PA OSSIBILITIES GUIDE 2023
Possibilities 2023 Contents
Table of Contents
Vice President Address
1
Private Law Careers
2
Public Interest Careers
19
Pro Bono, CLCs and NGOs
29
Emerging Areas of Law
33
Careers Beyond Law
37
Admission to the Legal Profession
42
Embarking on the Legal Pathway
45
Getting Involved
47
Vice President (Education) Address We are proud to present the 2023 edition of the UNSW Law Society Possibilities Guide. The Possibilities Guide seeks to act as a starting point to navigating the diverse possibilities open to UNSW Law students. As law students at a top-ranking university which both develops our practical skills and exposes us to a breadth of industry ideas, we are all uniquely positioned to thrive irrespective of whatever career path we find ourselves on. Whether it is in private law, public law and policy, pro-bono work, at the Bar or even in a non-legal sector, the list of possibilities is truly endless. Each of our lives beyond university will be no doubt filled with professional highs and lows, challenges and complex decisions, and where you initially find yourself post-university might not be where you stay throughout your career - and that is completely okay! The number of possibilities may seem intimidating, but the best words of advice I can offer is to maximise the opportunities available to work out where your passions lie and find a career which fulfils you. As this Guide hopes to showcase, there is no singular definition of success - there is something for everyone and we truly hope this Guide assists you in finding what might be the right area for you. Whether you are in first year or about to graduate, we hope that this Guide helps clarify the possibilities available to you. Best of luck with all your present and future endeavours, and remember to trust the process - you will end up where you are meant to be! Emily Calbert - UNSW Law Society 2023 Vice President (Education)
Introductions
Page 1
PRIVATE LAW CAREERS
Possibilities 2023
Introduction to Private Law Private law, also known as civil law, is the area of the law which deals with the private conduct and interaction between individuals, organisations and government bodies within the state. Civil law is a large area of law which broadly covers a range of legal services, from as minor as local disputes to as significant as major commercial and government disputes. Civil law is also responsible for the enactment of legislation and for determining and implementing sentences within the courts. Within civil law is commercial and consumer law, employment law, property law, family law and many more fields. Civil law remains a vital function of society as it acts as a regulator within the state.
Private Law
Civil law may also extend to the range of courts including magistrate courts, Federal, Supreme and High Courts. These courts further intersect with the purpose of the civil law as through the roles of the defence lawyer, prosecution and judges, legislation is enacted and the private conduct of individuals is regulated through the implementation of sentences and trials.
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Possibilities 2023
Banking and Finance Banking and finance focuses on the relationship between banks, financial institutions and other stakeholders. It may involve advising on transactions right across the capital spectrum, working with financial advisers both domestically and internationally, and representing a wide range of clients on all aspects of debt financing transactions. Work in this area would consist of navigating legal frameworks that govern the domestic and international processes of banking. It also brings the opportunity to gain an insight into the financial environment of a wide range of industries. A legal role could include drafting and negotiation contracts and also providing legal advice in corporateesque matters such as mergers and acquisitions or liquidation.
Private Law
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Possibilities 2023
Competition and Consumer Law Competition and Consumer law is a highly sought after practice group within the commercial law field. The competition side of this practice group largely deals in federal legislation that has the sole purpose to promote competition, in an economic sense, amongst businesses within consumer markets. The consumer side looks after consumer rights and responsibilities and ensures that businesses sell products that meet the relevant quality standards of consumer goods within Australia.
Private Law
Work in Competition and Consumer Law will be largely found in the private sector, with most big law firms having a strong team in this area. These lawyers will typically find themselves acting for large corporations on both litigious and transactional work, in order to provide these companies with advice on their new goods and services or to provide legal assistance when large corporations have lawsuits brought up against them. Lawyers in Competition and Consumer Law could also find themselves acting for a group of consumers, as they attempt to seek remedy for mistreatment from large corporations. Careers in public law are available when working at the Crown Solicitor’s Office when cases where a company has not been acting in accordance with the law arise.
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Possibilities 2023
Construction and Infrastructure Law
Construction and infrastructure law involve the management of legal issues which may arise within the process of construction or when acquiring land or environmental licences. Areas include construction contracts and agreements, planning and development, safety rules and zoning laws. Construction and infrastructure law remain a vital area of the legal ecosystem as it regulates property. Further, construction and infrastructure law has close ties with environmental law and the maintenance of natural landmarks as it requires construction companies to be aware of the licences required and the laws in place which protect natural sites.
Private Law
Typical clients of construction and infrastructure law include property developers, construction companies, and environmental firms. Most recently, construction law has seen an increased focus as it regularly falls under scrutiny due to the shift in concern regarding environmental protection and the protection of key Aboriginal landmarks which fall under threat due to construction projects. Construction and infrastructure law is evidently an expanding form of law which students may become involved in if they are interested in the ethical development of construction projects.
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Possibilities 2023
Employment Law
Employment law focuses on the relationship between employers and employees, resolving issues that may arise such as compensation and discrimination. This area of law also governs the rights and entitlements of employees, including the minimum standards entitled to employees and the awards and enterprise agreements which govern specific industries. Working in employment law would involve working with clients, unions, government bodies and employers.
Private Law
Employment law remains a vital area of the law as it protects the rights and obligations of employees and prevents employees from being taken advantage of or being forced to work in less than optimal conditions. Employment law is an area which many law students can become involved in in the early stages of their degree, and further is an area which may intersect with students pursuing a commerce degree with an interest in Human Resource Management.
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Possibilities 2023
Environmental Law
Environmental law is a subset of public law concerned with public and private interaction with the environment, especially in relation to natural resources, pollution and infrastructure. There are opportunities to engage in environmental law through government institutions like the Crown Solicitor’s Office which has a practice group in regulatory and environment. However, many private firms also advise clients on their environmental obligations, especially in relation to large development projects. These firms often offer paralegal and legal assistant roles that are available to students.
Private Law
Increasing focus on climate change and the environment has caused this area of law to grow in importance in recent decades, and many Community Legal Centres and non-government organisations now specialise in environmental law. These organisations often engage in public interest litigation against corporations or the government. These organisations additionally can have volunteer positions available to students throughout the duration of their degree.
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Possibilities 2023
Family Law
Practising in family law typically involves conflict resolution within family and domestic relationships, often involving divorce and child custody matters. Family law is an interesting deviation from other forms of law in that for matters involving parenting orders, a lawyer’s duty to act in the best interest of the child is a higher obligation than their duty to act in the best interests of their client.
Private Law
There are many boutique firms specialising in family law matters. Whilst some may post job advertisements about paralegal or legal assistant opportunities, not all do, and it is often worthwhile reaching out to lawyers in some firms individually to enquire about work opportunities.
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Possibilities 2023
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property (IP) is a dynamic area of law that encompasses a broad range of different practice groups under one banner. IP largely concerns intangible assets such as copyright, patents and trademarks, with IP lawyers assisting their clients in transactional and litigious ways. Transactional IP involves obtaining ownership for a client’s assets, filing patents, copyrights, trademarks, licensing agreements, and continuing. Litigious IP involves assisting clients in disputes regarding the client’s legal rights to any relevant IP, be it for the client or against the client.
Private Law
IP Law is an incredibly broad practice group and as such, can be practised in large law practices, in in-house legal counsel, and official Government roles. IP also allows for lawyers to choose to specialise or to practise IP more generally, ultimately allowing for a dynamic working environment. There are many early opportunities to practice IP law available, such as through a paralegal role at any major commercial firm, in-house counsel or relevant Government Department. Graduates can similarly pursue IP law directly as a career with any of the aforementioned employers, including through clerkships that continue to become graduate programs.
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Possibilities 2023
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Lawyers who work in commercial litigation will be involved in dispute resolution between two or more parties. A litigation lawyer needs to be aware of increasing regulatory scrutiny and litigation risk and be able to respond effectively in a strategic, commercial and pragmatic manner. They will gain experience in not only litigation, but alternative dispute resolution and risk mitigation strategies such as mediation and arbitration.
Private Law
A litigation lawyer may advise on a wide range of areas including commercial and contractual disputes, corporate crime, class actions, taxation, insurance and employment. Commercial litigation opens up a wide range of opportunities, some of which may include representing corporate clients for civil litigation; responding against competition law investigations that are conducted by the ACCC; and high-profile international arbitration for infrastructure disputes.
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Possibilities 2023
Media Law
By definition, media law surrounds resolving legal issues in spaces including film, TV, digital media, advertising, publishing, marketing, promotions and, in more recent times, influencers. It also includes mass media with issues surrounding censorship, copyright, defamation and more. Within this diverse area of law, work is constantly varied and very interesting.
Private Law
Practically, the work which media lawyers do often surrounds contract reviews, drafting whilst also clearances for production and advertisements and legal advice on rights and distribution. These lawyers not only work tirelessly behind the scenes but also can appear on behalf of clients in negotiations or mediations, or if escalated in court. They can represent not only the studios and agencies themselves but also individuals.
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Possibilities 2023
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) Law is a highly fluid and constantly evolving area of law. It is a largely market based practice group of law, in that when companies are created and grow, companies will inevitably engage in mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, tender offers, purchases of assets, and management acquisitors through large scale financial transactions. A lawyer’s job in a M&A team is to handle the legal side of these complicated transactions. M&A work is largely transactional in nature, meaning that M&A lawyers will always have to negotiate and draft terms in order to achieve the most favourable outcome for their client outside of the courtroom.
Private Sector
In doing so, M&A lawyers’ workloads largely consist of providing legal, strategic and commercial advice on the relevant financial transaction, negotiating terms with the other company’s legal counsel, and drafting and overseeing the completion of the sales documentation. As such, M&A lawyers will particularly benefit from a high attention to detail, great negotiating skills and strong drafting capabilities. There are many early opportunities to practise M&A law available with the main being through a paralegal or ultimately a graduate role at any major commercial firm.
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Possibilities 2023
Property Law
Property law is an area of civil law which governs the buying or leasing of property and commercial disputes which occur within this area. A prominent portion of this area of law is conveyancing, which involves the transfer of legal title from one owner to another owner. This area of law has significant overlap with the courses involving contracts and private law, as property transfer commonly falls under these areas within the prominent property disputes.
Private Sector
Further, this area may involve advising on acquisitions and organising property finance regarding transactions involved in obtaining property or a mortgage. Typical clients include property developers, government authorities, and portfolio investors. If one is interested in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), students may look towards property law as it is an area which emphasises the use of mediation and negotiations within ownership disputes. If you hold an interest in this form of law and in utilising public speaking experience, Property Law may be your calling. Page 14
Possibilities 2023
Real Estate and Development
Real Estate & Development (RED) law is a large area of law which involves assisting with acquiring, disposing, leasing and developing property. RED lawyers also provide clients with advice as to the best way to tackle the aspects of efficiency and finances when developing large scale property. It is an area that is increasing rapidly towards one of complexity, and as such, the Australian RED law market is growing quickly. As our governments start to shift their views towards fixing the housing crisis and towards ensuring environmental sustainability, it has become ever important to have RED lawyers working with their clients to achieve the best possible outcomes. In pursuing these outcomes, RED lawyers must leverage expertise across many other aspects of law, such as environmental law and property law.
Private Sector
The majority of RED work will be found within the private sphere at commercial law firms or as in-house legal counsel. There are many early opportunities to practise RED law available, with the main being through working as a paralegal role at any major commercial firm or working in a property development company. Graduates can similarly pursue RED law through their graduate programs or through in-house legal opportunities.
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Possibilities 2023
Personal Injury Law
Personal Injury Law entitles people to be compensated for damages and loss when they suffer injury that is someone else’s fault. An injured Plaintiff may claim for past, present and future medical expenses associated with the injury, loss of earning capacity and salary, and much more. This injury can occur in a wide variety of contexts - such as asbestos claims, motor vehicle accidents and slips and falls in public places - and can also vary greatly in the extent of the claim.
Private Sector
Regardless of whether you act for the Plaintiff or the Defendant, working in personal injury law requires a large amount of time to be dedicated to properly assessing the situation and calling on experts to provide an independent opinion. Personal injury law firms often recruit paralegals, which is a great opportunity for students to explore whether it is of interest. As personal injury claims are the most common type of claim in Australia, there is certainly a lot to learn within this area.
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Possibilities 2023
Wills and Estates
Wills and estates are a complex area of civil law that involves many intricacies. Primarily, working in this area involves providing clients with an objective opinion on how to best dispose of their assets and guiding them on the procedure that needs to be followed, while avoiding potential issues and litigation that may arise. This role can involve tasks such as drafting wills and trust, delegating power of attorney and appointing guardianships.
Private Sector
With the ageing of Australia’s population, an area of increasing importance in wills and estate practice is Elder law, which encompasses a wide range of legal issues relevant to an older person. Lawyers in this area may also provide representation in cases where there are disputes over an existing will or estate, family provisions or contested probate.
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Possibilities 2023
In-House Counsel
Working as part of in-house counsel differs from private practice as it is only one client you will be working for. You will accordingly only need to meet the particular demands of one employer.
Private Sector
As many businesses seek to avoid the costs associated with employing external legal services, in-house practice is a growing industry. Various mainstream companies have their own in-house team which provides a platform to hone legal skills and expertise. Further, many companies run their own clerkship or vacation programs for penultimate and graduating students. Lawyers who begin their careers at a commercial law firm can also move into an inhouse role as the skills gained are easily transferable.
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PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS
Possibilities 2023
Introduction to Public Law Whilst law students can often feel confined to pursuing private law possibilities, it is important to know that there are also possibilities available in the public law field. Public law is a broad area of law that centres around government institutions. There are many possibilities within public law, including criminal law, constitutional law, taxation, immigration, and procedural law. It is an area of law that can be practised from within public institutions and in private practice. The majority of opportunities in public law are in government institu-tions and are usually reserved for graduates. If you have a particular interest in an area of public law, it is worth researching the institu-tions primarily responsible for that area and the graduate roles they have available. As each government institution requires legal services, there are many such opportunities at the graduate level. Some institutions, such as the Crown Solicitor’s Office, also have paralegal opportunities available to students.
Public Law
Many Community Legal Centres (‘CLCs’) and non-government organisations (‘NGOs’) also specialise in particular areas of public law and often have volunteer positions available for students. For example, the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) is a CLC specialising in immigration law that focuses on assisting people seeking asylum. These organisations are great ways to get involved in particular areas of public law during your degree.
Private firms also often venture into public law, providing regulatory or taxation law advice to clients. There are often paralegal opportunities available to law students that can be a great way to gain experience before embarking on graduate roles in public institutions.
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Possibilities 2023
Criminal Law Whilst criminal law is an area of high interest for many students, opportunities to work in this area are not as obvious at the student level. Indictable offences - the kind of offences that draw many students to criminal law - make up the vast minority of offending, and opportunities to work on these kinds of cases are not as common for students. There are some firms that engage purely or substantially in criminal matters and applying for paralegal or legal assistant roles in these firms can be a great opportunity to gain exposure to criminal law. These kinds of roles often involve a substantial amount of administrative work and exposure to smaller matters, such as traffic or public offences, as well as some occasional exposure to more serious indictable offences. Boutique firms that specialise in certain kinds of offending can be good possibilities into gaining exposure to more seri-ous offending. It is often worthwhile to contact these kinds of firms di-rectly as they do not always post job advertisements. Registering your
Public Law
interest in criminal law with these firms can be a good way to be considered for a role. Another way to gain experience in criminal law matters is to work or volunteer in Community Legal Centres and non-government organisations. These organisations often take on clients of certain backgrounds or who face barriers to legal representation. Certain government organisations also offer paid experience working on criminal matters. The Crown Solicitor’s Office provides legal services to the NSW government and has a specialist criminal law practice group. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions brings criminal prosecutions against offenders on behalf of the government. LegalAid and Public Defenders also provide representation to offenders. Each of these organisations offer some paralegal or legal assistant roles to keep a look out for.
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Possibilities 2023
Taxation Law Taxation lawyers explore the legal, ethical and policy issues affecting the design of, compliance with and administration of taxation systems. Practically, this may involve generally assisting clients on navigating complex tax codes and minimising their tax risks, or helping both businesses and individuals navigate their way through relevant legislation for a
specific transaction. Lawyers in this area may also represent clients in matters including audits, engagements with tax authorities, disputes and tax litigation. In this specialist area, you also have the opportunity to be involved in broader tax policy discussions with industry bodies and government consultants.
Public International Law Public International Law deals with the policies, rules and principles which overlook the conduct of state and international organisations in the relations they have with one another and often even those they have with other parties such as transnational corporations, groups or individuals. Some areas of work which fall under public international law can include border protection issues, jurisdictions on air and space law, and international environmental law.
Public Law
There are several different possibilities available to become involved in pub-lic international law related work. This might include working for an involved domestic government body such as the Department of For-eign Affairs and Trade. You might also consider joining international organisations such as the United Nations and its various bodies, the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Devel-opment, the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation and various international courts and tribunals.
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Possibilities 2023
Domestic Careers in Public Law As the Public Sector encompasses the government and independent agencies outside of it, this area largely encases work in essential service - primarily in health, education, justice and transport. Public sector agencies require legal staff for their day-to-day operations, with duties potentially involving: • 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 create talent pools in which you apply and when they are hiring, 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/
Public Law
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Possibilities 2023
The Commonwealth-level Australian Public Service (APS) and NSW public area also offer a wide range of opportunities for law graduates, with roles covering all administrations in the government. Generally, APS departments and agencies offer their own student, internship and/ or graduate programs and as such, applications should be directed to the respective department or agency. Similar possibilities exist in other Aus-tralian states and territories. In NSW, the NSW Government Graduate Program is an 18-month program which involves experience across various government agencies. Some key agencies include: •
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which is NSW’s independent prosecutorial body that represents the Crown in criminal proceedings, conducting prosecutions on behalf of the community.
Public Law
•
•
The Public Defenders, who are statutorily appointed barristers independent of the government. The Public Defenders act for legally-aided clients charged with serious criminal offences and are regarded as one of the leading floors of criminal barristers in NSW. The Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO), which provides legal services to the NSW government and its agencies rather than to the general public. The CSO takes on all legal work related to core government functions, including drafting legal advice, legal representation in litigation and at inquest, preparing publications and assisting in Royal Commissions. This work falls across eleven specialist practice groups, each with expertise in areas such as native title, criminal law, inquiries and commercial law. Karen Smith is the current Crown Solicitor, being only the second woman to serve in the role since its establishment in 1817.
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Possibilities 2023
Chambers Chambers are where members of the Bar are situated, also known as barristers. Barristers are the principal advocates for higher court hearings and appear separately from solicitors, to best explain the solicitor’s submissions to the Justice. They are specialists in advocacy, and as such, possess a wealth of knowledge of the law, only obtained through years of practice. A barrister will usually be found either preparing for a client’s court appearance, assisting a client with their court appearance, or representing them in court.
Aspiring barristers must be admitted as a lawyer, sit and pass the Bar exam, and complete a reading program. In doing this, aspiring barristers will be able to acquire the requisite wealth of knowledge to properly assist all clients in the Court of Law. Barristers are innately sole practitioners and hence, charge a rate that reflects their expertise; however, they do commonly sit in a chamber comprising of barristers who have a range of experience. Early career opportunities most notably include a position as a research assistant at a barrister’s chambers, also known as a barrister’s clerk, where you would undertake case and legislative research to gain insight into the type of work which barristers engage in.
Public Law
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Possibilities 2023
Admission as a Lawyer/Barrister
Public Law
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Public Law
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Possibilities 2023
The Judiciary The judiciary is the branch of government composed of courts in various jurisdictions. Graduate positions available in court include as a judge’s associate/tipstaff. The nature of the role varies between individual judges, but generally involves providing personal and research assistance to a judge. The appointment is generally for one year.
Public Law
There is no uniform application process for associateships or tipstaff positions. The process generally involves sending a cover letter, CV and academic transcript directly to the judge. Most judges will appoint associates/tipstaves some time in advance of commencement. It is recommended that applicants also research the individual judge they are applying to work for and contact a judge’s chambers with any queries regarding application requirements and timelines.
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PRO BONO, COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES & NGOs
Possibilities 2023
Pro Bono Work Pro Bono is work done without charge, generally motivated by public interest. It focuses less on an area of law, and more on a class of client that faces barriers in their access to justice. Whilst recent decades have seen a significant growth in the provision of dedicated pro bono services, pro bono work is generally undertaken by lawyers in all sectors of law and at all stages of a lawyer’s career.
Pro Bono
Pro bono has become a large part of today’s legal landscape with the majority of large firms operating a dedicated pro bono practice and many firms promoting partners purely for pro bono work. The majority of lawyers take on a certain amount of pro bono work each year, with some firms even requiring minimum levels of contributed hours.
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Possibilities 2023
Community Legal Centres If you work at a large firm, there will usually be opportunities for you to engage in pro bono work. Outside of the firms, a great way to get involved in pro bono work is through Community Legal Centres (‘CLCs’). CLCs provide free legal or reduced legal services across a wide range of areas to the community and often rely on volunteer lawyers contributing services at a certain time each week. There are often opportunities at the student level to volunteer time in CLCs supporting lawyers with case management, administration and client interviewing. Depending on the CLC, you will usually be asked to commit to one day of volunteering a week for 6 months. There are two different types of CLCs: generalist and specialist centres. Generalist centres provide legal services in a range of legal areas to service their community within a specific catchment area. Specialist centres do not have a catchment area requirement and rather focus on servicing clients in one particular area of law.
CLCs
“I have been fortunate to spend the last year volunteering and then working in Cancer Council’s Pro Bono Program. This program connects cancer patients to lawyers and financial planners to receive legal and financial services that they would otherwise be unable to afford. The small size of the program meant that I was able to participate more directly in the work than is usually possible for students working in paralegal or legal assistant roles. I was able to gain fantastic experience conducting client interviews, liaising with professionals from financial institutions and law firms of all sizes, and supervising our other volunteers and law graduates completing a pro bono secondment. This kind of work is extremely fulfilling as you are able to provide support to people going through extremely difficult times, and I would highly recommend engaging in this type of work during your degree.” - Darcy van der Zalm, LLB/LCCJ (4th year)
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Possibilities 2023
Non-Government Organisations Another opportunity to get involved in pro bono work is through NonGovernment Organisations (NGOs). NGOs usually focus on larger scale issues such as human rights and environmental issues instead of specific areas of the law. In this respect, NGOs can be powerful agents for change and enable communities to play an active role in various contexts depending on the organisation. 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.
NGOs
If you are interested in getting involved with NGOs, you should have a look at their websites to see what openings they have. Many NGOs take on volunteers at various points throughout the year, with both graduates and students at various stages of their degree having the opportunity to be involved. When applying, make sure you do your research into the relevant NGO as many positions often favour students who align with their main interests.
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EMERGING AREAS OF LAW
Possibilities 2023
Cyber Law Cyber law is an emerging practice which has become increasingly prominent with the introduction and use of modern technology. Cyber law involves the regulation of individuals’ use of technology through cyber security law and protecting individuals against the malicious use of technology including identity theft. Under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), there are many cybercrimes that have been criminalised such as hacking, phishing and the infection of IT systems with malware. In addition, cyber law is required to inform firms on the legal frameworks within cyber law which influence how organisations interact with technology.
Introductions Emerging Areas of Law
As cyber law is constantly evolving and transforming with the influx of new technology, cyber law is greatly flexible and adaptable to match. Due to the globalised nature of technology, cyber law holds many intricacies including the application of worldwide cyber law. Currently, cyber law is holding an increased prominence in modern society with recent trials regarding cyber privacy and the protection of user databases. Therefore, law students are increasingly in the cyber law space due to the increased interest and expanding practice of cyber security and safety.
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Possibilities 2023
Legal Technology Legal technology specifically involves the use of technology and software to further optimise and assist in the provision of legal services. This can be seen in technological advancements in the storage, indexing and searching for documents, precedents and authorities and managing the business aspect of billing and hours.
Introductions Emerging Areas of Law
Legal technology is vital to the functioning of law firms as it maintains historical documents and enables firms to ensure that clients have been appropriately billed and that this billing is being confirmed. As such, legal technology remains as a valuable skill which law students may become well versed in whilst gaining experience within a law firm. As experience in legal technology is gained, it can be placed on a resume which enables students to pursue further progress within their career as greater skills are gained in technologies such as Aderant Expert, Excel and iManage.
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Possibilities 2023
Space Law The law of space is an emerging area of law, growing as we make further technological advancements to allow for widespread space exploration and travel. It is a broad area of law that combines aspects of public and private law to tackle the everchanging questions on the use of weapons, whether is space free property, damages in space, and more. The main areas of consideration that are arising as of current surround the legality of space exploration, environmental responsibility, information sharing, and further intellectual property, environmental, criminal, and commercial law topic areas. Although still developing, the area of space law is currently divided into two levels: 1. International space law, which governs the international frameworks established in relation to the outer space region. The UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is the main international body.
Introductions Emerging Areas of Law
2. Domestic space law, which is specific to each country and operates primarily to regulate space activities and ensure the protection of a country’ citizens from damage or injury. There are currently few career areas for individuals interested in space law with the main one being a space lawyer. Space lawyers handle adherence to international and domestic treaties, rules and regulations in line with the aforementioned areas of consideration. However, venturing into careers within governance that deals with space can allow for a job that fosters policy submissions and input when navigating such a dynamic, but complicated sector of law. Early career entries into space law are challenging, however, working as a paralegal in governance, policy, or for a space lawyer, will all be beneficial to achieving a head start in a career in space law.
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CAREERS BEYOND LAW
Possibilities 2023
Remember that the career possibilities discussed below are just some of the many options a UNSW law degree opens you to. A law degree affords you the transferable skills of attention to detail, interpersonal and written communication skills, problem-solving, organisation and so on - all skills which employers from diverse fields look for!
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 to launch, to how to best navigate a complex merger. Consulting can adopt one of two roles: an advisory role (such as developing a business strategy) or an implementation strategy (such as executing a business strategy). The ability of law students to apply critical and lateral thinking to the various problems before generating appropriate solutions is transferable to a consulting job.
Careers Beyond Law
Many of the larger consultancy firms seek out law graduates specifically because they possess highly developed problem-solving skills and an ability to apply ideas in novel contexts. Such overlap is further evident through many of the larger law firms actively integrating consulting into their legal services to assist clients in meeting their strategic objectives. Involving yourself in university case competitions is an excellent opportunity to engage in applying your law degree in a consulting area. Case competitions are a simulation of real-life problems which require you to tailor solutions and present them. In terms of practical experience, many consulting firms provide summer internships that offer first-hand experience in the world of consultancy.
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Possibilities 2023
Construction and Property A career within this sector involves participation in building projects whilst 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 accordingly possessing strong communication skills, which many law students and graduates have, is held in high esteem.
Introductions Careers Beyond Law
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Retail and Consumer Goods Although our first thought of the retail industry often goes to the customer-facing roles, there is an enormous industry of people who work behind the scenes to ensure that retailers remain competitive and that consumer needs are both anticipated and met. Recognising the amount of retail transactions conducted online (with 5.4 million Australian households making an online purchase each month), retail companies need to fill roles in administration and the supply chain. Bigger retailers often have a large back-office division that employs marketers, business strategists, senior managerial staff, consumer analysts and more.
At its core, many of the roles in the retail industry 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. Non-legal roles also employ the analytical skills of lawyers in advisory, administrative and managerial roles. Careers Introductions Beyond Law
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Possibilities 2023
Academia Academia refers to individuals who study and analyse the developments within a particular subject area. Some of your UNSW lecturers - both in law and non-law - have had the privilege of publishing their works in journals, books and engaging in public discussions. Academics are responsible for conducting studies and research into certain areas with the eventual aim of deepening the wider understanding of the public subject. Typically, academic researchers are employed by universities.
Introductions Careers Beyond Law
Depending on the subject which you are interested in, it would be beneficial to talk to your lecturers as a starting point to exploring a career pathway in academia. Lecturers can sometimes offer students roles to work on their research, whether it is assisting in smaller administrative tasks or providing editing assistance.
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ADMISSION TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION
Possibilities 2023
Admission
1. Attain an LLB or JD The first step to attaining an admission to the legal profession is to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent degree. The price of attaining an LLB or JD can vary depending on the institution you attend, the type of fee-paying student you are and possibly the type of degree you choose to pair with it. 2. Complete a Practical Legal Training Program You must complete a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course from an accredited provider. UNSW offers a PLT course separate from their LLB and JD courses. Successful completion of a PLT program leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Duration: The training takes approximately three months fulltime or eight months part-time.
Introductions Admission to the Legal Profession
Workplace experience requires around 75 working days (15 weeks) of supervised experience in the delivery of legal services. What you will study: A PLT course covers three areas: skills, practice areas and values. The Skills area focuses on the development of lawyers’ skills, problem solving, work management and business skills, and trust and office accounting. For practice areas, students study civil litigation, commercial and corporate and property law; choose one course from administrative law, criminal law or family law; and choose one course from consumer law, employment relations and industrial relations, planning and environmental law, and wills and estate practice. Costs: The cost of PLT training can vary depending on the institution which you attend. At UNSW, the price of the PLT program is approximately $16,560.
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Possibilities 2023
Admission
3. Admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales
4. Obtain a Practising Certificate
The Supreme Court of New South Wales may admit a person to the Australian legal profession as an Australian lawyer if the person: • Is aged 18 years or over; • Is not already admitted to the legal profession; • Has attained the specified academic qualifications prerequisite; • Has satisfactorily completed the specific PLT prerequisite; • Is a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession; and • Take an oath of office, or makes an affirmation of office, in the form required by the Supreme Court.
To practise as a solicitor in NSW, you must hold either an Australian practising certificate issued by the Law Society’s Council or a practising certificate issued by the designated regulatory authority in another Australian jurisdiction. For the most current and more detailed information on admission, please visit: https://www.lpab.justice.nsw. gov.au/Pages/admission-lawyer/ guide-for-applicants-admission. aspx
The application for admission as a lawyer costs $950.
Introductions Admission to the Legal Profession
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EMBARKING ON THE LEGAL PATHWAY
Possibilities 2023
Legal Pathway UNSW Law Jobs Board Did you know that UNSW Law has an exclusive student portal? On “myLaw”, you can find numerous resources that will help you secure your first legal job, including CV and cover letter assistance. Most importantly, you will be able to find the UNSW Law Jobs Board which is an invaluable resource for finding your first job. Many firms will post here first, wanting to seek out our students, or in lieu of other general job listing sites.
UNSW Law Society Discussion Forum (on Facebook) Joining the UNSW Law Society Discussion Forum on Facebook can yield more than advertisements for all the wonderful LawSoc events on offer. Law students will occasionally post job openings for roles that they may be moving on from or have heard about from other sources. This is a highly underrated source of job listings as many of these jobs will not be listed elsewhere!
Job Sites Indeed, Seek, Jora etc. are all useful sites to start your search and get an idea of the scope of the roles that you will be seeking out.
Introductions Embarking on the Legal Pathway
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GETTING INVOLVED
Possibilities 2023
Getting Involved UNSW Law Society
NSW Young Lawyers
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, helping students embark on a pathway suitable for them. The UNSW Law Society is proud to celebrate a rich diversity of students with broad aims, backgrounds and passions, and it is our goal to provide career support and development to all students.
NSW Young Lawyers is the largest body of early-career lawyers and law students in Australia, consisting of fifteen committees dedicated to a particular area of law. NSW Young Lawyers aims to support practitioners in the early stages of their career, offering opportunities to expand their knowledge and network.
UNSW Law Society recruits for its Executive around November-December each year. Joining the UNSW Law Society is an enriching opportunity to learn and develop your professional skills, grow personally and meet like-minded people, with no experience being necessary. With a wide range of portfolios expanding over a range of areas, there is bound to be a position suited to your interests. To keep up to date with the events UNSW Law Society may be hosting (there is usually something on every week!), be sure to follow our social media pages and to read ‘The Brief ’ that comes out each Monday during the academic term.
Introductions Embarking on the Legal Pathway
NSW Young Lawyers is 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 these first three criteria.
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Thanks To Vice President (Education) Emily Calbert Student Development Directors Darcy van der Zalm Emilie Hughes Joel Macbeth Lara Aizentros Publications Team Charlotte Fang Hendro Alexandria Kim Lynette Zhang