these skills is through experience. But a good way to practise is by formulating answers to problem questions! 4. Organisation and Planning: Organisation is key in the legal profession, and an employer will be after somebody who is capable of meeting deadlines and performing tasks to a certain standard. You will need to be able to manage time effectively and know when to prioritise. TIP: To do lists and weekly planners are a big help to plan out tasks for each week.

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Connect with us... Thomson Geer @ThomsonGeer www.tglaw.com.au

ARRIVE... A LARGE AUSTRALIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM WHY CHOOSE US? We know you’re not just a student on work experience. We want to give you a realistic introduction to the legal profession. How does this happen? From day one, you’ll be an active member of the team, working directly with experienced practitioners. We also want you to enjoy your time with us – there are lots of social events you can join – and what better way for you to get to know your colleagues?

DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS TO SET YOU UP FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE We will dedicate time to your development as an up and coming lawyer in our team: an investment in you is an investment in our future, and the future of our valued clients. You will find that our partners and staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We encourage our clerks, graduates and trainees to get as much exposure to different practice areas and ways of working as they can – this is a reflection of how we work as a wider organisation; a fully integrated, cohesive, national team.

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide

OUR CLERKSHIP & GRADUATE PROGRAM We are looking for law students who have excelled academically, are client focused, commercially minded, and work well in a team environment. We are especially keen to talk to students who have an additional technical degree! Our structured four week program helps clerks learn through a combination of hands-on experience, training, coaching and observation. Students who complete a clerkship are eligible to be considered for a position in our next graduate program. This program runs for 12 months and includes rotation among different practice areas to help determine the area of law which best suits you.

APPLICATIONS If your ambition is to develop a career in commercial law and you possess the drive to make your ambitions a reality, we want to hear from you. If you also have a desire to work interstate one day, let us know! We welcome the opportunity to assist our team members with personal career development. Applications are welcome from both penultimate and final year students, and open from 2 July 2018 via cvMail or our website.

NAIL THE INTERVIEW Laszlo Bock, People Operations at Google and author of the book Work Rules! shared his top tips for preparing for a job interview. Importantly, Bock notes a study from two American psychology students which finds that judgments made in the first 10 seconds of an interview could predict the entire outcome of the interview. According to Bock, 99.4% of the time in an interview is spent trying to confirm whatever impression the interviewer formed in those first 10 seconds. Bock states that most of us don’t know how to interview well but goes on to call this a “huge opportunity”, because “weakness lets you control the encounter”. Utilise the following tips when preparing for a job interview:

1. Predict the future You can anticipate 90% of the interview questions you are going to get. Three of the most common include: tell me about yourself; what is your greatest weakness; what is your greatest strength. Other questions may include: why you want this job, or what’s a tough problem you’ve solved. Search online for “most common interview questions.” Write down the top 20 questions you think may arise.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS Why are you interested in joining this organisation? What do you believe you can contribute to this company? Why did you select ___ as a career? Can you give us an example of your use of initiative – either in starting a new venture or doing more than was required in a particular activity? What are your major strengths? What would you describe as your weaknesses? What do you regard as your most important accomplishment? What does teamwork mean to you? What are the biggest obstacles you have overcome and how did you overcome them?

2. Plan your attack For every question, write down your answer. This may be hard and frustrating, but it makes it stick in your brain. You want your answers to be automatic, and you want to avoid being put on the spot. You don’t want to have to think about your answers during an interview.

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NAIL THE INTERVIEW 3. Have a backup plan Try writing down three answers for each of the questions. Why? You need to have a different, equally good answer for every question, just in case the interviewer doesn’t like your story. This way you can answer again differently if they repeat the question, or you can save it for your next interview.

4. Prove yourself Every question should be answered with a story that proves you can do what you’re being asked about. “What makes you a good negotiator?” should be answered with “I’m a co-operative but assertive advocate. During such and such time...” Always tell a story or have facts to prove you are what you say you are.

5. Read the room

Because you’ve predicted the questions and prepared your answers, suddenly you have time to freely consider the situation. Look around. Focus on the interviewer. In the first ten seconds, is there anything in their office, or about them, you can notice and use to forge a connection? A book on a shelf? A family photo? Read the interviewer: is their body language open or closed? Are they tired, and should you try to keep them interested? Most importantly - do they like your answer or should you veer in another direction?

6. Practice Practice your interview questions and answers out loud, until you can tell each story smoothly and know them by heart.

THE “STAR” APPROACH Situation – set the context for your story. Say what happened, how it happened and lead into what came next. Task – what was required of you. Outline your responsibility and what you needed to do to get the situation back on track. Activity – what you actually did. Detail what you did to find a solution and keep whatever the issue was from spiraling out of control. Result – how well the situation played out. Reflect on how well your activity assisted in rectifying the situation, detail the results and the outcomes you would use for the future. Then seek to explain briefly what you learned from the experience.

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK Are there established career paths? What is the organisation’s attitude to further study? What is the organisations opinion on a particular issue? A question about the changes happening at industry level is good practice. It shows that you are aware of and interested in the ‘big picture’.

USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018 19

LinkedIn LinkedIn is a fantastic, free resource in your job hunt. LinkedIn is growing rapidly in Australia, as employees and employers alike realise its value in growing your professional network and seeking out opportunities.

SET UP YOUR PROFILE The first step is to register at linkedin.com and set up your profile. Make sure that you fill in all the fields, so that your profile is 100% complete. LinkedIn is a live resume, so it should be current and relevant. If you change jobs, win an award or take on a volunteer position, try to update your profile right away. When filling in your profile, keep in mind “search engine optimisation” (SEO). Try to use words that you think will be searched for recruiters and employers. Also make sure to create a “vanity URL” with your name. linkedin.com/janesmith is a lot more interesting and memorable than linkedin.com/2735e8. Choose a nice, professional and recent photograph of yourself to accompany your profile.

CONNECT, CONNECT, CONNECT Find people to connect with. LinkedIn, like many websites, has a helpful “find connections” tool, however you will need to give it access to your email address book. Other people to connect with include lecturers, fellow students, colleagues and other professional contacts. Personal contacts are fine as well. You may like to ask these professional connections to “endorse” you for a skill, or even better, leave a reference. You can also reach out to people you would like to know more about, either by message,

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asking a mutual contact to introduce you, or by requesting to be a connection (note: if you take this approach, don’t just send the generic request. Explain why you would like to connect with the person).

SIGN UP TO GROUPS Groups are a great place to “join the conversation” on LinkedIn. You can join the University of South Australia group, as well as groups dedicated to law, and particularly areas of law which are particular interest to you. The Australian Law Students Association has a great group here: If you can’t find a group that you would like to join, you could even consider starting one and opening it up to other interested professionals. You can join in the discussion in these groups, which brings us nicely to the next tip.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Like all social media, LinkedIn is more than just static content. While the tone is more professional than other social media platforms, it is similarly a conversation. Many firms, as well as experts, regularly publish content either on their personal LinkedIn profile or in groups. You can show your interest in this by either liking or commenting on the posts. You can also add in your own content, however remember that it is a professional tool, not Facebook!

GRADUTE DIPLOMA OF LEGAL PRACTICE What is the GDLP and who is the best provider for you? The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, or GDLP, is the qualification obtained through practical legal training (PLT). In Australia, PLT is a compulsory requirement to be admitted as a solicitor or barrister. With various PLT providers to choose from, such as the College of Law, Australian National University, or the Law Society of South Australia, students are able to not only select the form in which they will complete their GDLP, whether it be in person or online, but also the jurisdiction into which they will be admitted. Once admitted in their chosen jurisdiction, practitioners may apply for a practicing certificate in other states and territories. Upon the successful completion of your PLT, you will have satisfied the prescribed national competences developed by the Law Admissions Consultative Committee and Australasian Professional Legal Education Council. Some qualities obtained through your PLT include lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills, work management and business skills, trust and office accounting skills, as well as responsible and professional values. When contemplating PLT options, it is not only important to consider whether a GDLP is required for the career path you have chosen, or may choose, but also which provider is best for you and what they can offer compared to the others.

Flexibility and Delivery:

How flexible is the delivery of the course? Can you study full-time or part-time? Is the course external? How many contact days are required? What support systems are offered to students?

Jurisdiction:

Where do you want to practice and which provider will allow you to be admitted there? Remember mutual recognition allows practitioners to apply for a practicing certificate in other states and territories.

Is there FEE-HELP (HECS):

How much of the programs fees can you obtain financial assistance for?

Placements:

Can the provider help you in securing the required placement days? Are there benefits on offer for completing more placement days? Are there alternatives to placements?

Practical Skills and Group Work:

How will the course help build your advocacy and drafting skills? Are there group work requirements? How is group work assessed?

Starting Dates:

When is the course offered? Can you start your PLT as an undergraduate? What are the minimum requirements to enrol?

Reputation and Word of Mouth:

How well is the provider recognised in the legal profession? How have previous students found the provider?

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BALANCING YOUR HEADSPACE TRAVIS SHUEARD

Fellow students, be aware. Be aware of the great- unseen enemy of law students and lawyers alike. This foe is truly unknowable until you yourself deal with it. It gets the very best of us, and it is one that needs to be taken notice of by all the people of Australia, not just students of our great Law School. Ill-mental health. Looking after your mental health as you go through the stress of a high-intensity degree like Law is critically important, and it is unfortunate that many students forget this as they plough through hundreds of pages and cases a week. With the immediate desire to keep up to date with their reading and attain the best grades, students forget that, ultimately, it is your mental well-being that is more important. After all, if you cannot sleep, raise a smile or just do not want to get off the couch, you are unlikely to do the best you can in your degree. Lawyers are not immune to mental illness, as was illustrated in the headlines recently when a well-respected Federal Court judge, Justice Shane Marshall, opened up publicly about the

dangers of depression. Justice Marshall has been on the Federal Court for 20 years and explained recently that one of the greatest dangers to mental health in the legal profession is the attitude that you should ‘never show any weakness’. Unfortunately, the stigma in the legal profession, and community at large, is that depression, anxiety, etc. are signs of weakness. Mental illness is no different to physical illness. For a broken arm, you see a doctor. For an ill mind, you see a doctor. There is no difference. A recent study showed that 35% of law students have experienced depression during their degree1; this attitude has never been more archaic or counter- productive. It is up to students, practitioners and the community in general to reverse this silly attitude. An American study, ‘The Role of Law School in Producing Psychological Distress Revisited’, showed that between 60,000 of their nation’s 150,000 law students suffered from depression in their degrees, and Andy Benjamin, J.D., Ph. D., of the study, has stated that ‘law students and lawyers remain at the greatest risk for succumbing to depression, more so for any other profession.’ Life is not Suits. Life is not House of Cards. The fools who think otherwise will find it catching up with them at some point. You are not expected to be a fortress of solitude and suave calmness throughout your life. Certainly, resilience and a tough skin are valued in the law. But it does not mean one should simply dismiss constant thoughts of sadness or anxiousness by saying ‘I need to toughen up’. As a Law student, rather than a qualified psychologist, I cannot give you any specific

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BALANCING YOUR HEADSPACE TRAVIS SHUEARD

medical or psychological advice. But what I can say from personal experience is that the key to keeping in fit mental shape is to keep on top of it. Be proactive in the welfare of your mind. Every student will, at times, go through the stage of ‘ah screw this!’ and take the foot off the pedal for a bit. This is normal. What is not normal is when this becomes more than just a passing stage and starts to dominate your life. Be aware and be in control. Exercise, social activities, reading (that isn’t a textbook...), personal hobbies, are all good ways of giving your mind that critical ‘me time’ that lets it vent, de-stress and reset for another day. It may feel like you do not have time for these things, and no doubt at some point in your degree (like the week of that impending Constitutional Law moot) you will not have time for anything else other than being intimate with textbooks. But, for the most part, make time for these things. Law School is not just textbooks, moots, contracts and essays. It is meant to be the greatest time of your life, and no doubt for the most of us it will be. But the pressures of this degree are well known to be able to pull down even the best of us. If you feel like you are constantly upset, lethargic, angry or anxious, take that step to say to yourself, ‘I will speak to someone’. It is the best thing you can do. If you are going through a tough time at home, such as coping with the illness or death of a loved one, speak to the University counsellors to get some advice. Grief can very easily escalate into something worse. If you are finding yourself seriously anxious and

stressed from the pressures of constant intense study, it is perfectly OK to take a day or two off from University where you spend time walking in the sun, hanging with friends, speaking with family or just watching a funny movie on the couch. There are plenty of books, articles and websites on how to keep mentally strong. Think of your mind like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes, no different to your physical body. Just like your body however, sometimes your mind needs a rest, a recharge, a detox. Over- exercising it too much with the pressures of study and everyday life will cause it to burn out, and this is when your mental welfare suffers. Support services such as Beyondblue have a wealth of knowledge and experience with helping young students through difficult times in their life. The link to these fantastic people at Beyondblue is at the bottom of this article. The University has some great people you can speak to who will help get to the bottom of what you are experiencing. Your loyal friends at Law School are also critically important. Confide in them and do the same for them when they need you. Finally, it is OK to ask ‘Are you OK?’ If you notice someone is not their normal self and haven’t been for a while, ask those three words. These may be the best words you’ll ever ask someone. Mental well-being is important. We want everyone to enjoy his or her time here. Look after yourselves. Stay happy.

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CLERKSHIPS FAQ 1. What is a clerkship?

A clerkship is an opportunity for you to undertake work experience at a law firm, usually over the summer break. It is a program where students are selected, and are then invited to work at a firm for usually 4 - 6 weeks. Normally clerkships are directed at students who are in their penultimate or final year, but there can be flexibility with this.

2. Why should I do a clerkship?

A clerkship provides an invaluable experience of what to expect upon graduation, if you choose to enter legal practice. It is also a way of getting your foot in the door of the profession to expand your professional networks.

3. What does a clerkship involve?

A clerk will generally be expected to perform legal research, as well as drafting documents. You may also be asked to attend meetings and client interviews. Clerical and administrative duties (such as photocopying) should also be expected.

4. Which clerkship do I pick?

The choice is open to you, and you have a number of options. Your first consideration however, should be based on what industry you may like to join (i.e. corporate, private, criminal). A clerkship is also an opportunity for you to be able to try out an area of law, so it might be a good idea to try a different area of law if you are still undecided. But if you have your heart set on a particular area of practice, it is probably best to apply for those clerkships.

5. How many clerkships should I apply for?

This is a decision that is completely up to you. But it would be expected that you would apply for more than one clerkship. There is no use putting all your eggs in one basket! Applying

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for more than one clerkship also increases your chances in receiving a clerkship, so it is not discouraged! In saying that however, it is advised that you only apply for clerkships that you are interested in.

6. How do I turn down a clerkship?

In the event that you have to decline a clerkship (i.e. because you receive more than one offer) you should be very professional and courteous. You could notify the firm via a telephone call, but you may be asked to follow this up in writing (usually via email). Make sure that you don’t forget to thank them for the opportunity.

7. What happens if the firm I’m interested in doesn’t offer clerkships?

Some firms do not have an official and structured program for clerks. But one way to approach this situation is to contact the HR Manager to enquire about such opportunities. Sometimes firms will take on clerks without offering a program.

8. What happens if I miss out?

If unfortunately, you are unsuccessful in obtaining a clerkship, this is by no means a reason to panic. There are many other ways to obtain experience (i.e. volunteer work – see this guide for more information!). You can also directly contact the firm for some advice as to what to improve on for next time. And it is always encouraged that you give it another shot next year!

9. What do I do next if I receive a clerkship?

This is great, well done!! Make sure you refer to this guide for some tips! A clerkship can be a very challenging experience in many respects, but it is an experience that is well worth the effort.

CLERKSHIPS DATES AND TIPS DATES FOR UNIVERSAL CLERKSHIP SCHEME Applications open: Monday 2nd July Interviews commence: set by firms

Applications close: Monday 23rd July Offers made: Monday 27th August

Participating firms to be announced

Go the extra mile

Be respectful

Ask for help!

Relax, and be yourself!

Show interest in the firm. Be punctual. Be enthusiastic. Ask questions. Putting in extra research and going beyond what has been asked of you will pay off in the long run. Be organised. Save a copy of everything you find and everything you write. Keep good records of your instructions, and if you don’t know, ask how much time you should spend on a task and when it’s needed by. Approaching a supervisor for assistance can seem terrifying! But it’s a sign that you’re willing to learn, and it’s better to get things right than wrong. No one expects you to be perfect and know everything, but they do expect you to try your hardest.

Dress appropriately

It sounds wrong but as a clerk you will be judged on your appearance and general presentation. Pay attention to small details, such as making sure your shirt is ironed and your shoes are polished. Piercings are a grey area; if you don’t want to take them out, at least use a plastic retainer (you can buy these at most body modification shops).

Smile and be polite to everyone you meet. Avoid office gossip. Interact with other clerks. In saying that, don’t be caught standing around chatting to your new mates like you would in school; it makes you look lazy. Be sociable whenever it is appropriate. Talk to your colleagues. Go to Friday night drinks. Go to functions if you’re lucky enough to get invited. Don’t get stupid drunk. You may think of lawyers as being super serious. All the lawyers I met while clerking where actually quite chill, and while I spent 4 weeks super busy, I also enjoyed joining in a bit of the office banter. Embrace who you are.

How to make the most of your clerkship:

1. Be confident 2. Be open to learning 3. Carry a pen and a pad of paper with you, everywhere 4. Pay close attention to what’s going on 5. Take every opportunity presented 6. Network! Get to know everyone you can! 7. Be flexible 8. Have an open attitude towards all the different areas of law

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CHOOSING A CAREER PATH Solicitor

After being admitted to practice, you can choose to work as a solicitor. A solicitor is usually the first point of contact for a person seeking legal assistance. Solicitors generally advise clients as to their legal rights and obligations; appear in court; assist corporations with compliance; prepare legal documents; provide legal advice. Solicitors usually follow the following career path: • Solicitor • Associate • Senior Associate • Partner/Principal Private practice The hierarchy of solicitors in a law firm (generally): • Junior Solicitor • Associate • Senior Associate • Partner/Principal • Practice Manager Sole practitioner firm A sole practitioner firm is exactly as the label describes – there is only one principal solicitor who owns the practice. Sole practices make up a large percentage of law rms. Very hands on. ‘Small’ firm Two to five partners/principals. Small firms generally offer graduate lawyers almost immediate responsibility for client briefs. High level of ‘exposure’. ‘Medium’ firm Six to 20 partners/principals. Your work will be more specialist (particular areas). Medium firms often work in more specialist areas. Clients ranging from large corporations to small businesses, and individual clients. Junior solicitors often given more responsibility than those in large firms. ‘Large’ firm More than 20 partners/principals. Very structured recruitment, induction and training programs. Complex infrastructure including a law library,

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provision for continuing legal education and training and pro bono initiatives. Tend to offer a wider spectrum than small or medium firms, especially in commercial law. Regional firm Offer opportunities which may not be available in a city law firm, such as: more reasonable working hours; more direct and personal relationships with clients; a wide variety of work, and a faster track to being offered a partnership.1

Academia

Going into academia usually requires high academic achievement, and sometimes a postgraduate research degree is expected. Academics help shape and develop legal minds, forcing students to critically consider legal issues. Academics generally look to developing a deep understanding of the law both in application and as well as theoretically, whilst imparting knowledge and experience and influencing the way law students think. Academics undertake further research in a specialist area of law, contributing papers and theses. A career as an academic also, apparently, provides you with a forum to express your obsession with Morris dancing and cougar hunting, by including it in your exam problem questions.

Barrister

It is generally held that, while solicitors work in offices and undertake legal work dealing directly with clients, barristers undertake court work and advise on matters, but only when instructed to do so by a solicitor. In South Australia, law graduates are admitted as both a solicitor and a barrister, although there are a number who practise as barristers only. Generally speaking, those who choose to practise as barristers become members of the independent Bar and operate from chambers. Most South Australian barristers voluntarily practise in the same way as barristers from other states (as independent legal practitioners), although some large firms employ or retain ‘in-house’ barristers (information courtesy of Legal Services Commission of SA Law

Handbook). Each state and territory in Australia has a Bar Association which prescribes its own practising requirements for Barristers.

Community Sector

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent, not-for-pro t organisations concerning social justice and access to justice. CLCs can range from centres staffed solely by volunteers, to federal/ state government funded facilities. CLCs provide legal advice, referral services, legal information and education, law reform activities and sometimes advocacy. These services are generally free of charge. Some CLCs are generalist, while others are specialist, such as the Women’s Legal Service in SA (women’s issues) or Welfare Rights in SA (welfare issues). For more information on CLCs, head to page 32.

Corporate Sector

Large corporations often have their own legal departments, sometimes referred to as in-house counsel. The role of the in-house counsel is to provide legal advice to the corporation, add value by having expertise in the corporation’s business specialty, assist in the management of corporate risk, ensure compliance and manage change within the organisation. Graduates can work for organisations such as banks, insurance companies and investment rms. Consider doing your research beforehand. Court System The court system is made up of the following roles: • Judge • Judge’s Associate • Magistrate • Support staff, such as: Registrars; Law Clerks; Legal Assistants; and Legal Executives.

Government Sector

Such as government departments, statutory authorities and administrative and regulatory bodies. Federal and state public services have regular graduate intakes. Most government departments

employ graduate lawyers to work in legal, policy, research and advisory positions. Examples of federal government departments with graduate lawyer intakes: • Attorney-General’s Department: policy and legal development • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: industry regulation, competition policy and consumer protection • Australian Defence Force: military justice, military administrative law, international law and commercial law • Australian Federal Police: litigation and forensic and commercial investigations • Australian Government Solicitor: legal representation for the government. Organised in the same fashion as a commercial law firm • Australian Law Reform Commission: advises the federal Attorney-General in relation to particular areas of law - Australian Tax Office: taxation law • Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions & Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (State): prosecution of offences against the Commonwealth, and the State, respectively. • Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: inquiries into alleged infringements of the federal human rights and anti-discrimination legislation. Also a state counterpart.

Legal Aid Sector

There are 8 independent Legal Aid Commissions in Australia, one in each state and territory (in SA: Legal Services Commission of South Australia). Legal Aid Commissions mainly provide practice in criminal, family and civil matters. Most Legal Aid Commissions offer free legal advice and duty lawyer services at courts. Most Legal Aid Commissions offer: • Admin and business roles • Community legal education and publishing • Law reform and policy development • Legal work • Social work

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TO PRACTICE OR TO NOT PRACTICE Although it might seem like the most obvious pathway out of a law degree, statistics show that only about 50% of law graduates end up practising as lawyers. As one experienced practitioner told me, ‘almost none of the people I went to law school with are exactly where they thought they’d be when we graduated. I know I’m not’. While this may have something to do with a difficult job markets for legal graduates, there are also many people who put their law degree to use in pathways other than traditional legal practice by choice. With individuals from Australian comedienne Rebel Wilson to current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull possessing a LLB, the path out of law school does not necessarily need to lead straight into a law firm. Of course, for many students, a job as a practising solicitor or barrister is the end goal of their years studying the law. A career in the legal industry has so much to offer; a chance to work in an evolving, interesting field that often combines multiple disciplines (such as business in a commercial context), becoming part of a respected profession, and, in many instances, a career that can provide financial reward and stability. The other great thing about a legal career is that there are so many options. Flipping through this guide, it is clear that life as a community lawyer provides different challenges and benefits than life as an in-house lawyer or working as a solicitor in a big law firm. While many practitioners specialise there is always the opportunity to change the path you’re on later in life. One of the most obvious examples is moving to the independent bar,

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a path frequently undertaken by experienced solicitors looking for something different. However, for other students, legal practice may never have been the aim - or maybe it loses its appeal partway through law school. If for some reason you are thinking of heading in a different direction do not panic! Current UniSA alumni are in a variety of positions that aren’t strictly legal. Financial and consultancy firms often value law degrees,

“

Almost none of the people I went to law school with are exactly where they thought they’d be when we graduated. I know I’m not.

”

and for those with an interest in business, this can be an exciting and fast-paced career path.

Other law-related jobs include heading for academia or even considering teaching at secondary school level. This often provides the opportunity to continue the study of law, in a more theoretical way. It may even provide opportunities to add your voice to law reform.

Still other students end up in careers entirely removed from the legal industry. From the entertainment industry to floristry, it is surprising where law graduates end up! However, nearly all will tell you that the skills learn in law school - particularly critical thinking, writing, persistence and research skills - were invaluable in their career.

ALTERNATIVES A career in law doesn’t end at the ‘big’ firms. With a law degree comes versatility; opening up a far wider career path. In an article for Lawyers Weekly, Senior Consultant Megan Drysdale lays down some of the alternative careers path by which a law degree can take you:

In-house

Government and Public Sector

Enables you to work closely with clients, be involved in whole transactions and contribute towards the overall success of an organisation. It can also be a great stepping-stone to a senior management position. Most vacancies are filled by lawyers from large firms, with one to five years’ commercial law experience, although today an increasing number are coming from smalland-medium-sized firms. While commercial law experience is ideal for in-house, there are a few opportunities for litigators.

Both State and Federal Government departments employ lawyers in a range of areas, such as in law reform, policy advising and international trade and affairs. At a Federal level, lawyers have the opportunity to work with Cabinet and the Prime Minister in advising on government policy. For law students looking to work in the public sector at a Federal level, most governmental departments in Canberra offer graduate programs, which are highly competitive. Government work as a law graduate is similar to an in-house position, because most government departments and statutory corporations operate as business enterprises. They may offer more flexible working conditions, including study leave and part- time hours, and have traditionally offered greater security, although this is less so today.

Unions Unions help support and come alongside workers who desire to be in a workplace where there is fairness and equality. Most law graduates working for Unions are employed as Industrial Officers. Industrial Officers in Unions take up cases such as unfair dismissals and aim to negotiate agreements between the parties in dispute.

The Bar

Other options

If you enjoy litigation and like the idea of running your own business, consider working for the bar. The bar offers lawyers an exciting alternative to private practice and still allows you to specialise in your chosen field. It also lends itself to parttime work. Life at the bar for junior barristers can be difficult while they develop their practices. It is considered advisable to get at least a couple of years’ experience in private practice before making a move to the bar. You then have the solicitor contacts you need in order to develop your practice.

• Community legal centres • Recruitment co-ordinator in a law firm • Human resources manager in a law firm Professional service marketing or management • Ministerial advisor • Academia • Company secretary (often combined with inhouse legal) • Legal recruitment • Legal publishing • Politics

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JOB HUNTING Subscribe, stalk and follow! Legal firms and organisations often promote job vacancies on their websites, through their social media and to their email databases. It’s a good idea to make a list of the firms/ organisations that you’re interested in and subscribe to their mailing list, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn and stalk their websites regularly. Job opportunities can come up really quickly and disappear again in the blink of an eye, so it’s important to check back often. Online job boards There are a number of legal websites that provide online job boards. These sites are like gold because they take all of the hard work out of it for you and are updated frequently. Some good ones are: Beyond Law – www.beyondlaw.com.au Survive Law – www.survivelaw.com.au Law Society of South Australia – www. lawsocietysa.asn.au The College of Law – www.collaw.edu.au Rural, Regional & Remote (RRR) Law – www.rrrlaw.com.au

Employment and recruitment websites It’s a good idea to register to receive regular job notifications from employment websites. Tip: Set your notification for jobs containing the words ‘law’, ‘legal’, ‘lawyer’, ‘solicitor’ etc. and you will be notified any time a new job is posted which fits that description. Easy! Seek – www.seek.com.au Job Search – www.jobsearch.gov.au CareerOne – www.careerone.com.au

Recruiters Legal recruitment firms may be able to assist with finding legal work, particularly as a paralegal or legal secretary. UniSA Career Hub www.unisacareerhub.unisa.edu.au Jobs and graduate positions are often advertised through the UniSA Career Hub. By signing up you will gain access to career information and a personalised job search, with weekly email notifications of all new jobs fitting your search criteria.

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Your growth is our growth. Your success is our success. Our lawyers become innovative thinkers, strategists, and tacticians. As one of our lawyers, you'll be part of an elite team.

2018/2019 clerkships Our clerkship program offers penultimate and final year law students critical and meaningful work experience, structured by a comprehensive induction program and learning on the job to build both technical skills and commercial knowhow. Many of our summer clerks are offered graduate positions within the firm, or, if they have not yet graduated, are retained on a part-time basis while they complete their studies.

Candidate attributes When considering clerks we look for people who: • • • •

have a passion for excellence want to be part of a high performing, inclusive team are able to think outside the box and embrace new ideas enjoy working collaboratively and building meaningful relationships.

Summer clerkship applications Applications are via our website through an online portal. MinterEllison participates in the South Australian Law Students’ Council Uniform Clerkship Scheme, which prescribes the following dates: Applications open: Applications close: Interviews from: Offers made:

Monday 2 July 2018 at 9.00am Monday 23 July 2018 at 5.00pm Monday 30 July 2018 Monday 27 August 2018 from 9.00am

To find out more about our clerkships and how to apply visit graduates.minterellison.com

WORKING AS A JUNIOR LAWYER PATRICK LEADER-ELLIOT

Patrick Leader-Elliot is an Associate at Lipman Karas, and former lecturer in Criminal Law at the University of South Australia. He has compiled a list of advice for law students about what to expect when they enter the profession. The early years of practice as a lawyer offer both enriching and challenging experiences. This article aims to provide a brief and pragmatic overview of what young lawyers can expect in both criminal and commercial practice and what skills they will need to harness along the way. Nature of Work The nature of the work you undertake is likely to depend more on the firm at which you are employed than the area of law in which you practice. As a general rule, the smaller the firm, the broader the range of tasks expected of a junior lawyer, and the greater the responsibility you will be expected to take on at a relatively early stage. In South Australia, firms that practice criminal law are generally small to medium in size and operate exclusively in the South Australian jurisdiction. On the prosecution side, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is a large government organisation. Corporate firms range from smaller boutique practices specialising in a particular field to multinational law conglomerates. Between these two extremes there exists a range of firms practising in the commercial and corporate sphere.

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Regardless of the firm you work at, or the area in which you practice, you will need to develop and utilise a set of basic skills, including: • Communication: whether with your client, the other side, counsel, experts or potential witnesses, and most importantly your supervisor and co- workers, you will be required to communicate both orally and in writing. Doing so in a clear and constructive way is essential; • Time Management: you will always have competing demands on your time, both from different matters and different issues within a single matter. You must be able to prioritise your work in such a way that you meet deadlines; • Document Preparation: the practice of law, regardless of the field, generates substantial quantities of documents: affidavits, witness statements, pleadings, chronologies and so forth. There are different conventions in different areas of practice, but invariably you must be able to produce high quality documents; • Legal research: it is inevitable that you will

come across legal issues about which you are unsure, if not entirely ignorant. On occasion you may have the luxury of a well-resourced client happy to fund detailed research; often you will not. Usually it will be imperative that you are able to produce a satisfactory answer in a short period of time. You must be able to prioritise your work in such a way that you meet deadlines. Criminal and family law practice will likely involve issues that may be emotionally difficult, distressing or confronting, for example sexual offences or matters involving the welfare of children. It is vital that practitioners dealing with these important matters maintain their capacity to exercise professional judgment in such cases. Clients For most people, seeing a lawyer is a rare and stressful experience; it generally means something has gone awry in their lives. Your clients may well be stressed. This is especially, but by no means exclusively, the case in criminal or family practice. Particularly in criminal practice, clients may have mental health or substance abuse problems. Obtaining coherent and comprehensive instructions may be difficult. It is also likely that you will encounter clients with very limited resources, which will constrain your ability to prepare their case as thoroughly as you would like. If you are employed by the DPP, your client is the Crown. However, you will be required to engage with witnesses and victims of crime, who will most likely be emotionally invested in the outcome of proceedings. While it is important to remember that these people are not your clients, you must deal with them in a sensitive and respectful manner. If you are working on a large matter in a large firm, it is possible that you will have

very little to do with your client; meetings and correspondence are likely to be handled by more senior practitioners. On the other hand, if the matter is relatively small, you may be given day to day conduct. In a smaller firm, you will probably very quickly acquire your own files and be required to deal with clients directly. In corporate practice you are more likely to encounter experienced litigants, for example liquidators, insurers and banks. This experience means it is less likely that emotion will play as significant a role as in the case of other private litigants, who will often be encountering the legal system for the first time. Similarly, practicing in commercial transactions (such as mergers and acquisitions) may not involve the acute stresses of litigation for the client. However, it is important to bear in mind that commercial disputes can personally impact clients and you should be alive to this. Conclusion Regardless of the field in which you practice, you will need to develop and apply the skills of a lawyer. These skills are not limited to the application of your legal knowledge to the facts of a case, but also require that you address your client’s needs in an efficient, effective and sensitive fashion. Above all, you will need to learn how to balance your work life and your personal life and take care of yourself both mentally and physically – a challenge well worth rising to. The skills of a lawyer are not limited to the application of your legal knowledge to the facts of a case, but also require that you address your client’s needs in an efficient, effective and sensitive fashion. Above all, you will need to learn how to balance your work life and your personal life and take care of yourself both mentally and physically – a challenge well worth rising to.

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WORKING AS AN ASSOCIATE OLAF BORUTZ

Where do you work and what does your role involve? I work as an Associate for the W Group, a group of companies including: W Consulting Group – a specialist tax and business advisory firm; W Legal – a commercial law firm, and W Sports & Entertainment – a sports and talent agency. I work across these three companies and provide commercial legal and business advice, including advice on property, tax, intellectual property and sports law matters. I also represent various athletes and entertainment figures. What could you recommend to anybody considering pursuing the field you work in? What are the highlights? Work hard, think outside the square and get as much experience as you possibly can. Any experience is good experience and can lead to opportunities you may not have considered. For example, be prepared to volunteer or get involved with organisations at a ‘grassroots’ level, as you never know who you might meet or what might eventuate from doing so. In terms of the highlights of my field, I enjoy providing a wide range of legal advice, particularly business structuring advice, but the best part of my job would be representing and managing the careers of our sports and entertainment talent and assisting them with their careers and needs. What is the best advice you could give to somebody preparing for a job interview? Be calm, measured and know the organisation and industry you are interviewing for. If you have progressed to the interview stage, most employers have already been impressed by your credentials and/or academics, and now want to know the type of person you are. As such, it’s obviously important you make a good impression and showcase your best personal skills during an interview and can also demonstrate how these skills will assist the organisation the job is with (for example by showing

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your enthusiasm for the role and to learn what is required, determination to succeed and so forth). The law market is tough. What did you do to make yourself stand out? What would you recommend to new law students? I landed my first clerkship at a major law firm on the basis of my professional experience in the media and marketing industries (given I worked in these fields while completing my degree). In doing so, I was able to show I could manage high workloads and pressure, had professional writing and business development skills and was comfortable in a professional and diverse working environment.

“

Be calm, measured and know the organisation and industry you are interviewing for.

”

Accordingly, I recommend that all students try and find part-time or casual work (even unpaid) in a professional position or field where the skills learned can be used in a legal based role. Most legal jobs will require experience, so it is important even if you cannot get specific legal experience, you try and get some other form of professional experience that might help land a legal based role (if that is what you want to do) in the future. In short, any professional experience is good experience, and can only be beneficial. Therefore, I would start (even in first year) looking to build any form of professional experience for your resume, which will help you stand out once you have graduated.

WORKING AS A LEGAL ADVISER LAUREN HANNA

Where do you work and what does your role involve? I currently work at the Legal Services Commission of South Australia as a Legal Adviser. My job is to advise clients on any aspect of civil, criminal or family law matters. I work both on the telephone advice line and provide face to face advice to clients in appointments. I also provide support and advice at the Magistrates Court for civil matters on rotation. What could you recommend to anybody considering pursuing the field you work in? What are the highlights? My work is all about empowering people with knowledge and helping them understand their legal rights. It is an amazing feeling when someone walks into your office really nervous and flustered, and by the end of the appointment you have been able to guide them as to their legal options, and they leave feeling confident. That is the reason why I wanted to work in law! What is the best advice you could give to somebody preparing for a job interview? Make sure you have examples! In almost every interview I have attended, the interviewer wants to know about your skills (i.e. teamwork, leadership, organisational skills etc.) and then an example of when you have demonstrated this skill. It’s always best to think of one or two examples (preferably in a work context) when you have shown these skills. This will make you feel so much more prepared rather than ‘umming and arring’ as you hastily search for any example whilst the panel of interviewers stare at you. Also, if you are applying for a law job, make sure you are up to date with the laws and any recent developments in the area. One of the stand out answers I gave in the Magistrates Associate interview, was that I knew about the imminent changes to the jurisdiction for 2013 as well as the current jurisdiction. This impressed the panel as it showed that I knew the jurisdiction and was interested in the work of the Magistracy.

Make sure that you know about the firm or business that you are applying to, and if you have any questions – ASK! It shows the interviewer that you have taken time to research the position and the business and are interested about being a part of the organisation. Finally – remember that you have to sell yourself. I always found this really difficult. But remember, if you can’t show the interviewer that you are confident in your skills, why should they infer confidence and hire you? The law market is tough. What did you do to make yourself stand out? What would you recommend to new law students? I believe that work experience helps candidates stand out. During university, I started work experience at a small boutique firm in the city for 1 day a week, which then turned into a part-time job where I assisted with research and archiving old files. I was then tasked to assist with the firm’s debt collection including drafting and lodging court documents. This assisted in my knowledge of court process. Then, after GDLP, whilst I was looking for work I commenced work experience at another small boutique firm and assisted in researching and drafting documents for motor vehicle accidents and wills. Due to my work ethic, I again received a part-time job from this experience until I received full-time employment. By volunteering or working in a firm or any other type of business, it shows a prospective employer that you are willing to work hard, that you have some experience or knowledge in certain matters and that you are proactive, organised and passionate about your career. For new law students, volunteer or get work experience (even if it’s not in law) nearer the end of your studies. Get involved with mooting or the Legal Advice Clinic as these skills are invaluable!

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WORKING AS A SOLICITOR JAMES CALDICOTT

Where do you work and what does your role involve? I work for Caldicott Lawyers as a Solicitor, specialising in Criminal Law, but also work in the area of Wills and Estates. My role involves going to court and representing clients in a variety of criminal matters, taking instructions and negotiating files with Prosecutors. What could you recommend to anybody considering pursuing the field you work in? What are the highlights? The area of criminal law allows solicitors to appear daily in court for hearings, bail applications, trials and special direction hearings. All of which can include the calling of evidence and cross examining witnesses. There is also the chance of arguing legal principles. What is the best advice you could give to somebody preparing for a job interview? Best advice I could give is to be as personable as possible, which is a hard concept to grasp.

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Criminal law requires you to interact with clients, other solicitors and the judiciary on a daily basis - and employers look for someone they can not only get along with in an office setting but also who presents their firm well in court and towards others. This includes being friendly and con dent. The law market is tough. What did you do to make yourself stand out? What would you recommend to new law students? Fortunately, I am part of a family business which meant I was able to start working relatively quickly out of university. However, the advice I have given to students before is to put yourself out in the workforce. Hand resumes in person and try to meet employers if possible. Pitch your applications to smaller private firms who can always use a helping hand for a couple of weeks. By applying not only to the bigger firms but also to the smaller firms, you increase your chances of employment or work experience.

WORKING AS AN ACADEMIC JAKE STONE

What is your role, and what does it involve day to day? I am currently employed as a Lecturer in the UniSA School of Law, with a focus in private law courses such as contracts, torts and property. The role is varied; during term my day usually consists of preparing for classes, course administration and fielding student inquiries. Any remaining time is spent researching and writing. What are some of the benefits of your role? The list is long but the most important to me is that I am now paid to do what I love, study. Other benefits include, flexible working arrangements, clearly defined and accessible pathways for promotion, interesting work, the ability to dictate your own research agenda and pay that is above the national average. What challenges have you faced in your job since leaving university? I have made a very smooth transition from student to teacher, partly because I was already familiar with UniSA and also because of the help of my peers. I am yet to fully tackle this problem, but I can see that pressure to continually publish and secure funding will be one of the most challenging aspects of this job. What made you decide to go into a pathway other than legal practice? I am a bit of a dreamer. Rather than focusing on pragmatic outcomes I would rather analyse the reasoning we use to reach a decision. In legal practice there comes a time when the analysis must stop. That isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to say academia is only interested in the purely theoretical, lots of useful discoveries originate in universities, just that academia has a much greater tolerance for theory.

What skills did you learn in law school that have assisted you in your career so far? Law school taught me both the academic and administrative skills necessary for this role. Administratively, the management of deadlines and tight turnarounds equipped me to deal with the requirements of course administration. Academically, the law taught me to be sceptical and to assess arguments from both sides before reaching a conclusion. What tips would you have for students who may be interested in following a similar path to you? Talk to staff or others you know in the field. They are where you want to be and they have knowledge they are willing to share. Outside of networking, you need to maintain strong grades and develop a genuine passion for study. I was once told by someone I admire that I should only pursue academia if there were issues in the study of law that made me angry and which I thought I could improve. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether the issues need to make you angry, but they do need to inspire a deep personal connection if you are going to spend 37.5 hours a week immersed in the law. The same is true of any other field of study. Is there anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to add? Academia is a great career path that I would highly recommend to those with a passion for study. With our transition from a mining based economy to a services based economy, education has been identified as future driver of Australian growth. With this in mind it seems like now is a great time to enter the industry.

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WORKING IN COMMUNITY LAW MATTHEW ATKINSON

What is your role, and what does it involve day to day? I got involved in community legal centre lawyering in my last year of law school. I worked at the Northern Community Legal Service Inc. (“NCLS”) from about 2003 until 2011 before joining the University of South Australia as Managing Solicitor of the Legal Advice Clinic. When I started at NCLS I worked as a para-legal advisor. My role primarily entailed taking client instructions and providing advice under the supervision of a legal practitioner. After admission, I was taken on as a solicitor. This resulted in a pay rise (not a big one) and an opportunity to represent clients. Ultimately, I became the principal solicitor of NCLS and had responsibility for managing its legal practice. I also oversaw a financial counselling programme, which ran concurrently in NCLS. What are some of the benefits of your role?

in the beginning, you worry about everything! What skills did you learn in law school that have assisted you in your career so far? What you learn in law school provides the foundation for your legal career. Don’t buy into the mantra, “you don’t need to know this academic stuff in the real world of lawyering.” The mantra is codswallop. Undoubtedly, learning the law of contract, torts, equity, civil procedure, evidence amongst many others is very relevant for your success as a lawyer. Things like legal ethics, precedents, and statutory interpretation help tremendously too. If you don’t develop this knowledge in law school, the first few years of your life as a lawyer will likely be miserable – you’ll have even more to learn in a short space of time!

Diversity of work. I acted for clients on a range of matters including criminal, family, and consumer credit matters. I appeared in the Magistrates’ Court including the diversionary schemes together with the District, Supreme and Family Courts. I also provided community legal education seminars and wrote law reform submissions on a range of topics. Community legal centre lawyering is also rewarding work. You get to help people that often have no voice and desperately need help. Getting an opportunity to help a person achieve justice in these circumstances produces a great sense of accomplishment. You get the opportunity to make the world a better place – who doesn’t want to do that?

What tips would you have for students who may be interested in following a similar path to you?

What challenges have you faced in your job since leaving university?

Don’t be too hard on yourself – things will get easier with time. Don’t be scared to ask for help and guidance. Look for a good mentor within your organisation. If things go wrong, don’t sit on it and worry – speak to someone! Most mistakes can be rectified if they are dealt with immediately.

The learning curve for legal practice is a steep one. I found that I was often having to learn on the spot, and occasionally hope for the best. That said, I was extremely fortunate to work in a supportive environment, and also have a great mentor who ensured that I did not stray too far down the wrong track. Over time, legal practice gets easier with experience. You learn what you need to worry about;

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Network and look for opportunities in the community legal centre sector. The National Association of Community Legal Centres has a job bulletin board on their website. See: www.naclc.org.au. Additionally, consider enrolling in Law, Society, Ethics (Advanced Clinical Placement). This course will give you the opportunity to be placed in an access to justice organisation such as the Legal Advice Clinic. What tips do you have for new graduates who have just landed their first job?

Find work that you’re passionate about and be persistent with the job hunt.

WORKING IN REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS What was your role and what was your job like, day to day?

the client much needed help. There was never enough time to address everyone’s needs.

Tenancy solicitor in a community legal practice situated in the remote Kimberley. One word, “Busy”. Providing advice, legal assistance and advocacy to clients (majority being from our First Nations People).

What were some of the benefits of rural and remote practice?

What kind of opportunities exist in remote, regional or rural practice? A truly amazing experience like no other in an urban legal practice. To provide clients help who are in desperate need of your legal assistance and making a real difference to people’s lives. The privilege of providing advocacy to some of the most disadvantaged and neglected individuals in this country.

“

Get into the habit of carrying a note pad and pen with you everywhere.

”

What were some of the challenges you faced working and living in a remote location? There were many challenges for a tenancy solicitor based in a busy community legal practice situated in the Kimberley in far northern Western Australia. The first challenge was that the service area the size of Victoria with only myself and a paralegal to assist. Another challenge was the geographical difficulties of serving communities often cut off due to heavy rain and no serviceable road. Many clients had not seen legal counsel for years on end. Added to this was an expectation that you could help them with far more than your limits of practice allowed. There was only so much a sole lawyer could do no matter how much you wanted to assist them. Often you spent time chasing up other services to refer them to and attempt to get

Spectacular location and the ability to see the country. Experience and broadened understanding of the legal system in various jurisdictions. What advice would you give to students who are considering moving to a remote area to practice? Do your homework in looking into accommodation and the area you going to be based. Understand the services (or lack of services) in the place you are going and be prepared for the differences to your current situation. Be prepared to feel a little homesick at first but understand it does get easier and getting out meeting new people helps. What advice do you have for graduates in their first law job? - Try to focus solely on work for a little while. This might mean putting a busy social life on hold for the first year. It might seem a little hard, but you’ll make new friends at work and lunch times can replace late nights for that social fix. - Listen hard and try to take detailed notes when a senior is giving you directions. Get into the habit of carrying a note pad and pen with you everywhere... best trick I learnt early on. You never know when you’ll get asked to do something. - Make a daily list of jobs to do. Cross them off as you do complete the tasks and add them as you are given new jobs. Re-write the list each morning and try to put the oldest task at the top of the list to complete. Sometimes making the list will be the only time you feel you’ve made sense of your day. - It does all get easier with experience, so just hang in there.

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WORKING FOR THE GOVERNMENT CALLUM MACLEOD

What does your role involve, day to day? My role primarily involves the provision of written legal advice and management of the Department’s strategic litigation. Requests for written advice are received from ‘line-areas’ within the Department and may relate to a range of topics including environmental, employment and administrative law. I spend most of my day reading and engaging in legal research using the resources made available to me by the Department. Resources include online databases and a comprehensive library. This initial research allows me to gain a greater understanding of often complex legal concepts and issues which are relevant to the particular request for advice I am working on. This is usually the most time-consuming part of my day. Identifying, interpreting and applying relevant legislative provisions is also an integral part of my day to day role. Research aside, the rest of my time is dedicated to reaching a conclusion and formally drafting the advice itself in an appropriate form whilst using the clearest language possible. I also try to squeeze in keeping abreast of media publications, developing case law and news relating to the Department’s work as I believe this allows me to effectively anticipate the needs of our clients.

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What motivated you to pursue this kind of role? My desire to gain a greater understanding of the internal machinery of the Executive branch of the Federal Government and its relationship with the Legislature was certainly a motivation for pursuing the role of a government lawyer. As a government lawyer you are exposed to the development, implementation and enforcement of legislation enacted by Parliament. I also consider the breadth of the legal work available to a government lawyer to be a major attraction. As an inhouse government lawyer, you are not ‘pigeon-holed’ or limited to advising on just one area of the law, rather you develop the skills and ability to advise on many different legal subject areas. What are some of the benefits of your job? The Department of Environment has provided me with many different benefits as an employee, including a friendly and stimulating working environment, the opportunity to learn from an experienced cohort government lawyers and continuing professional development opportunities. I consider working with a close group of like-minded professionals to be one of major benefits of my job. We learn a lot from each other and also get to have a lot of fun. The Department puts on many

different events throughout the year, including trivia nights, an inter-divisional sports competition and a truly entertaining Christmas party. What challenges have you faced in your role? Summarising and articulating complex legal concepts using simple language was initially a challenge. The ability to tailor legal advice to a specific audience is a skill valued highly in the legal profession as it ensures the client’s complete comprehension of legal advice. This is not necessarily a skill which is developed to its full potential during your university studies. Throughout your law degree you are required to engage in tasks such as essay writing and examinations which are designed to get you to demonstrate your knowledge to the examiner or tutor. Professional legal writing differs in that your audience is usually a layperson or someone who has low level of ‘legal literacy’. The best way to overcome this challenge is with practice and experience. What tips do you have for students who would like to pursue a similar career? If you would like to become a government lawyer, when applying for jobs, remain optimistic and cast a broad net. Lawyers will always continue to have a versatile and broad professional role and one of the attractions of being a lawyer is that the skills initially obtained in university and throughout a career are largely transferrable. Research, statutory interpretation and the ability to convert complex concepts into plain language are skills which in my opinion give

a lawyer the ability and freedom to work with a number of different legal disciplines and environments so do not limit yourself by only applying for one or two Graduate Programs, apply for all of them. Make sure you are developing your professional social skills while at university. Recruitment agencies contracted to process graduate applications focus on your ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with others. On this basis I encourage participation in professional networking programs and events – I highly recommend participation in the businesscareer mentor program run by UniSA. This will assist you in learning professional etiquette and get you accustomed to talking with people who are not the same age as you and who wear suits. Networking showed me that most lawyers are not intimidating, they are all normal people too and they are willing to help you learn and put your brain to good use. What tips do you have for new lawyers, in their early days of practice? Despite some of the horror stories you may have heard, the legal profession prides itself on its collegiality. If you make the effort to build strong relationships with your colleagues, they are likely to reciprocate. Having the confidence to confirm instructions and to ask questions when necessary will be essential to your development as a young lawyer. Remember that no one expects you to be a legal virtuoso on your first day and that it is important to set yourself achievable goals in practice.

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WORKING IN MEDIATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA

I have been a fulltime caseworker at Mediation SA (MSA) for the last 3 years. After completing a double degree of Law and Behavioural Science I began volunteering at our head office, Southern Community Justice Centre (SCJC). A few months later I started casual work with MSA (formerly known as Community Mediation Services) and from this I was offered the permanent position of Intake Coordinator when it became available. For a time I worked both as an intake and caseworker before being promoted to my current position. As a caseworker I receive files after we have written to the other party/ parties inviting them to participate in mediation. As mediation is a voluntary process if they choose not to respond or decline to mediate, there is nothing more that we are able to do. However, hopefully they wish to enter into mediation and from there we work towards seeking a negotiated outcome that everyone is comfortable with. Our services are available to everyone in South Australia, free of charge. Mediation SA also provides training and education for the community on Conflict Management and Dealing with Difficult Behaviours. The training focusses on what triggers people to react the way they do and how to manage conflict situations in a more positive manner. The majority of our casework is conducted over the phone by speaking with each party separately. Conference calls can be used as well as face to face mediation sessions or interviews. We can receive information via letter or email from clients but we cannot negotiate via these methods. At all times confidentiality is maintained. This is extremely important as it builds trust and ensures our credibility as a service. Our process is completely non-legal. We remain neutral and impartial and cannot make any decisions. We assist parties to try to keep an open mind so that all possible options or solutions can be explored. Flexible and imaginative outcomes are able to be reached, depending on the willingness of parties. However when parties are no longer able to negotiate they may need to go to court for a decision to be made on their behalf.

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We adapt our processes to meet client needs. Therefore we can travel to neutral locations close to where parties reside, we can work after hours if needed and we can use interpreters if there is a language barrier. With clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission we are also able to communicate with their support people, such as counsellors or Housing SA managers, in order to better understand their perspective and background which can aid in reaching an outcome. At times mediation is not suitable. This can be due to such things as intervention orders, mental health concerns or the possibility of threats or violence. Throughout mediation, especially with behaviour matters, parties are always welcome to contact the police or other agencies if needed. Part of my role is assisting colleagues when needed, helping train volunteers/students and also attending local community forums. Our service finds the process of having volunteers assist us to be a valuable and rewarding experience, passing on workplace skills which can then be used in their future employment. As a member of a small, close-knit team, I need to be flexible and assist others as needed. This includes answering the phone, administrative tasks and providing support with colleaguesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; casework as requested. Staff meetings take place once a month while case le meetings occur more frequently, as the need arises. Even though I have an understanding of the law I cannot give any clients legal advice. At times this can be a hindrance. I can outline my concerns and refer them to seek legal advice if they feel that this could be helpful. Clients who do seek legal advice find that this can aid in mediation negotiations. I find it is most rewarding when parties are able to give and take to reach an outcome that they can all live with. Through this process everyone gains a better understanding of the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective and although the outcome is not everything they wanted, they are happy with it because it is their outcome, they controlled the process. Having started my career as a volunteer, I would recommend that all experience is helpful. Obtain as much of it as you can, make connections and be known.

WORKING AS A PROCUREMENT OFFICER EFTIHIA POPOVICH What does your job involve? I currentlywork for the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion in the Domiciliary Equipment Service. In my role as a Procurement Project Officer, I project manage the tenders that my organisation requires to obtain better quality products and provide better quality services to the people in our community. The best part of my role is that I have the opportunity to be working for an organisation that provides assistance and services to those who most need them. How did you get in to your job, and do you have any tips for people applying for jobs? For anyone looking to work outside of the legal profession, the most daunting thing is realising how much you can do but having no real guidance about how to market yourself, what jobs to look out for or even where to start. This was the dilemma I faced when I finally decided that practicing law was just not for me. I had even undertaken the first half of my GDLP to keep my options open just in case I changed my mind in the future. When I finally decided to stop my GDLP, I was faced with the question “what now?” Luckily for me, I had registered myself on the State Government’s Graduate Register before graduating and through that made my way into the State Government a week after I submitted my honours thesis. Since moving into State Government I have floated from job to job trying to find what it was I enjoyed doing; I had spent the last four years totally immersed in studying law that I didn’t really know what else there was or what I liked! My transition was illogical and unpredictable moving back and forth between roles, focusing on business development, project management or even website content management, until I finally stumbled into my current role.

To be completely honest, I had no specific skills to allow me to find success in any of my roles. What I did have was a range of practical experiences gained through volunteering with ALSA and other external organisations like the Red Cross. Through these, I was able to demonstrate the application of the many skills I gained studying law; written communication, public advocacy, team work, leadership, meeting tight deadlines, problem solving etc. The demonstration of these skills through volunteering and the study of law itself put me in a very competitive position when applying for jobs. What are the benefits of looking for jobs outside of law firms and alternative careers? I have found that I have had the opportunity to learn about areas I would have never imagined, including: the implementation of new technologies for the provision of community services; the development of the first SA GovHack event; advising the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement; content managing the website for a whole government department; working on cyber security issues for the state; analysing the implications of earthquakes and pandemics, and much more. Top tips: 1. Your first job may not be perfect, but you will continue to develop valuable skills and you should not be scared to test the waters and find your path gradually. There are many opportunities out there especially for law students, however, sometimes trial and error is necessary to find the perfect one for you! 2. Get involved, it might seem like another thing on your plate when you are undertaking an already full on degree, but the skills, experiences and networks you gain as a result of getting involved will not only increase your prospects for work, but also widen and enhance your perspective on life.

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BECOMING A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE

COURTESY OF AUSTRALIAN LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Working as a Judges Associate offers new law graduates the opportunity to observe the judicial process up close, while providing an invaluable learning experience. Generally, Associates assist in the judicial process by undertaking research directed by the judge, proofing draft judgments, as well as performing administrative duties. Associates also develop a relationship of trust and confidentiality with their Judges. Judge’s Associate positions are limited in availability and are a highly sought-after role. Appointment of an Associate depends greatly on the Judge’s own assessment of the individual, taking into account factors such as life and work experience, academic achievements and personal presentation. Tips for prospective Associates: • Consider why you’re applying with a particular Judge and try and make your application reflect that. Write an entirely new application per Judge, and find something which you might be interested in. • Get to know your prospective Judge. Read their biographies and news stories about them, prominent decisions they’ve made, etc. • Apply well in advance, unless a particular time-frame is specified. • Don’t send an application by e-mail unless specifically asked. • Give the Judges’ current associate a call and ask whether the Judge is hiring for the year you are seeking a position. This may save you hours of effort if they aren’t. When addressing Judges: Unless otherwise requested or explained in the Court’s website; • When addressing a Judge, begin your letter with “Dear Judge [name]/Chief Justice [name]”; • End your letter with “Yours Sincerely or Yours Faithfully”; • Envelopes should be addressed to “The Hon Full Name (including post nominals)” with “Justice of the <court>” following; • If you’re invited to an interview, always refer to the Judge by “Judge/Chief Justice”. Here are the roles summarised. Information courtesy of the Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) 2017 Judges’ Associates Guide, as well as information from each of the respective Courts.

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THE HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA

You should write directly to the Justice with whom you would like to work. If you are interested in working for any one of the Justices without any preference then write to the Chief Executive and Principal Registrar, Mr Andrew Phelan, who will raise your interest at a meeting with the Justices. Include a current CV and an academic transcript with your letter. Generally there are no specific closing dates for applications to the High Court, but Justices commonly appoint their associates two – three years in advance. Your application should indicate the years you are available for appointment. Competition for appointment is very strong, and there can be up to 200 applications for vacancies at any one time. The normal expectations for an associate for a Judge of the High Court are: • That they have graduated with first class honours;

BECOMING A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE

COURTESY OF AUSTRALIAN LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION • That they (preferably) have some kind of research experience; • That they may have some experience working for a law firm, University or another court. • Candidates with postgraduate qualifications in law and prior experience as a Judge’s Associate will generally be preferred. The Honourable Justice Stephen Gageler will appoint two associates each January to commence in January and July of the following year. Applicants should forward expressions of interest to Justice Gageler’s Chambers in October of the preceding year and include a CV and academic transcripts. The Honourable Justice Edelman invites interested applicants to submit applications by 31 October 2018 for appointments to positions as Associates commencing in July 2020 and January 2021. Applicants should include a cover letter, CV, and a copy of their academic transcript.

To apply for an Associate position with the Federal Court of Australia you need to: • Choose a court registry you would like to be considered for; • Prepare a CV, academic transcript and a general application. You should also indicate any periods where you are particularly available; • Forward your application directly to the Judge or to the District Registrar in the appropriate registry. These details through the Court’s website. • Make sure you address in your covering letter or CV a statement against all criteria provided for the position. Consider listing each criterion as a heading, and then following with a description of how your qualifications and work experience have enabled you to satisfy that criteria.

THE SUPREME COURT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

In addition to Associateships, the Court also engages a Legal Research Officer each year for a 12 month period.

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA Offers a number of Associate positions each year. Associates are employed as part of the personal chambers of a particular Judge. They provide legal research, in-court duties and other ad hoc support. Positions are generally not advertised, and the selection of Associates is conducted directly by each Judge. You can find information from the Federal Courts website: http://www.fedcourt. gov.au/about/employment.

Supreme Court Associates serve as a professional member of the Judge’s personal staff. They undertake legal research, accompany the Judge into court in whichever jurisdiction the Judge may be sitting and call on cases, maintain record books, and various administrative functions. They also attend in chambers on interlocutories, and for other applications.

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BECOMING A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE

COURTESY OF AUSTRALIAN LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Prospective applicants should be aware of the following: • Judges prefer to employ people who are admitted or who are not completing Practical Legal Training or any undergraduate or Post Admission Training Courses, but a particular Judge might, in an individual case, make an exception in relation to the undertaking of PLT outside working hours. • Associates may not engage in any other employment or practice in any profession, whether for remuneration or not, without the permission of the Chief Justice. • Supreme Court appointments are generally for a one-year contract, as personal staff to the appointing Judge Applications can be lodged throughout the year. Vacancies occur at various intervals. Please include CV, qualifications and academic record. You should also include a copy of your admittance certificate.

THE DISTRICT COURT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA An Associate in the District Court of South Australia acts as a personal, confidential and professional assistant to a Judge to whom they are assigned. An Associate provides a comprehensive legal and research service to the Judge and assists both in and out of court, including managing files, case outcomes and exhibit returns. The Associate is responsible to the judicial officers to whom they are assigned for chamber, legal research and in-court matters, and to the Registrar of the District Court through the Manager for Judicial Support, for personal and administrative matters. Associates liaise with the judiciary, legal profession, litigants, witnesses, court staff and the general public. An important feature of the work is travelling to attend country circuits which require overnight

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absences for up to three weeks, with capacity to return to Adelaide on weekends. Applicants must have completed their Practical Legal Training. Associates may not engage in any other employment or practice in any profession, whether remuneration or not, without the permission of the Registrar. District Court appointments are generally for a one year contract, with the option of a second year subject to mutual agreement. Do not send individual applications to each Judge. Email your application to dcregistrar@ courts.sa.gov. au, including CV, qualifications, official academic transcript, or send by post: Attn: Office Co-ordinator The Registrar District Court of South Australia GPO Box 2465 Adelaide, SA, 5001. Source: www.courts.sa.gov.au/Employment/ OngoingOpportunities/Pages/District-CourtAssociates.aspx

MAGISTRATES CLERK A Magistrates Clerk determines the priority in which to call on matters in court, record the orders made by the Magistrate, perform data entry tasks whilst in the courtroom and record proceedings using digital recording equipment. Out of court duties include typing transcript, preparation of court files and related documents as well as PA tasks for Magistrates. For more information on working as a Clerk for the Magistrates Court, go to: www.courts.sa.gov. au/Employment/OngoingOpportunities/Pages/ Magistrates-Clerks.aspx.

FURTHER STUDY There are many reasons why you may decide to undertake further study after the completion of your law degree. From pursuing a career in academia (which often requires higher research degrees) or gaining an in-depth understanding of a particular area, there are many justifications to complete post-graduate study. Many past students feel that by undertaking a Master’s degree or going further and completing their PhD, they were able to find work in their desired field and gave them more opportunities after studying. There are a couple of options to consider, either immediately following the completion of your degree, or some time after beginning your career. Generally, fees for higher study can be deferred via HECS-HELP loans, however you should check your individual applicability. For more information about applications, check the website of the institution you are interested in studying at.

MASTERS DEGREE

OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES

A Master’s degree is the “next step” after completing your undergraduate degree - but it is a big step up. It provides a higher level of education, and is typically one or two years in length. There are three formats in which the degree is offered for study. Coursework: A degree which will centre on different coursework, project work and research questions. This would be most similar in style to an undergraduate degree but will be more challenging. Research: This will focus on a research project or thesis which will be expected to take up about two-thirds of course. Some Research Masters are only offered after a Master’s preliminary year is completed. Extended: This would probably consist of a work based project, and can expect to take three to four years to complete.

Of course you don’t have to stay in Australia to study, a Masters or PhD abroad is a fantastic way to live and learn in a new environment. In fact for some subjects it is beneficial to move abroad and be closer to the action so to speak, and primary research may need to be conducted if there has been little written on the subject before.

DOCTORAL DEGREE Doctoral degrees are awarded to recognise work which has contributed significantly to the field of study in the form of new information or interpretation of current knowledge. They usually require a Master’s degree, or in some cases a Bachelor’s degree(honours) may be sufficient, and are offered in two formats. Research doctorate (PhD): This will consist almost solely of completing a thesis through supervised research. Note that this usually requires a Master’s degree (research). Professional doctorate: This is ideal for professionals who want to advance their knowledge in their field without committing to a more time consuming research thesis. Note this will require considerable professional experience.

Australian students have been studying at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard or Yale for many years. Often, study at these respected universities is easier than it may first appear: if your grades are within the top 10% of your cohort, you stand a good chance of gaining admission! Many other overseas institutions also offer post-graduate opportunities for Australian students. In order to position yourself for the best chances of gaining admission at an overseas institution, it is highly recommended you complete your undergraduate law degree with Honours. Many overseas institutions, such as Oxford, do not consider applicants without an Honours degree. Further to a strong academic record, you may also require other supporting evidence, such as a recommendation from a Professor/ the Dean of Law. Other achievements such as the publication of research will also support your application. Overseas study may be expensive, as international students are often required to pay course fees up front. As a result, it is highly advisable to consider whether any scholarships are available.

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WORK ABROAD CANADA Admission: Australian graduates must apply to the Canadian National Committee on Accreditation, a committee of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. They will look at the applicants’ academic and professional achievements, may issue a certificate of qualification, or recommend further study. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.sc.ca/en/nca. Immigration: Australians wanting to immigrate to Canada to practice law temporarily require a Work Permit that specifies both the employer and the duration of the permit. For further information on immigration, see: www.cic.gc.ca.

CHINA Admission: Most foreign lawyers are unable to advise or act in relation to Chinese legal issues and are generally not admitted in China. However, they are able to practice their home jurisdiction’s law through international firms. Chinese citizens seeking to be admitted in China should refer to the website of the Ministry of Justice. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.legalinfo.gov.cn/english/ node_7590.htm. Immigration: Australians seeking to work in China require an Employment Visa (Z Visa). The Employment Visa is valid for three months. Visa holders must apply for residency from the local Public Security Office within 30 days of arriving in China. For immigration, see: au.china-embassy.org/eng.

HONG KONG Admission: Australian Graduates wishing to practice in Hong Kong as Solicitors or Barristers are required to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and undertake either trainee work as a solicitor, or a pupillage for Barristers. To qualify for admission to the PCLL, an applicant must hold a degree from a common law jurisdiction. Usually graduates undertake “top-up” courses in the three Hong Kong specific subjects; Constitutional Law, Hong Kong Land Law and the Hong Kong Legal System. For further information on admission requirements, see: hklawsoc.org.hk For the PCLL, see: www.hku.hk/pcll, Immigration: Australians intending to work in Hong Kong must obtain a work visa prior to arrival. Special visas for professionals seeking to work in Hong Kong are granted under the General Employment Policy (GEP).

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WORK ABROAD JAPAN Admission: Australians interested to practice law in Japan may be admitted as Foreign Special Members of the Japanese Federation of Bar Associations. Once admitted, foreign lawyers are limited to advising on the law of their home jurisdiction. Australian lawyers seeking admission must apply to the Minister of Justice and be qualified in their home jurisdiction with three years post-admission experience. They must satisfy the Minister that they have the will and financial means to act as a lawyer, have residence and also meet the character and bankruptcy requirements. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.nichibenren.or.jp/en/. Immigration: Individuals wishing to work as lawyers in Japan may apply for a Legal/Account Working Visa which is valid for one or three years. To work in Japan a foreign citizen needs an Eligibility Certificate, which must be approved by the Minister of Justice. For immigration, see: www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html. For the Foreign Lawyers Act, see: www.cs-trans.biz/J-Foreign-Lawyers.htm.

NEW ZEALAND Admission: Australian lawyers admitted in any Australian jurisdiction can apply to practice in New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997. Australian graduates yet to be admitted can apply to the New Zealand Council of Legal Education. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.lawsociety.org.nz For information regarding the TTMRA, see www.nzcle.org.nz/. Immigration: Australian residents seeking to work in New Zealand are not usually required to obtain a visa, provided the character requirements are satisfied.

SOUTH AFRICA Admission: In order for an Australian law graduate to be able to practice local law, they will need to hold a permit for permanent residence in South Africa and further hold a Bachelor of Law degree from a South African University. This can be achieved by submitting their Australian degree for credit and then completing any relevant courses needed to qualify. They are also required to complete two years of articles of clerkship with a practising South African attorney and successfully complete the admission exam. Candidates will then need to attend a training course with the relevant law society in their chosen province before finally being able to apply for admission as an attorney. For further information on admission requirements, see: http://www.lssa.org.za/. Immigration: Australian citizens receive a visa on arrival in South Africa for 90 days which can be extended while they are looking for work.

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WORK ABROAD UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Admission: A United Arab Emirates (UAE) National is required for court appearances in UAE courts. These courts follow Sharia law and all proceedings are conducted in Arabic, especially in family and criminal law matters. However, Australian graduates who have also completed their GDLP, and are looking for international exposure and experience primarily in civil law, can apply for a working permit with the Ministry of Labour. They may then work for an international or local rm on international law and the law of any jurisdiction they are quali ed in, under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Financial Centre Courts (which operate in English and bear a striking resemblance to the common law judicial system). The laws enacted to govern individuals, companies and nancial institutions within the DIFC are in effect a “commercial code” modelled on the best practices of the world’s major nancial jurisdictions. Australian lawyers are well sought after and have been successful in obtaining work with international rms who see them as a good cultural t to their organisation, but it is important to note that expatriates are mainly considered for their experience, expert knowledge or specialised skills. Immigration: An Australian citizen receives a 30 day visa on arrival in Dubai which can be extended while they are looking for work. A residence visa is granted when a company employs and sponsors you and this is renewed every couple of years.

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WORK ABROAD UNITED KINGDOM Admission: Australians seeking to be admitted in the UK are required to take the Quali ed Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTT), and satisfy other eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Quali ed Lawyers Transfer Regulations 1990. Prior to sitting the QLTT, applicants must obtain a certi cate of eligibility from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In order to obtain this, applicants must prove they are suitable for admission to practice in England and Wales by disclosing all relevant matters and any convictions. QLTT covers four subject areas: property; litigation; professional conduct and accounts, and principles of common law. Applicants may also be required to satisfy a two-year legal experience requirement, although an exemption can be sought on the basis of prior legal experience. Immigration: Australians seeking to work in the UK must obtain a working visa. Australians may be eligible to work under the Highly Skilled Migrant Program. Applicants must obtain a certain number of points across a range of criteria including quali cations, earnings, experience and age. This visa lasts for 24 months, with an option to renew for a further 3 years. For further information on admission, see: www.lawsociety.org.uk. For further information on immigration, see: www.ind.homeof ce.gov.uk

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Admission: Admission requirements in the United States differ in each State. Every State requires applicants to sit a bar exam and satisfy the relevant admission authority that they are of good character. In some States, applicants may be required to take additional courses in US Law at an ABA approved law school. Alternatively, foreign lawyers may practice with a Foreign Legal Consultant Licence. This allows lawyers to engage in restricted legal practice within a State, based on their home jurisdiction qualifications and experience. For further information on admission requirements, see: www.calbar.org for California; and www.nybarexam.org for New York. Immigration: Australians seeking work in the US must obtain a work visa. Australians may apply for the special E-3 Visa which permits Australians to work temporarily in specific occupations. In order to qualify for the visa, the applicant must have a job offer from an organisation in the US prior to departing Australia.

For further information on practicing abroad see the Australian Law Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Law Careers Guide, available at www.alsa.asn.au/ publications/.

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STAND OUT When reading job applications, employers no longer just look for decent grades. And why would they when they receive so many applications? They want the best of the best. They want to see that you have experience, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve volunteered, and have relevant interests. To stand out from the huge pool of law graduates you need to do everything you can to improve your employability. One way to do this is to get involved with any extra-curricular activities you can. This could include joining the USALSA committee, writing for the law school magazine (The Obiter) or volunteering as a Business Peer Mentor for the UniSA Business School. You can look into doing an overseas exchange, apply for the Aurora Native Title program. or participate in law school competitions where you will learn and develop invaluable legal skills. One last thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; socialise. Go to career events where you are given the opportunity to meet and talk with actual practitioners. Ask them about life after law school. Network. Competition trainings are great because you get to learn from practitioners who are there solely to help you out. There are so many opportunities to make yourself stand out, so get involved!

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SHORT TERM EXCHANGE PHILIPPA JONES

Studying overseas is an amazing opportunity to travel, experience a new culture, study in a different environment and make friends. But if you don’t have the time to go on a six month exchange, or the electives left, or the money, or if you just don’t want to be away from home for six months, there are still options to study overseas. Short overseas courses are a great alternative to the traditional six month exchange as it still enables you to have the overseas study experience. I studied overseas for three weeks in January 2016. The course was International Law and Human Rights and was taught at Masaryk University in the city of Brno, the Czech Republic. The course was organised through AIM Overseas which is an organisation that arranges short term courses at universities all over the world. The course I studied was taught combining classroom teaching and professional visits. Topics of study included human rights and human dignity, discrimination, freedom of expression verses hate speech, and the role of the European Union and the United Nations. Professional visits included visits to the UN Office in Vienna, the UN Refugee Agency, the European Roma Rights Centre, and workshopping with a variety of NGOs. The course was taught by people very experienced in law (in particular international law) and included a supreme court judge and a lawyer who worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and at the Special Senate for War Crimes at the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many short term courses attempt to combine learning with giving student a cultural experience. Local student guides from Masaryk University were with us throughout the three week course. They showed us Brno’s attractions and gave us a local perspective of the city. They showed us the best tourist attractions, the best local food to eat and the best places to out. On weekends we went on trips organised by the exchange program to Prague, Budapest and Vienna. Here we not only went on professional visits but had plenty of time to be tourists. A further advantage of short term courses is the people you meet doing the course. Not only do they become great friends, but I found that as everyone had travelled overseas to study the course they were really interested in the content of the subject. In my experience the class was filled with people passionate about the subject, who wanted to be there to learn about the topic. This made class discussions interesting as everyone was contributing and engaged in the topic. Many overseas university courses can be counted as an elective or a law elective depending on the subject and its content. This means that you can get credit for the course. It is important to check this before you go overseas to ensure you will be able to get credits and OS-HELP for the course. To find more information about short term exchanges and possible courses search the UniSA page or for information on the course outlined above and other courses organised by AIM Overseas visit http:// aimoverseas.com.au.

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SEMESTER EXCHANGE DUSTY GRANT

In the second half of 2015 I undertook a semester long study exchange to Stetson University in Florida, USA. If you are thinking about an exchange but still are not quite sure, firstly I want to say JUST DO IT! One of the biggest concerns students have about undertaking an exchange is the potential financial burden. Having a structured budget is immensely important to any travel of an extended period like this. However, once again we are fortunate that UniSA is so supportive of international study. Students going on semester long exchanges receive a grant of up to $2,500 and there are other grants open to be applied for as well, depending on your area of study, academic merit and/or financial status. On top of this, the Australian Government offer up to $7,500 (depending on your location) as a loan that can be added onto your HECS debt. I was fortunate enough to receive a Business Mobility Grant as well, which is open to any student in the Business School to apply for. These grants and loans helped me to cover almost all the costs of accommodation and meal plans. But of course, I needed my own money as well. Six months of living in another country can be expensive, especially when exchange rates are considered too. Even with all the help that the uni and Government offer, it is important to save and budget effectively, leading up to and during your exchange. Now the good stuff. If you ever speak to someone who has returned from exchange, 95% of them will reply with overwhelmingly positive answers. I admit to uttering the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;best months of my lifeâ&#x20AC;? far too many times since returning home. For most, an exchange like this would be your first experience away from home. It certainly was for me. If this seems scary, it definitely can be, but in the most exciting way possible. At Stetson, we were thrown into a hoard of 90 other international students who were all as fresh faced, terrified, exhilarated and confused as we were, and this created a family. The friendships I made and the bonds I formed

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are some of the strongest relationships I have, and this is true of many exchanges. Whichever host uni you attend will want nothing but for you to have an amazing experience. The other amazing part of an exchange is, as I just mentioned, the excellent academic experience available to you. Having the opportunity to undertake study in an area of interest to you in a completely different country, with different ideals, cultures and people, is invaluable. In my experience, the teachers I had there also jumped at the opportunity of having a foreign voice in their class, so discussions were always kept interesting and informative, but also fun. Furthermore, the University requires only a pass/fail grade, meaning that pressure of different exam or assignment systems is greatly alleviated and helps you learn and fully appreciate the experience youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re receiving. The final thing I would add to ensuring you have the best possible experience is to take any and every opportunity offered to you. Even if something seems scary or new or even boring, do it. People will (usually) love the fact that you are visiting and trying new things and will try to help you have a great time. Do it! Whilst at Stetson I had the opportunity to go to The Bahamas for a long weekend. I almost did not go (worried about costs more than anything) but a friend and I found some economical flights, well priced accommodation and it was one of the best things I have ever done. I went on countless road trips, sometimes with people I was close with, other times with people I barely knew who had invited me on a whim. Sometimes things went wrong, sometimes people were rude or unsure about this random Australian guy they did not know. But the vast majority were not like that, and I just want to reiterate; take every chance, do everything you can. That includes applying and going on exchange in the first place. That is probably the hardest bit. Once you arrive at your host uni, you get into your respective accommodation and start meeting people you will likely realise it was all worth it and future you will be immensely grateful.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING Entering the legal job market is frightening. Believing that you lack the experience or the grades to get a job is a terrible mind set to have. To demonstrate that you have the skill set that an employer needs is difficult when you’re a waitress. However, you can set yourself apart from the rest without even having a job. Volunteering will give you that competitive edge that you need. By volunteering, you will see the benefits to you and to others. You will improve your network skills, increase your self-confidence and develop skills that will make your resume stand out. You will also be amazed by the sense of achievement for the volunteer work that you do. The feeling you get from helping members of the community through volunteer work is completely different than scanning someone’s grocery shopping. So, where should you volunteer? VolunteeringSA-NT is the leading volunteering service in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Their website has a fantastic search engine for volunteer vacancies which allows you to limit the search to your interests and how much time you can devote to volunteering. This can give you an idea of what kind of opportunities are out there and you may even find an opportunity that you are interested in. These opportunities do not necessarily need to be law related but can be something you enjoy or have an interest in. The skills you gain can be transferable and demonstrates your dedication to something you are passionate about. Want to travel and volunteer? There are a lot of different overseas volunteer opportunities out there, you just need to know where to look. The Centre for Volunteering has a great list of different organisations on their website for you to check out. A couple of examples are: Real Gap Experience – This organisation has not set up any of their own projects. They instead work with locally run projects which have been established out of the needs from the local community.

International Volunteers for Peace – This organisation’s aim is to organise volunteer opportunities around community needs while promoting the appreciation of the problems that different communities face in their struggle for environmental harmony and social justice. World Youth International – WYI takes a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ approach to their projects in areas of health, education and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene). They implement projects which the communities can continue to access in the long term. Want to be involved with Social Justice? Women’s Legal Service offers free legal advice and representation to women who are facing a crisis. Volunteers assist with administration work which includes answering phone calls from members of the public and data entry. In this role, you will have the ability to assist disadvantaged women to understand their legal rights. It is confronting but your role will be rewarding. Visit their website if you want to find out more information or want to apply. JusticeNet See more information in this guide! Welfare Rights Centre (SA) WRC is a non-government agency who provide free assist to those with matters relating to Centrelink payments. Volunteers will be undertaking a large portion of WRC’s client-services work of assisting clients to challenge incorrect Centrelink payments. To apply, visit their website for the application form. Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre This CLC is run by volunteers who provide advice either face to face or over the phone. Volunteers can also help with their Human Rights Volunteer Service. While providing their service, this CLC’s aim is to uphold culturally appropriate protocols to the Indigenous and the Multicultural communities. Volunteers will also have the ability to assist with law reform, training and community education.

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VOLUNTEERING IN THE SUMMER BREAK

G O

JESSICA PUNCH

Upon completion of my first year of studies I decided to undertake volunteer work experience at a general practice law firm over the summer university break to gauge an understanding of what legal practitioners do and how it differs to undergraduate law studies. Prior to volunteering I had no exposure to the world of law outside the constraints of a university lecture theatre and I soon realised how different practice is in comparison to the theory components in a law degree. I made phone enquiries to various firms in my local area as to whether they were able to take on a work experience student and submitted my resume to those who were interested. Undertaking volunteer work experience allowed me to gain beneficial insight into what legal practice entails and how the knowledge I was gaining at university was applied in practice. The benefits of volunteering at a general practice were apparent in the first week as I was exposed to multiple areas of law. It was refreshing to see a variety of matters come in and as such I was able to gain a limited understanding of how experienced practitioners would approach different matters in different ways. With the guidance of the solicitor overseeing my work experience, I gained valuable practical skills that I have yet to be exposed to in my undergraduate degree such as drafting fundamental documents, how client interviews are run and how court documents are filed. I gained exposure to areas of law that I had not yet come across in my degree which developed my research skills as I would have to wrap my head around a matter that was completely foreign to me. It also enabled me to refine my understanding of subjects I had already covered in my studies and gain additional knowledge of concepts that were not covered in the subject. By undertaking work experience, my desire to practice law upon completion of my studies has been solidified and it has allowed me to develop skills that will benefit my studies later on in my degree. Despite giving up my summer holidays, the experience was well worth the sacrifice and I would encourage all students to take up any opportunity they may come across gaining work experience.

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VOLUNTEERING FOR JUSTICENET LEO COLDBECK-SHACKLEY

JusticeNet is an independent, not-for-profit organization that coordinates free legal help for individuals and charitable organisations. We aim to provide a ‘safety net’ for disadvantaged individuals who are unable to pay for legal advice or obtain help through other legal service providers. JusticeNetisrunbyexperienced lawyers assisted by a group of volunteers. What we do: JusticeNet facilitates free legal assistance in a wide range of areas. Applicants need to meet JusticeNet’s eligibility criteria which involves an assessment of the merits of a case and the applicant’s financial means. However, we are unable to assist with family, criminal, and complex commercial and building disputes, except in exceptional circumstances. JusticeNet runs three main services: 1. Referral Service JusticeNet runs a referral service that links eligible applicants with solicitors and barristers willing to provide advice and assistance on a pro bono (free) basis. 2. Self-Representation Services JusticeNet assists people representing themselves in the Federal, District and Supreme Courts in South Australia and Federal Court in the Northern Territory by offering a one-hour appointment with a pro bono solicitor who provides legal advice and minor assistance with legal tasks as required. The Supreme Court Service is run with the assistance of Flinders Law School. 3. Refugee and Asylum Seeker Project JusticeNet offers a specialist referral service for asylum seekers who wish to seek judicial reviews in the Federal Court of negative immigration decisions. Volunteering with JusticeNet: JusticeNet relies on volunteers to assist with a variety of hands-on tasks, including taking telephone enquiries from the public and applicants,

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assessing applications for assistance, preparing briefs for lawyers, legal research and writing submissions on law reform issues. Volunteers can also get involved with helping to run the service, such as fundraising and training events. JusticeNet accepts applications for volunteers year-round and opens positions on an as-needed basis. Places are competitive. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and Academic Transcript to Louise Young at admin@ justicenet.org.au. Both the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia offer placements with JusticeNet as part of their Clinical Legal Education (CLE) programmes. One Student’s experience: “I began volunteering with JusticeNet in my final year of university. My initial motivation was to gain some practical experience in general civil law while doing some work with a social bene t. I was first working in the Referral Service, which involved preparing Case Summaries, and research into the potential legal issues arising from those matters. During this period, we were able to participate in a meaningful workshop related to dealing with clients who might be suffering mental health issues. The work at the SRS has been highly varied and has included: freedom of information requests, real property disputes, a commercial and contractual matter, tax debts and family maintenance. This work has also involved certain procedural and administrative tasks, such as drafting a notice of discontinuance in relation to a pending appeal. This is all in addition to regular client interactions, either in person or otherwise. I would fully recommend JusticeNet to other law students who are interested in civil law and making a social contribution to both the clients and the justice system generally.”

SOCIAL JUSTICE Many not-for-profit organisations and community legal centres (CLCs) take on volunteers. Volunteering at these organisations provides students with the opportunity to experience real world lawyering as well as practical legal application with real results. Volunteering will also provide networking and placement opportunities for your future, while giving you a sense of achievement for the work you perform. Volunteering is generally flexible, and you do not usually have to commit to more than one day a week.

The UniSA Legal Advice Clinic

Students have the opportunity to work in the University of South Australia Law Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Legal Advice Clinic. The clinic provides advice on a variety of legal matters, including traffic, motor injury, tenancy disputes and family disputes. The clinic operates three days a week at the Law School, with outlets at both Elizabeth and Port Adelaide Magistrates Courts operating the other two days. For more information on how to get involved, contact managing solicitor Matthew Atkinson at matthew.atkinson@unisa.edu. au. Applicants must have completed the subjects Lawyers, Ethics and Society (LAWS 4006) and Legal Professional and Community Service Experience (LAWS 4007).

JusticeNet

A not-for-profit legal referral service which coordinates pro bono legal assistance to disadvantaged and low- income South Australians. Volunteer applications are accepted all year and expressions of interest should be sent to admin@ justicenet.org.au with your CV and academic transcript.

Young Workers Legal Service

Free work-related advice is provided for workers under the age of 30. There are usually yearly intakes of volunteers in January and July. However, volunteers may also be needed at other times. See their website for more information and criteria.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legal Centre (SA) Inc.

A community based legal centre which provides legal services to women in South Australia. Volunteers are needed for administration work and legal advice and information. Apply online at www.wlssa.org.au/get- involved/volunteering. html

Roma Mitchell CLC

An agency run by volunteers which provides pro bono face-to-face and telephone legal advice. There are also e-volunteers who work to actively advance human rights and reconciliation. This is their Human Rights Volunteer Service. Send applications to <rmclc@ozemail.com.au>, <romamitchell_sa@clc.net.au> & <patrick_ byrt@clc.net.au> (you will need to email all 3).

Welfare Rights (SA)

A non-government agency which provides a free service assisting people with Centrelink dealings and decisions. It also runs the Housing Legal Clinic which provides pro bono legal advice to the homeless, or those at risk of becoming homeless. Submit the online form at wrcsa.org.au.

International Volunteering

There are many providers who have a range of programs aboard. To find out more, check out their websites, contact them directly or go to an information session. Projectsabroad, Antipodeans Abroad and Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) are just a few.

Find out more:

http://www.clcvolunteers.net.au lists community legal centres and if they are looking for volunteers http://www.naclc.org.au/ has a full list of community legal centres in Australia http://www.saccls.org.au/

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PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS HANNAH THOMAS

As the competitions director for USALSA for 2018, it’s my duty to inform you why competitions are so beneficial to each and every one of you. As your fellow student I reiterate this statement immensely. I first participated in USALSA competitions in 2015 with the First Year Moot. I surprised myself by getting through to the grand final. This was a great introduction to competitions and very beneficial. It helped to work on my confidence and my oral advocacy skills. I then participated in the Open Moot in 2016 and Open Moot 2017. Both of these competitions allowed me to slowly develop my mooting skills and my confidence. As a result of these I was selected to represent UniSA at the ALSA Conference, National Mooting Competition in Hobart in 2016 and in Canberra in 2017. I have also participated in the 2017 Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot, held in Melbourne. I am extremely grateful for these opportunities. The Gibbs Moot was one of the best experiences I have had. These opportunities allow you to network with law students, practitioners and judges from around Australia and you never know what might come from it. I cannot stress enough the importance of these competitions. I am in general not a confident or outspoken person but doing these competitions has helped me improve these skills and realise where my strengths are and what I need to work on. Some of the specific skills I have learnt are: • Oral advocacy skills • Written advocacy skills • Confidence • Court etiquette • How to work under pressure • How to think on my feet I believe these skills and any other skills which you learn can easily be applied to any work place. For example, doing the client interview competition allows you to get an idea of interviewing a client – something that solicitors do every day. If you have a desire to work in criminal law, then witness examination allows you to learn how to examine a witness and cross examine. These are vital skills which aren’t necessarily taught in your standard subjects, only taught in some electives. We also offer negotiation which again is a part of the everyday workplace for law firms when negotiating between clients and trying to reach a settlement. We make sure to train you properly before the competitions and then if you are the grand finalists we will support you and train you for the nationals at the ALSA Conference. These competitions have been one of the best parts of my law degree. I encourage each and every one of you reading this to get involved. Having these competitions on your resume helps you to stand out from the crowd. You never know who you might meet and what skills you can develop.

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AURORA NATIVE TITLE PROJECT GEORGIE MCRAE

The Aurora Native Title Project is a unique opportunity for interested students to experience work as a native title lawyer. I was lucky enough to complete an Aurora Native Title project in 2013, with local barrister Andrew Collett, OAM. It was a truly amazing experience for so many reasons; both in terms of learning more about native title and other areas of law affecting Indigenous Australians, but also just generally speaking to learn about life as a barrister. The Aurora Native Title program is run by an incredibly passionate and capable team who aim to provide opportunities for students interested in Indigenous Affairs. They have a winter and summer round every year, with ‘host organisations’ all over the country. Although I was placed in Adelaide which was very convenient, it is also an amazing opportunity to visit a more remote place in Australia, with organisations in locations including Port Hedland and Thursday Island. Unfortunately, the internships are unpaid, however the Aurora staff cannot do enough to help you. This includes reaching out to past interns and others in their network to help organize free or low-cost accommodation options for interns who are struggling to find a place to stay, particularly in the more regional areas. My first day of the internship was my first big legal experience, and quite nerve wracking! Luckily, I could not have possibly asked for a better supervisor, mentor and eventual friend than Andrew Collett. Andrew recently received an Order of Australia Medal for his illustrious career in Indigenous affairs and beyond and is passionate about assisting law students as well as the profession generally. Aside from making the most clichéd intern mistake ever and pouring coffee down the front of my new “law clothes”, I was totally at ease from the beginning.

During the internship, I had many varied and amazing opportunities. Every day was completely different; from heading to the former nuclear test site at Maralinga on a tiny chartered plane and sleeping in ‘dongas’, to sitting in court during preservation evidence proceedings regarding a stolen generation matter, every day was completely different. Not all of the work was related to Indigenous affairs, although it was certainly the focus. I also assisted with other matters including a discrimination claim, and several personal injury cases. The personal injury matters saw me attend various settlement conferences, and although my work was strictly limited to taking notes, it was a fascinating insight into life as a barrister. A lot of my work was research based, including searching the Supreme Court QWAEt library for cases on a long defunct law. Even this was incredibly interesting to me and has led to a longlasting love affair with the Supreme Court library. Outside the work, the best thing about the Aurora Native Title project is the invaluable connections and relationships you make. The project really emphasizes finding people who genuinely care about native title and other related issues, and as a result you find yourself amongst like-minded people. At the beginning of the internship, I was forwarded a list of all the other interns Australiawide. Sometime later, I was thrilled to catch up with two other interns for a drink to chat about our experiences. Andrew also introduced me to many other people in the industry. These relationships continue long beyond the end of the internship, and I feel this is one of the real strengths of the program. From the ongoing correspondence with Andrew (which has been absolutely invaluable) to the ‘job alerts’ sent from the passionate team at ‘Aurora HQ’, the benefits of the internship have extended well beyond my ‘end-date’. For anyone who is genuinely interested in Indigenous affairs, I couldn’t recommend this experience enough.

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LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC GEORGIE GROSSET

What does your job involve? This requires me to volunteer as a student advisor in the UniSA legal advice clinic. This means I am able to offer legal advice to those who need it under the supervision of the managing solicitors. How did you get into your position? After completing the compulsory law course, Lawyers, Ethics and Society, I decided to take the advanced law elective, Lawyers, Ethics and Society (advanced: Clinical Placement). This allowed me to continue in the Legal Clinic for over two trimesters. What motivated you to pursue this type of role? I was interested in getting some practical experience in a number of different areas. The work in the clinic provides a perfect environment to work on a number of cases across a number of different law areas such as contacts, property and torts. Not only was I volunteering, but I was also able to have credit added to my transcript for the work I was doing. What are some of the benefits of your job? Some of the benefits that I got out of working in the Legal Advice Clinic include getting to work with a number of different clients and client files. The clinic is a great opportunity to learn how to interview clients, speak to clients on the phone, write file notes and case updates, run a client file, research law and work on a number of different areas from criminal law to contracts to domestic disputes. As the clinic is a volunteer practice that provides free legal advice the clients that you work with can generally not afford legal advice. This was satisfying by knowing I was helping people out there that may not have received any advice. It is challenging as many clients have limited legal knowledge, but this provides a great opportunity to work on your legal knowledge and your basic explanation for your client. With jobs in the legal sector being quite competitive, do you have any recommendations for our current students? The legal clinic works on a number of different areas and this provides a really good base for anyone looking to work in legal sector. Even if you are not sure if you want to practice in the legal sector the clinic gives you experience that will be very helpful in any work you take on in the future. 66 USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018

UNISA BUSINESS MENTOR PROGRAM The Business Career Mentor Program is one of the most sought after opportunities at the UniSA Business School. It allows students from across disciplines, including law, to be paired with an industry professional and attend monthly meetings with your mentor. I applied for the mentor program in 2015. You complete the application process online, selecting up to three mentors to ‘short-list’. After sending the application, sometime later I was asked to attend an interview for the program. Following the interview, I was advised that my application had been successful and that my mentor would be ‘revealed’ via the online portal. I was excited to discover that I had been paired with Charissa Duffy, a family law practitioner from local firm Tindall Gask Bentley. Before commencing the program, there were a number of requirements to complete. All successful ‘mentees’ were invited to an information session which included information about being a successful mentee, as well as networking and searching for jobs. That alone was a very helpful session! Being a mentee also caused me to reflect on what I wanted from my career, at least broadly. I formulated a number of questions for my first meeting with my mentor, and this process alone enabled me to narrow down what I already knew about the legal industry, and what I wanted to learn. This experience showed me the benefits of reflecting and setting goals, which is something I continue.

“

I was a bit nervous meeting with my mentor the first time, but she was extremely friendly and willing to This experience showed answer all of my questions. She spoke very candidly the benefits of about her experiences as a legal professional and me gave me lots of great tips about approaching firms for reflecting and setting work. I was also able to honestly discuss some of my concerns, such as work/life balance and managing goals, which is something the steep learning curve of being a new lawyer. We I continue. met approximately monthly, although it is important to be flexible in the program as the mentors are often very busy and generously giving their limited time. However, Charissa was also happy to communicate via email, and several times I sent in questions that way. Knowing I had someone who I could direct ‘silly’ questions to was extremely helpful, especially during my clerkship which was at the same time.

”

At the end of the program, I also needed to attend a networking event. As someone with limited networking experience, at first this was terrifying! However, it ended up being a great night where I really enjoyed speaking with all different industry professionals. I would recommend the program to anyone at the Business School. I am still in contact with my mentor, and hope that it is a relationship that continues into the future.

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USALSA CAREERS GUIDE 2018