PRIVATE LAW CAREERS | PUBLIC LAW CAREERS | INTERNATIONAL | BEYOND LEGAL
UNSW LAW SOCIETY’S
POSSIBILITIES GUIDE 2021
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.
Acknowledgments
10. Emerging Areas of Law
2. Presidents’ Welcome
11. Careers Beyond Legal
3.
Vice Presidents’ Welcome
12. Getting involved at UNSW
4.
Private Law Careers
5.
Private Law Testimonials
6.
Public Law Careers
7. Qualifying as a Lawyer
8. Public Law Testimonials
9. International Careers
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Isabel Chong Vanessa Luong Santina Eloise Kneebone Sonya Campbell Fiona Chong Claudia Hayman Phoebe Port Jake Silove Isabella Elena Carozzi Jessie Xiao Jason Zhang
Editors Anvi Kohli Michael Vamiadakis Alina Pletneva
This Student Club publication is proudly supported by Arc.
© 2021 UNSW Law Society Inc. This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society Inc., the editors, or those of the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who use or relies upon it. The editors, author and the UNSW Law Society Inc. accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. 3
PRESIDENTS’ WELCOME This Possibilities Guide serves as a starting point for exploring some of the diverse opportunities open to law graduates. A primary strength of a legal education at UNSW is the wide range of life experiences and ambitions held by the law student body. In light of this, we hope this Guide hastens the shift towards a broader definition of success which recognises the excellence of all career opportunities. From my own experiences during university, at a tutoring centre, community legal centre, boutique migration law firm, a government investigative agency, a top-tier commercial law firm and a legal recruitment consultancy, I have come to appreciate that there are excellent law graduates in every corner of the legal profession and beyond. The most important thing is to carve out your own path and do what feels right for you. Well done to the Education, International, Public Interest Careers portfolios for their hard work in producing another excellent edition of the Possibilities Guide. I wish you all the best for your journey ahead! Sanjay Alapakkam
As UNSW Law students, we are uniquely positioned to flourish on whichever career path we choose or inadvertently find ourselves on. Attending a top-ranking University with a focus upon developing our practical skills and providing a variety of opportunities in a breadth of industry areas, means the possibilities for us beyond Law School are truly endless.
There are so many different things you can do with your degree, be it Law or otherwise, and the 2021 Team of the UNSW Law Society hope this Guide equips you with foundational knowledge about some of the manyoptions for your future. We encourage you to read our Guide, take note of potential areas of interest, and go on to research and explore what you would like to do! While both exciting and potentially daunting, your life beyond University will no doubt be filled with many accomplishments, opportunities, complexdecisions, and challenges – remember to always remain centred, authentic, and driven, and never be afraid to try something new. You may find yourself surprised at where you end up, or changing mid-career – and that is okay! How the concept of ‘success’ is defined is ultimately up to the individual; so, be sure to take some time to determine what will have you feeling happy and fulfilled in your career – whether it be in public law and policy, private or commercial law, pro-bono and community work, as an in-house counsel, at the bar, practicing advocacy here in Australia or overseas ... the list of possibilities is truly infinite. Good luck for all of your present and future endeavours, and don’t forget to enjoy the process – that’s at least half of the fun! Alex Zoras
V ice P residents ’ welcome
All good things must come to an end, and law school is no exception. Whilst we may be sheltered at university, once we leave there is a whole world out there. This guide aims to best inform you of all the possibilities available to you once you have completed your law degree. There is a wealth of private law opportunities available to you in private practice, in-house and even abroad. This is by no means the only path; you only need to browse this guide to see outside of private law, the possibilities are endless. There are so many different avenues available, it is up to you to figure out what you are truly passionate about. I hope that with all these tools and resources, you can make the best decision for your future. I wish you the very best with your future careers and can’t wait to see what you do beyond law school!
From first year, there is a lot of ambiguity about the opportunities available for law students both in legal and non-legal fields. While there are many resources online and offered to students, sometimes it can be difficult to grasp where to start looking and what areas interest you. This year’s Possibilities Guide, in collaboration with the Private Law Careers, Public Interest Careers and International Careers Vice Presidents, aims to be a starting point for anyone who is confused about what direction their law degree can go in. It is important to remember, that there is not one set clear cut pathway you as a law student can end up on. It is completely up to you where you want to end up, and the pathways there are varied. As a student, utilise this guide as a way to find out which practice areas interest you and use it as the first stepping stone to carving your future pathway. Whether you are a recent law graduate, a recent transfer student who was looking for a different career or just a graduated high schooler who is in their first year of law, we hope this guide assists you !
Isaac Dela Torre (Private Law Director)
Anvi Kohli (Education Director)
Law graduates have a diverse career path and more often than not, we feel confined as students to private law routes. However, it is important to know that there are so many possibilities for law students in the public-interest field. I know as a law student it can be daunting to figure out exactly what profession you would like to pursue, and there is certainly no right answer. If you do believe that you want to work within public-interest, you will the opportunity to pursue various areas of law, both as a student and upon graduation. Reading guides like the one the education portfolio has kindly compiled, as well as our future Public-interest careers guide, you may be able to gain a further idea of what you are exactly passionate about. Attending lawsoc events will allow you to ask questions and hear insights from leading professionals! The public-interest area is certainly diverse but possibilities range from government, criminal law, personal injury, policy, immigration law, advocacy and much much more! No matter what career path you embark on, I am certain you will learn new skills along the way and wish you the very best!
Thank you for taking the time to read this Possibilities Guide that has been collated with care by the UNSW Law Society team. Included as part of this guide is a section on International Opportunities which will provide a small snapshot of career, academic and development opportunities beyond the borders of Australia. A disclaimer must be given however, given the absolute breadth and the many pathways people can take overseas, that this will not be a full guide and should only be seen as inspiration for you. Providing a small summary of the opportunities available to you overseas, law students can pursue: permanent career opportunities in the private and public sector, in both legal and non-legal positions; and education opportunities in overseas universities, studying a variety of post-graduate degree or gaining admissions to overseas legal practice. For those staying within the realm of the law, while there are similarities that the Australian legal system shares with other common law jurisdictions (e.g. Hong Kong and the United Kingdom), there are still specific requirements and procedures that are required by Australian lawyers to practice in those jurisdictions. In this guide, information about different firms and opportunities have been sourced and collated for your convenience. We have also gathered some information regarding the transitional requirements for international practice. Hopefully, this provides you with an insight into a global careers and encourages to seek out the challenges of cross-border and cross-jurisdictional work. Unfortunately, the International Law Fair was unable to take place this year due to the current conditions. However, we hope that in lieu of that, this guide provides a starting point and still encourages an interest in the international opportunities listed. For many law students, the idea of going overseas may seem daunting. This guide aims to show the contrary – that the world is indeed accessible.
Amal Naser (Public Interest Careers Director)
Harrison Zheng (International Director)
P rivate
careers
law
BaNKINg aND FINaNCE Banking and finance practice covers the operations of banks and financial institutions. It can involve representing either lenders or borrowers in large financial transactions. Lawyers within this area assist clients in navigating the complex and intricate legal frameworks that govern transactions both domestically and globally. A legal role within banking and finance can involve drafting and negotiating financial contracts as well as providing legal advice in regards to larger transactions like mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings or liquidation.
C OMPETITION
aND CONSUMER LaW
Competition and Consumer Law primarily involves dealing with a range of legislative acts, primarily the Australian Consumer Law, that are designed to ensure obligations are met in regards to goods and services. Within this area, you can represent consumers who have been disadvantaged by violations of consumer law or defend organisations against individual and class action suits. Practicing within consumer law can also involve policy review of the ACL in order to mitigate the risks posed by the evolving nature of consumer law. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the public body which handles larger antitrust and corruption cases to protect consumers against exploitation. Alternatively, the Consumer Action Law Centre is an advocacy group that you could lend your skills too.
CONSTRUCTION aND INFRaSTRUCTURE This area of law deals with matters relating to the design, construction, operation or maintenance of infrastructure. It also includes matters relating to the supply of plants and materials associated with construction. This area of law involves residential, commercial and industrial construction as well as the infrastructure of rails, roads, hospitals, and schools. Within this area you can assist owners and developers or contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, certifiers, project managers and logistics providers. Some of the work done includes preparing tender documentation and reviewing tender responses, preparing, reviewing or negotiating construction contracts and administering construction contracts and assessing contractual claims.
EMPLOyMENT LaW Employment Law focuses on the relationship between employers and employees on issues such as wages, compensation, harassment and discrimination. This area of law also governs the rights and entitlements of employees. Lawyers in this field may work with individual clients, a union, a government regulatory agency and an employer. While employment law is governed by the Fair Work Act work within this area involves a mix of common law and domestic and statutory legislation. Employment litigation often involves representing employers in single-plaintiff lawsuits as well as in class action suits on issues such as discrimination, employee benefits and wages. Alternatively, you can focus on more traditional matters such as business immigration, compliance and reviews, pay equity and diversity, regulatory assistance and international employment matters.
INTERNaTIONaL PROPERTy Intellectual property(IP) law is based around protecting the rights of individuals with intangible assets such as writing, music, art, and media. In practice, IP law focuses on assisting clients with ownership of these assets including patents, copyrights, trademarks, licensing agreements and more. As well, when this area of law also deals with representing clients whose rights have been infringed on. As an IP lawyer, you can work generally in the area or you can specialise in specific areas such as patent litigation or trademark registration. There are a lot of private firms that offer intellectual property law services. However, you also have the option to work for public organisations such as IP Australia which oversees the administration of Australian intellectual property laws.
LITIgaTION aND DISPUTE RESOLUTION Litigation and Dispute resolution focuses on seeking to resolve ongoing legal conflicts. Dispute resolution aims to resolve the issue without having to go to court. Dispute resolution is focused on negotiating on behalf of your client’s best interests. When this fails, parties then litigate and resolve the conflict in court. Litigation requires documenting evidence and informing the other party on behalf of your client. As well, litigation lawyers are responsible for assisting their client in creating the strongest legal argument. Often litigation and dispute resolution embodies elements of tort and contract law.
MERgERS
&
aCQUISITIONS
Companies often are driven to maximising their profits, and to do so, sometimes they will merge or acquire other companies in order to achievie this goal. However, the process of acquiring or merging with a company can be a complex one, and as such, M&A lawyers assist in facilitating the transaction. Work within this area involves negotiating the key commercial points of the transaction, performing due diligence and checking that nothing threatens the negotiation, drafting the transaction documents and setting out the operational details of the transition. Often M&A transactions are fast-paced so lawyers within this area can find themselves involved in all aspects of the process. This area ofpractice not only
TaXaTION LaW Taxation law involves primarily assisting clients on navigating complex tax codes and minimising their tax risks. Within Australia, there are numerous forms of taxation including income tax, capital gains tax, custom duties, and inheritance tax as a few. Lawyers in this area help both individuals and businesses navigate their way through the relevant legislation for a specific transaction. In this area, you also have the option to participate in tax litigation which follows from an internal review by government authorities.
MEDIa LaW Media Law encompasses dealing with and resolving legal issues related to film, television, digital media, advertising, publishing, marketing and other areas of media. Due to the variety of media formats and its global reach, you can potentially build your career around your specific interests. Lawyers within this area can find themselves working on a range of tasks including copyright and defamation cases to negotiating and writing up licensing agreements. Lawyers within this field can work for a regulatory authority, in house for a media organisation or as a consultant. As well, media lawyers also have the opportunity to represent individual clients such as actors and musicians instead of bigger organisations.
WILLS aND ESTaTE Solicitors and lawyers involved in this area of law assist clients in draftiing wills and trusts, delegating powers of attorney, appontnig enduring guardians and producing and executing other documents in relation to the administration of a client’s estate while incapacitated or deceased. Often the work in this area can extend to assisting clients in auditing their assets, ensuring beneficiaries are provided for and ensuring wills are secured. As well, lawyers and solicitors in this area may provide counsel or representation in cases where there are disputes over an existing will or estate, or someone has passed without a will.
REaL ESTaTE aND PROPERTy
Real property law is about helping clients to manage their rights and responsibilities as landowners and advising on transactions to realise the economic potential of their properties. Commercial property solicitors advise on commercial transactions such as acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development, joint ventures, estate management and funding arrangements. They may also litigate when disputes related to real estate and property arise. Residential property solicitors tend to focus on conveyancing. Your clients would typically include property developers, institutional investors, real estate funds, corporations, retailers, utilities companies and financial institutions.
FaMILy LaW Family law is a practice area focused on issues involving family and domestic relationships. This can include adoption, divorce, child custody, emancipation, paternity, just to name a few. A role within family law will see you help clients navigate divorces, property settlement, post-separation parenting arrangements, financial agreements, child support disputes and agreements. Individuals can choose to build a career as a generalised family law expert which involves advising clients on a range of issues. Alternatively, you can also choose to practice and focus your career on a certain aspect of family law. Within family law, there are overlaps with other practice areas such as tort, tax, contract, property and trusts and estates. However, these areas are in the frame of domestic and family relationships.
ENVIRONMENTaL aND PLaNNINg Environmental law encompasses the system of treaties, regulations, statutes, conventions and case law that govern the natural world and human interaction with it. Lawyers in this area assist both public andd private clients on a range of issues, from acquiring licenses and permits for business or building projects to meeting environmental due diligence requirements. This is a broad area of the law, with domestic and international practitioners, as well as a range of subspecialties (for example, native title claims or biodiversity management). At the federal level, Australian environmental law is overseen by the the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. This agency aims to address issues such as airquality and environmental conservation to fuel quality standards and land contamination. In this area, lawyers can also find themselvesrepresenting organisations that wish to access natural resources, construct large building projects, defend against environmental lawsuits, and more. This area of law also involves interactions with a range of non-legal experts and stakeholders such as ecologists, architects, archaeologists. the government, businesses, local property holders, indigenous group and advocacy organisations. As a lawyer in this area you can expect to use a variety of skills from your degree including client relationship management, substantial legal and non-legal research as well as negotiation. This area also gives employees the opportunity to experience more hands-on work.
I have been fortunate to work as a graduate lawyer in the Financial Regulation group of a commercial law firm. My work has included undertaking legal research into regulatory laws in the banking and financial services sector. I have also drafted and edited advice on financial services and markets regulation, particularly concerning obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and explained in the ASIC Regulatory Guides and APRA Prudential Standards. The varied nature of the work kept my day-to-day very interesting. Aside from providing advice in relation to compliance and risk management as well as enforcement actions, the team engages with cross-jurisdictional regulatory issues and regulatory change initiatives. There’s great professional satisfaction derived from feeling as if you are growing professionally within a developing area of law. Being accountable to senior lawyers within a team also assisted with improving my capacity to manage competing deadlines and to work efficiently to meet each of them – an invaluable skill to nurture early in one’s career! Isabel Chong BCom/LLB 2019
Being my first experience in the legal sector, I genuinely did not know what to expect. Over the past few months, working as a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation team provided me with an opportunity to assist with a wide variety of matters, often involving financial institutions, government bodies, major corporations and high net worth individuals. Our diverse range of clients enables me to better understand different industries, along with the opportunity to undertake legal research into interesting and niche areas of the law. The need to provide highly individualised and creative strategies to these clients may seem daunting, particularly with the breadth of research that you may need to conduct before said strategies may be formulated. However, the analytical and legal research skills that you are able to develop along the way are both rewarding and unparalleled. Within this team, you are also able to work alongside barristers and undertake unique tasks, including preparing briefs and exhibits for Court – an experience which may not be available in other teams within private law. The team is small and close-knit, offering Vanessa Luong BCom/LLB, 3rd Year
Studying a degree of science majoring in psychology combined with law has sparked my interest in the field of medical negligence and personal injury. As a paralegal at a firm that deals with mainly malpractice suits and personal injury claims, I help lawyers obtain information and prepare cases related to a range of interesting medical issues. Medical malpractice cases can arise from surgical errors, birth traumas, medical misdiagnoses, anaesthesia errors, unreasonable delays in treating a diagnosed condition and failure to obtain informed consent from a patient before treatment. My duties involve reviewing and categorising documents, preparing responses, obtaining medical records from clients and health care facilities, and coordinating attorney schedules. I also communicate with clients, opposing counsels and expert witnesses within the health care industry. In relation to the application process for this role, I believe it is favourable to have a relevant second degree in science or psychology, and medical/legal experience. Personally, it was a bonus that I worked as a medical receptionist prior to applying to this job. Working at this firm is an invaluable learning expeSantina Wang BSci/LLB 3rd Year
Working as a paralegal in an in-house team has been a very valuable experience which thoroughly tested the knowledge and skills I gained at univeristy. My firm specialises in corporate and trust management and naturally, there was a focus on these areas of the law. I had pleant of opportunities to collaborate with both client-facing divisions on regulatory matters, as well as in-house teams to address the concerns of a global enterprise. This experience has allowed me to develop practical skills across different facets of legal practice, as well as build multi-jurisdictional knowledge. Such international matters have been the highlight of my experience as they provided deep insights into foreign legal and cultural systems. It was very rewarding to see my research incorporated into final versions of legal advice circulated globally! At a high level, in house lawyers occupy a unique space within the business. You develop nuanced perspectives of how the company operates and see the challenges facing the business in a different light. Drawing upon equal measures of legal and commercial skills, the in-house lawyer is a dynamic and challenging role. So, evevn if you have your heart set on a specific field, I encourage you to consider in-house opportunities.
Jason Zhang BCom/LLB 5th Year
PUBLIC LAW AREAS
The government sector involves all the jobs in the public service and is distributed among the governmental agencies and public bodies of Australia. Government lawyers are qualified solicitors who advise and potentially represent these agencies. Agencies that are under the umbrella of the public sector include the Crown Solicitor’s Office all the way to government departments like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There are a variety of agencies which require law graduates as employees, and the positions within the public sector are varied.
DOMESTIC CAREERS The ‘Public Sector’ encompasses the government and independent agencies outside of it. The public sector encases work in essential service - primarily health, education, justice and transport. Public sector agencies require legal staff for their day to day operations. Each level of government (Commonwealth, state and local) has its own public sector. Dependent on what agency and department you are employed in, your work can vary.
Broad duties can include: • Handling civil and criminal litigation. • Writing legal documents and providing legal advice for the government • Defending or prosecuting cases in court • Drafting and developing legal policy. • Researching and analysing emerging legislation.
Roles open up at a variety of times during the year depending on their availability and demand. Often both the Federal and State government agencies also create talent pools in which you apply and when needed they will reach out to you if you are a suitable candidate for the position.
Generally, roles within the public sector are advertised on their respective government websites: Federal: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/ State: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/
THE BAR AND THE JUDICIARY Barristers specialise in advocacy within courts and tribunals as well as providing legal advice. They are separate from solicitors and generally work in the upper levels of the Australian Court hierarchy and tribunals. This role involves helping clients prepare for court appearances as well as representing them. In order to practice as a barrister in New South Wales, you must be admitted as a lawyer which involves passing the Bar exam and completing a reading program after the completion your law degree and practical legal training.. For students who are interested in a career as a barrister, experience as a research assistant at a barristers’ chamber is a good opportunity to gain insight and experience within this area.
The judiciary is the branch of government composed of courts in various jurisdictions. The work of judge’s involves the administration of justice. The role incorporates interpreting precedents and relevant legislation, enforcing the rules of evidence and deciding on appropriate sentences. To get involved within the judiciary, there are graduate positions available as a judge’s associate/tipstaff. The work you do as a graduate is to support the judge and can include administrative duties, editing judgements, note-taking and other duties. There is no uniform application process for associateships or tipstaff position. Generally they involve sending a cover letter, CV and academic transcript directly to the judge. It is recommended that you research the individual judge you want to apply for.
CROWN SOLICITOR’S OFFICE The Crown Solicitor’s office (CSO) provides legal services to the NSW government and its agencies rather than the general public. Their objective is to advise and represent the interests of the NSW government. Legal services provided by the CSO include providing legal advice, representation in litigation and at inquest, property and commercial transactions, drafting documents and agreements, assisting Royal Commission and preparing publications. The CSO is composed of eleven specialist practice groups with expertise in areas such as native title, criminal law, inquiries and commercial law.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS AT COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES Community legal centres (CLCs) are nongovernmental organisations that provide free legal services to the community, making the law accessible. Community legal centres over a range of services including providing legal information and advice, casework and representation in targeted areas of law and being involved in the development of community legal education.
Volunteering at a community legal centre is simultaneously a great way to give back to the community whilst also gaining hands-on experience in the legal field. Depending on what centre, often the work involves preparing client agreements, communication with clients and categorising their legal issues, preparing case briefs and a range of administrative tasks.
There are two types of community legal centres; generalist and specialist. Generalist centres focus on providing legal services in a range of areas, but are focused on providing assistance to people living in their catchment area. Specialist centres however provide legal services relevant to a particular area of law.
While every community legal centre is different, often these centres have two points of intake throughout the year; January and July. Often the commitment is one full day per week for a minimum period of six months. Often position openings will be indicated on each legal centre’s own website.
TESTIMONIAL
Volunteering at the Welfare Rights Centre has provided me with an incredible insight into the community justice sector. I have loved having a front row seat to the skill and empathy of the solicitors as they mediate between the lives of vulnerable people and the law. These are the legal system’s humble heroes — their work in restoring financial security genuinely changes their clients’ quality of life. The ethos of the centre is grounded in justice and human dignity, and I have been impressed by how this manifests not only in the solicitor’s relationships with the clients but also the centre’s policy advocacy work when the law does not service just outcomes. Liaising with clients as part of my role and hearing their stories has opened my eyes to how the law interacts with the complexity and often messiness of life, especially life on the margins of society. For the most part, I have been impressed with how Australia’s social security law accounts for vulnerability and protects those in need. Volunteering at the centre is an amazing opportunity and the work Claudia Hayman B.Arts/LLB 2nd Year
NGO S
Non-governmental organisations are nonprofit entities independent of the government. NGOs focus on promoting social and political change on either a broad scale or locally. The issues NGOs target range from human rights, environmental, indigenous,immigration/refugee, employment, health, and tenancy to name a few. Roles within this area include advocacy such as making submissions to the government, participating in lobbying, assisting in research and community
education as well as being involved in journalism and social media marketing. Many NGOs take on volunteers at various points of the year. Both graduates and students at various stages in their degree have the opportunity to be involved. To get your foot in the door, it is important to research the relevant NGO when applying as many positions often favour students who align with their main interests.
QUaLIFyINg aS a LaWyER IN NSW 1. Graduate You must complete a Bachelor of Law (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent.
2. Practical Legal Training (PLT) You must complete PLT coursework from approved providers (one of which is UNSW), training you in the skills
3. Practicing Certificate The Legal Professional Admission Board (LPAB) provides a list of the proposed admittees to the Law Society of New South Wales, who will send you an application form for a Practicing Certificate. This will need to be completed alongside payment to the Law
4. Admission as a Lawyer After meeting the eligibility requirements for admission, an application for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW via the LPAB must be submitted. To become admitted, the eligibility requirements are such that: • Aged 18 years or over; and • Is not already admitted to the Australian legal profession; and • Has attained the specified academic qualifications prerequisite for admission; and • Has satisfactorily completed the PLT prerequisite; and • Is a ‘fit and proper person’ to be admitted to the Australian legal profession; and • Takes an oath or office, or makes an affirmation of office, in the form required by the Supreme Court of NSW. 23
CLERKSHIPS Legal clerkships are a structured programs that provide penultimate year law students with an opportunity to gain work experience within commercial law firms. They are typically summer programs. However, some firms will offer different seasonal placements instead. While not the only pathway, clerkships are a potential stepping stone towards working in a large commercial law firm. Often those who clerk over the summer are sometimes offer graduate roles at the end of the program. Clerkships offer students the opportunity to gain experience in a commercial environment and apply their skills to multiple areas of private law practice. Clerks often rotate between two to three practice areas within the firm.
IN-HOUSE LEGAL Being apart of an In house legal team is different to working in private practice. The main distinction of inhouse legal is that you have one client you work for and accordingly you only have to meet the demands of one employer. In-house practice is a growing industry and the work can vary from contract law, to dispute resolution and even business negotiations. In-house lawyers are needed in a range of corporations from pharmaceutical to multimedia. Examples of companies that have in-house lawyers are Telstra and Commonwealth Bank.
GRADUATE ROLES Complete a Bachelor of Law (LLB), or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Whether you are offered a law graduate position from your clerkship or through application. Both public and private practice have graduate positions open up. Often the work done in both private and practice as a graduate is similar. You can find yourself: • Performing legal and factual research • Drafting and summarising legal documents • Preparing correspondence and written reports • Organising and tracking case files • Recording client meeting • Assisting both senior and juniour solicitors in additional legal matters. Liasing with relevant stakeholders. Again graduate roles have a rotation program where you spend a certain amount of time in different areas in order to allow students to become integrated into the workplace and familiar with the scope of work performed. Graduate programs can last between 12-24 months. As well, your first year as a graduate is often completed in conjunction with your Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Being an in-house lawyer requires high levels of communication and a thorough understanding of the business and their operations. Not only do in-house lawyers need to be competent in understanding the law but they also need to have a deep understanding of the client and their area of business. Many companies run their own clerkship and vacation programs for penultimate and graduating students. Some companies even have openings for law students to work as a paralegal. Advertising for these positions is done on company websites. If this is a pathway that interests you, it is recommended you research relevant companies and keep an eye out for openings they may have.
COMMON ENTRy PaThWayS PARALEGAL Smaller firms often have opportunities to take paralegals on an ad-hoc basis. These firms look to hire law students and provide them with experience within their respective area of practice. This is a good opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the inner workings of a law firm, and find out what areas interest them, and which don’t. Often paralegal roles involving legal research, These positions are often posted online on the UNSW Law Jobs Board and the UNSW Careers Board.
“Whilst I was studying at university, I worked as a paralegal at Chalk & Behrendt Lawyers & Consultants. I started at Chalk & Behrendt as an intern, with a 6 week placement organised through the Aurora Project. I continued working at Chalk & Behrendt after the internship as a paralegal for nearly three years. Chalk & Behrendt is a specialist legal and consultancy practice that focuses on serving Indigenous organisations and businesses, in the areas of public law, land rights and commercial and governance matters. Working at Chalk & Behrendt was an incredible experience. The work was interesting and varied. As a paralegal, I worked on Native Title litigation, negotiations for an Aboriginal Land Agreement and the development of land owned by land councils. The legal work which I was involved in covered a wide range of topics: including public and administrative law, property law, land rights, general commercial law, and the law relating charities. It was a great opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of legal work, learn from a group of dedicated and passionate lawyers, and contribute to work that made a positive contribution to the broader community.” Eloise Kneebone BC, LLB 2019
My name is Joshua and I work as a Paralegal in a Family Litigation team at Legal Aid NSW. I’ve been extremely surprised by my experiences with Family Law, and have gained a deep respect for the area of practice after seeing the work of the solicitors in my team. Family Law mainly deals with parenting disputes and property disputes. I work predominantly for Independent Children’s Lawyers who are appointed by the court in complex matters to represent the child’s interests independently from the parents so I can speak mostly only for the parenting side. The legal framework centralizes the best interests of the child and because of the personal nature of the area, the practice of Family Law is very fact-dependent so the use of evidence is more central than the analysis precedent or statutory interpretation. As a family lawyer, you need to have great emotional intelligence, empathy and have an ability to problem solve outside of the legalistic way we’re taught in law school. If you’re studying social work or have a passion for helping vulnerable individuals this is a great area to consider! I would say it can be very emotionally heavy because you will confront extreme disadvantage and situations of domestic violence where your power to help can be limited. However, overall, I’ve found it extremely emotionally fulfilling and professionally satisfying. As a Paralegal, I do a blend of things. I spend a lot of time drafting chronologies for court (indexed chronological arrangments of all the facts, allegations, and claims made in a matter), reading and analyzing subpoenaed evidence, preparing tender bundles of evidence for hearings, research, and a variety of other administrative work. I’ve even had the opportunity to take a work trip (does Newcastle count?). If you’re interested in working at Legal Aid or in the public service more broadly, you should be checking the IWorkForNSW website because all NSW public service roles are listed there. Look out for Legal Support Officer and Paralegal Roles. Often government hires through Talent Pools which involves a full application process to enter the pool, and then job offers being made periodically as contracts become availible. I can say from experience that the public service, and Legal Aid in particular, has a fantastic supportive work culture and would very much recommend it. If you have any questions about working in Family law or at Legal Aid, please DM me on Facebook or email me! Joshua Sykes B Arts/LLB, 3rd Year
I am currently employed as the Associate to the Honourable Justice Perry at the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney, where I am gaining exposure to administrative law, native title and consumer protection proceedings, and enjoying working closely with her Honour. The Federal Court has Full Court sittings four times a year due to its first instance and appellate jurisdictions, and the opportunity to observe different judicial styles and forge connections with interstate associates has been a real highlight to date. Prior to commencing my associateship, I completed a graduate program at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office where I rotated through the Child Protection, Employment Law and Industrial Relations, Inquiries and Criminal Law (Terrorism High Risk Offenders) teams. I settled in Child Protection, where I enjoyed the autonomy and variety associated with running a busy litigation practice spanning proceedings in the Children’s Court of New South Wales, District Court of New South Wales, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. My previous rotations were also invaluable in terms of developing my advice writing skills, and I worked on number of high profile matters of state significance with excellent counsel. I would advise students to keep an open mind about their career path and to think creatively about how to pursue areas of genuine interest to them. Sonya Campbell JD 2017
I work in the Administrative Law team at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office. Our team practises primarily in merits review and judicial review, providing advice and litigation services to government. A mentor once told me that a great job is one that ticks two boxes: purpose and method. I certainly feel this way about my role at VGSO. Each day at work presents opportunities to use my legal training to help government agencies make better administrative decisions - such as by advising on the precise scope and meaning of a statutory provision or the content of common law obligations to accord procedural fairness. Our work is incredibly diverse, spanning privacy, freedom of information, and merits and judicial review of all kinds of decisions made by government. There are ample opportunities to engage in legal research and drafting, as well as advocacy and negotiation, and generally, to grow as a lawyer. And importantly, the culture of the team is collaborative and supportive. It really is a pleasure to go to work each day. Fiona Chong LLB, BEc (UNSW), LLM (Columbia)
Working as an associate to a Federal Court judge has provided me with the best possible opportunity to gain an insight into the judiciary and techniques of advocacy all while developing my legal research and writing skills. I highly recommend applying for tipstaff or associate roles if you are curious about a career in litigation, whether as a solcitior or at the Bar, in public or private laws. My advice is to carefully consider the jurisdiction of the court and the expertise of the judge you are applying to. I chose to apply for an associateship at the Federal Court due to its breadth of national practice areas such as intellectual property, native title, corporations and commercial laws, defamation, constutitional and human rights laws as well as its appellate jurisdiction. The judge I work for hears matters across each of these practice areas, which is one of the reasons I decided to apply to her chambers. Working closely with judicial officers, registrars, legal practitioners, registry and court staff as well as other associates will provide you with very valuable exposure to many facets of the litigation process and more broadly the legal profession. Phoebe Port BA, LLB 2018
As an associate at the Federal Court, you’ll get exposure to a wide variety of legal areas including administrative and constitutional law and human rights, admiralty and maritime, commercial and corporations, defamation, employment and industrial relations, intellectual property, native title and taxation. You’ll be able to get a sense of which areas you want to pursue further when your time at the Court comes to an end, as well as which of those areas you hope to avoid. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to solicitors, barristers and judges from across the profession and jurisdictions in a way that is unlike many other graduate-level roles. While work for your respective judge will vary from chambers to chambers, typical responsibilities range from organisational and administrative tasks to legal research and judgment proofing. You will quickly have to pick up new and, often, niche areas of the law. You will also spend a lot of time in Court and learn how cases are run, as well as the dos and don’ts of advocacy. Most judges in the Federal Court hire their associates one to two years prior to their start date, so if this is something you’re thinking of make sure to apply early. To apply for an associateship, check the judge’s Federal Court webpage, which will usually include the process for applying to that chambers. If you want to discuss associateship applications, feel free to get in touch! Jake Silove BSc/LLB 2019
INTERNATIONAL CAREERS International law as a whole covers a variety of global issues such as commerce and trade, environmental management, human rights, and conflict resolution. International law encompasses two fields of law; conflicts of law (private international law) and public international law.
PRIVaTE INTERNaTIONaL LaW
Private international law focuses on the part of law concerned with private criztens of different countries or the regulation and enforcement of rights in situations where citizens and companies are from another nation. For Australian law students and graduates, there are a variety of international opportunities available dependiing on the jurisdiction you want to practive in. Commonly, those with Australian law degrees have the ability to qualify for practice in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, United State and Siingpore due to the common law being a central aspect of the legal systems within this country. It is important to note however, that the qualifying steps will differ depending on the jurisdiction.
PUBLIC INTERNaTIONaL LaW
Public international law focuses on the policies, rules and principles that govern the conduct of state and international organisations, particularly, the relationships they have with each other as well as other parties such as transnational corporations, groups or individuals. Some areas of law which fall under this umbrella include human rights,border protection issues, jurisdictions on air and space law and international environment law. Law students have the opportunity to work for: • International courts and tribunals such as the International Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. • Organisations such as the subcommittees of the United Nations( eg. United Nations Children’s Fund), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Amnesty International.
The work in private internation law is extremely diverses depending on the company or enterprise you work for. Some of the areas you may have the opportunity to practice in include regulatory compliance, financial law and banking law. Many international firms offer vacation schemes for penultimate students or training contracts for final year students. These schemes allow students to work whilst also progressing towards their qualification in their chosen jurisdiction. Alternatively, students can qualify to practice in Australia and then register as a foreign lawyer and work overseas.
QUALIFYING AS A LAWYER OVERSEAS As an Australian law graduate or a practising solicitor, to qualify as a lawyer overseas, the pathways vary depending on the jurisdiction you wish to practice in. Below is a brief outline of the requirements needed to practice in different countries as well as the relevant resources you can use to gain more information.
NEW ZEaLaND Practising in New New Zealand is a lot easier than one would expect. Under section 14 of New Zealand’s Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997, if you are registered to practice in Australia, you can also practice in New Zealand. Once you are admitted in Australia, all you have to do is get registered by the relevant court in New Zealand. This means that you do not have to undertake more study to work as a lawyer.
ENgLaND aND WaLES To get admitted in England and Wales, you have to undertake the Qualified Solicitors Training Scheme (QLTS). This involves a two-part assessment. The first is a multiple choice test and the second is a practical exam on advocacy, legal research and interviewing skills. • To be eligible for this test, you must be admitted as a lawyer in Australia. • The alternate route, which is lengthier, is the ‘Legal Practice Course’. Once you do this, you then need to complete two years of practical training before you get admitted as a solicitor in the UK.
SINgaPORE Being admitted as a lawyer in Singapore is slightly more complex. There is an exam to sit but to qualify to sit this, you firstly have to be considered a ‘qualified person’ and a permanent resident in Singapore. Being a qualified person means graduating in the top 70% of your class from one of ten approved Australian universities. UNSW is one of these ten universities.
After meeting this criteria, you will need to pass the Singaporean bar exam, then undertake a five-month training course in Singaporean law and finally a six month training contract with a law firm. The alternative pathway is taking the Foreign Practitioner Exam. To be eligible for this, you need to have over three years of experience as a lawyer.
hONg KONg To be admitted in Hong Kong, you must sit the Overseas Qualified Lawyers Examination. Once you pass this exam, you will need to enter a three-month residency agreement. It is recommended that you undergo this process once you have had two years of experience as an admitted lawyer in Australia. The alternative is to register as a Foreign Lawyer with Hong Kong’s Law Society. As a registered foreign lawyer, you are not able to practise Hong Kong law but you can work as a foreign legal consultant for a Hong Kong firm.
CaNaDa Getting admitted in Canada can prove difficult for Australian lawyers. The National Committee on Accreditation will evaluate your qualifications to determine whether you are eligible for a ‘certificate of qualification’. The Committee may require you to sit exams on Canadian law and even undertake additional courses at a Canadian law school. There are four exams you may be required to sit that cover constitutional, administrative and criminal law content. Depending on what province you then choose to practice in, you may need to undertake additional requirements and an articling program. These again varies province to province.
USa To practise as an ‘attorney’ (lawyer) in the United States, you will need to pass a bar exam. This exam is different for every state, and the difficulty level also varies. California state bar exam is considered the most difficult to pass with a pass rate of 26.8%. The structure and time of each exam again varies depending on the state you wish to practice in. In order to be eligible to sit the exam, you have to show your law degree is equivalent to a J.D awarded by the American Bar Association. As well, you will have to do one year of study at an elgible law school before taking the exam.
EMERGING AREAS IN LAW With the rise of innovation and technology seeping into our everyday lives, the nature of the legal profession is changing. There are new areas that are upcoming and will start to expand in the coming decade. Cyber security. Legal technology/operations. Space Law
cybersecurity law With the rise of technology dominating the work place, cybersecurity has become a huge area within the world. While cybersecurity is often focused on the coders and ethical hackers that are responsible for establishing cybersecurity, there is also a legal component to this area of work. Under the Criminal Code Act 1995, there are many cybercrimes that have become criminalised such as hacking, phishing, and the infection of IT systems with malware to name a few. On a national level, there is a growing increase in these types of crimes and therefore this practice area is emerging as a huge one. From advising clients on identity theft to being involved in the protection of software for large companies, cybersecurity law encompasses a wide range of issues that apply varying legal skills. With the constantly evolving nature of cybersecurity, this area requires adaptability and high levels of critical thinking skills. On a global scale, due to the inter-jurisdictional nature of cyber security, sometimes cybersecurity crimes will not always fall into one country’s laws. Sometimes criminals may be operating from outside a nation they are attacking. In that respect, legal professionals in this area of law, can find themselves tackling more complex issues than span out of the reach of Australian law.
legal technology ‘Legal tech’ is a phrase that has been thrown around in the last couple of years. Legal technology specifically means the use of technology and software to provide legal services. The rise of legal tech has influences the contemporary legal market, improving the overall efficiency. While there are some criticisms to this area, ultimately, the influence of technology on the legal industry is not expected to stop. The legal technology area has seen technology be used to store, index and search various documents, automate contract review, allow cross-instituitonal collaboration on litigation issues and manage sales processes and contracts. This area has developed so much that technologies such as artificial intelligence to blockchain are now being incorporated into the industry. There are many legal technology start ups which focus primarily on developing technology to assist lawyers. Not only do they need grads with technical skills but they also require lawyers to understand the process they wish to initially automise. Further, now larger firms are adopting legal technologies into their workplaces and an understanding of this area and the technology behind it can help prepare you for such positions.
S pace L aw This area of law first emerged as a new branch of internal law in the 1960s. With the increasing technological development of space technology, it is an area that will grow and evolve further over the next fifty years. Although it is still in development, currently there are two levels of space law. There exists international space law which governs the international frameworks established in regards to the outer space region. Next, there is the national level of space law which is specific to each country and operates primarily to regulate space activities and ensure the protection of a countries’ citizens from damage or injury. Considering the establishment of space hotels in 2021, there is a predictable growth in the use of space for commercial uses and thereby, there is a growing legal framework that needs to be developed and applied. Further, since the last core legal frameworks for space law were agreed upon during the Cold War, there is room for lawyers to be involved in redrafting these laws as technology develops. Currently, the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, are the main international body that reviews the use of space and the legal authorities surrounding it.
My exposure to the Legal Technology industry began working at BarNet Jade in the research, editorial and marketing teams. Alongside this, I am also a Paralegal at Alinea Chambers, allowing me to expand my legal skills in both back-end and front-end legal services. My work in Legal Tech has been an innovative, challenging and advantageous start to my legal career, enabling me to actively use both my Commerce and Law degrees to further pursue my passions and build my career in Commercial law. The benefit of working in a close-knit team means you come to understand not only legal research advancements, but also backend software engineering, marketing, graphic design, and liaising with legal bodies and Courts. This provides great exposure and insight into the software that powers the work of lawyers, barristers, educators and researchers on a daily basis. A career in Legal Technology encompasses monitoring new technological development boosting productivity for barristers, as well as educating, training and incorporating these technologies into the legal industry. Guarding against potential breaches of data security and ensuring the ethical use of digital services is also important. In my work, I write “Paperless Courts” reports to the NSW Bar Association’s Innovation & Technology committee, I regularly track the litigation history of High Court decisions and summarise updated judgements for legal professionals, update case parallel citations to ensure Jade’s accuracy and reliability, and I create resources for Intellectual Property conventions. On the marketing side, I organise and market interstate networking and training events, whilst formulating social plans and managing Jade’s social media. Some of the larger projects engaged in by Jade include the publication of secondary law such as the online service “Find A Barrister NSW” in conjunction with the NSW Bar Association, “The Victorian Sentencing Manual” with in-text links to case law and legislation, with enhanced search and Jade features, “JADE World”; a content aggregator linking blogs, articles and tweets to case law and legislation, and “One-To-100”; a crowd funded initiative to provide open access to the Commonwealth Law Reports. I most certainly recommend students to network with legal professionals who may also be involved in law projects that resonate with your passions, and to get involved in any opportunities you receive. In all, Legal Technology is an excellent field of work if you are looking for a breadth of experience, whilst also working on specialised projects tailored to your interests. It has allowed me to imagine the future legal landscape that will majorly assist my subsequent legal work, as well as understanding how to efficiently use legal resources to work and research smarter. Isabella-Elena Carrozzi B.com (Marketing)/LLB, 2nd Year
CAREERS BEYOND LEGAL PUBLIC SECTOR Working in the public sector includes three main branches of government (the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary); the military; the public healthcare system; the public education system; various infrastructural service providers; the members of the government and other departments and agencies. Currently, the federal government has 14 departments, which are collectively responsible for around 200 agencies, dealing with matters as diverse as fisheries research and native title. Employment options for law graduates and students fall into two broad categories; roles that require a legal background and those which instead draw upon the generic skills acquired from a law degree. As mentioned in the public interest section, there are many positions filled by legal practitioners. The second category draws on skills learnt in a law degree such as legal reasoning without requiring the day-to-day tasks of a practising lawyer. It also draws on skills such as policy analysis,negotiation, dispute resolution, and mediation., For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a reputation for attracting and recruiting lawyers for diplomatic and foreign policy based positions.
CONSULTINg Consultants are considered the business world’s professional problem solvers. Consultants either individually or in teams work alongside other organisations to address a range of problems from how to maximise the profitability of a new product launch to how best to navigate a complex merger. Consultants can adopt one of two roles; an advisory role (such as developing a business strategy) or an implementation role (such as executing a business strategy). Law students can apply their ability to think through the minutiae of various problems before generating appropriate solutions which can then be translated into a consulting job. Indeed, many of the larger consultancy firms seek out law graduates specifically because they possess highly developed problem-solving skills and an ability to apply known ideas in novel contexts. Involving yourself in university case competitions is a good way to engage in applying your law degrees in a consulting area. These are a simulation of real-life problems that require you to provide solutions and present them. This is a good way to see whether this area is something that interests you. In terms of practical experience, many consulting firms provide summer internships that can provide first-hand experience in the world of consultancy.
If any of these non-legal careers interest you, there are plenty of ways that you will be able to get your foot in the door. By looking at the UNSW Careers website, there are a myriad of internships, and part-time jobs that you can apply for. As a student, these opportunities will allow you to develop the skills drawn from your law degree into other areas. The experience can assist you in gaging an idea if this is a potential pathway for your career. If you are looking to develop your skill set within the area, consider looking at UNSW societies and attending panel-events or involving yourself in case competitions. These will offer you insight into what the area is like and the necessary qualifications needed.
CONSTRUCTION
& PROPERTy
A career within this sector involves participation in building projects while employed by a commercial, industrial or residential property organisation. It can also involve specialising in areas such as property valuation, construction oversight, project management, and surveyance work. Law graduates and students can draw on their ability to master complex processes, work within large teams, liaise with multiple stakeholders and communicate effectively. Stakeholder management is considered fundamental within the property and construction section and therefore, possessing strong communication skills, which many law students and graduates have, are held in high esteem.
IT
&
COMMUNICaTIONS
IT and communications is one of the fastest growing fields and is indelibly extremely broad. Careers within this field have moved past front and back end development. Many major companies now are tasked with a variety of roles that involve planning, researching, and monitoring the performance of IT and communication systems. While employers will prioritise graduates from IT-specific degrees for technical roles, there are many roles which do not require a technical degree. Many IT and communication companies rely upon the support of non-technical personnel for roles such as marketing, project management and stakeholder engagement roles. As a law graduate or student, the ability to work through complex problems, apply known ideas in novel contexts and high levels of communication skills, can be applicable within this area.
RETaIL aND CONSUMER gOODS
While most people when they think of retail consider the customer-facing roles, there is an enormous industry of people who work behind the scenes to ensure that retailers remain competitive, and consumer needs are both anticipated and met. Between ten and thirty percent of Australian retail transactions are conducted online, meaning that these companies need to fill roles in administration and participants in the supply chain. Large retailers often have a large back-office division that employs marketers, business strategists, senior managerial staff, consumer analysts and more. At its core, in retail, many of the jobs share the common goal of understanding consumers and striving to deliver and meet their needs. Law graduates can enter the retail sector in both legal and non-legal roles. Legal roles involve focusing on contract negotiation and preparation, trademark registration and other legal issues with advertising and marketing. However, non-legal roles employ the analytical skills of lawyers in advisory, administrative and managerial roles.
aCaDEMIa
&
RESEaRCh
Academia refers to individuals who study and analyse the developments of a particular subject. Some of your UNSW lecturers, both law and non-law, have had the privilege of publishing their works in journals, books and engage in public discussions. Academics are responsible for conducting studies and research into certain areas with the eventual aim of deepening the world’s understanding of this particular subject. Typically, academic researchers are employed by universities. Depending on the subject you are interested, if this area of work is something you want to explore, it would be beneficial to talk to your lecturers and tutors. Often lecturers sometimes often students roles to work on their research, by assisting in smaller tasks.
As a research assistant for an academic at UNSW, you may assist in conducing preliminary research such as by searching for and summarisingacademic papers or cases, provide support in the editing and proofing process and help with administrative matters. In my experience, the role was very flexible as I determined my own working hours and worked from home. For example, I would receive broadinstructions to look into a certain issue via email and then I would determine the research methods and sources to look into. I often also assisted with administrative tasks such as updating websites which catalogued papers and with the production of PowerPoints for presentations. I also frequently adjusted footnotes to be in conformity witha range of international legal citation guides and provided assistance with addressing comments from editors. If you can work independently and enjoy researching and referencing, I would highly recommend a research assistant position as it is a great opportunity to learn about and explore academics’ areas of expertise. Jessie Xiao BCom/LLB 4th Year
PLT After completing your law degree, a persoon who wishes to practice as a solicitor in Australia needs to complete their practical legal training(PLT). PLT provides law gradduates the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through their law degree and perform the day-to-day tasks of a legal practitioner. The Australasian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC) and the Law Addmissions Consultative Committee (LACC) developed the Competency Standard for Entry Level Lawyers which a PLT course or program has to adhere to. Practical legal training covers three areas; skills, practice areas and values
Skills involves the development of: • Lawyers’ skills • Problem solving • Work management and business skills • Trust and office accounting. Practice Areas: • Civil litigation • Commercial and corporate • Property law One of: • Administrative law • Ciriminal law • Family law One of: • Consumer law • Employment relations and industrial relations • Planning and environmental law • Wills and estates practice
There are three types of practical legal training available to law graduates: • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice • Supervised legal training program • Articles of clerkship program. A Graduate Diploma s offered by legal education institutions. UNSW is one that offers this diploma. A graduate diploma involves both a formal coursework component andd a work experience component. NSW only recognises a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice before qualifying for admission. However, Queensland and Victoria allow you to undertake a supervised legal training program instead. If you want to be admitted in a state other than NSW, make sure you research the relevant requirements before.
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GET INVOLVED UNSW Law Society Nationally, we are one of the most respected student-run law organisations, attracting sponsorship from prominent national and international firms. We seek to develop UNSW Law students professionally, personally and socially, as well as help students to aspire towards their professional and personal paths. The UNSW Law Society is proud to celebrate a rich diversity of students with a multiplicity of aims, backgrounds and passions. We seek to represent, support and enrich the academic and social life our students, as well as provide career support and development. UNSW Law Society recruits around December of each year. Joining Law Society is an enriching opportunity to learn and develop your professional skills, whilst also meeting some amazing people. With a wide range of portfolios, expanding over a range of areas, there are many positions to suit your interests.
Skills and mooting competitions UNSW Law Society hosts a range of skills and mooting competitions throughout the year. From the first year, students have the opportunity to participate in mooting, negotiations, client interviewing, witness examination and mediation competitions. Competitions are held in each trimester. This is an opportunity to apply your legal knowledge practically as well as meet amazing people. UNSW also is involved in intervarsity and international mooting and skills competitions. If you are interested to learn more about what these competitions entail check out this link https:// www.unswlawsoc.org/ under the competitions tab.
ATTENDING PANELS AND COCKTAIL EVENINGS
UNSW Law Society hosts a range of panels and cocktail evenings to give students a chance to learn more about specified areas of law and hear from professionals who are skilled within the area. Panel events often focus on hearing from lawyers who are well-versed and knowledgeable in their area of law about their experiences and challenges they faced. They provide an insight into what skills are required as well as what their work entails. If you are interested in pursuing a career in a certain area and have questions, these events will prove to be insightful. Cocktail evenings and careers fairs are more of an intimate opportunity that allows you to directly speak to specific companies. Often a business-style occasion, these events allow students to network with professionals and ask tailored questions about company culture as well as the type of law the company may practice. These events are targeted at penultimate and final year students. To keep up to date with the events UNSW Law Society may be hosting, check out The Brief that comes out every Monday.
POLICY One of the core goals of the UNSW Law Society is to give students the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the law reform process. Students are an often forgotten source of knowledge and ideas on a range of legal issues, and it is only right that their voice should be heard in the discussions which shape the law’s future development. Not only do such contributions help students to develop important communication and critical analysis skills, they also lead to the development of better and more representative laws. Students at all stages of their degree are invited to contribute to the writing of policy submissions. A policy submission is a document that it is submitted to a public or parliamentary body that presents the Law Society’s view on a particular law reform issue. This involvement ranges from deciding on the general direction of the submission, to researching and writing its content. The process is collaborative, and aims to give all students an important stake in the development of the submission. If you are interested in contributing to future policy submissions, please email policy. submissions@unswlawsoc.org, or watch out for the opportunities that will be posted to this website when they arise.
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS NSW Young Lawyers is the largest body of early-career lawyers and law students in Australia. It is composed of fifteen committees each dedicated to a particular area of law. This body aims to support practitioners in the early stages of their career, offering opportunities to expand their knowledge and network. NSW Young Lawyers are composed of: • Legal practitioners (including barristers) admitted to practice in NSW who are under the age of 36 • Legal practitioners (including barristers) in their first 5 years of practice post admission in NSW • Students enrolled in an approved course of studies, the successful completion of which leads to the entitlement to apply for admission to practise as a lawyer or legal practitioner in NSW • Associate Members of the Law Society who meet one of the first three criteria
2021 POSSIBILITIES GUIDE Anvi Kohli, Michael Vams, Alina Pletneva