Law School Manual 2022

CREDITS Editor

Georgia Neaverson Education (Publications) Director

Designed by

Tahlia Kho @tahlia_studio

Special Thanks

Erika Serrano UTS LSS President

Anthony Ayoub UTS LSS Vice-President (Education)

Law School Manual (LSM) is published in Sydney annually by the UTS Law Students’ Society.

61 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 UTS Central, Level 14, Room 104 Ph (02) 9514 3448 Fax (02) 9514 3427 www.utslss.com Acknowledgement of People and Country The UTS LSS acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

Where unspecified, all photos and images have been contributed by the UTS Law Students’ Society.

© 2022 UTS Law Students’ Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process without specific written consent of the UTS Law Students’ Society.

Enquiries are to be addressed to the publishers.

Disclaimer All expressions of opinion published in the LSM are not the official opinion of the UTS Law Students’ Society unless expressly stated. The UTS Law Students’ Society accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any opinions or information contained herein and readers should rely on their own enquiries to make decisions in their own interest.

Dean’s Address

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President’s Welcome

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Socials at UTS:Law

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What’s on in 2022

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The Education Team: We’re Here to Help

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The Bar Productions

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Student Wellbeing

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Sports at UTS:Law

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Social Justice at UTS:Law

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Mooting at UTS:Law

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Skills Competitions at UTS:Law

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Postgraduate Welcome

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A warm welcome to UTS and an especially warm welcome and congratulations on being offered a place at the UTS Law Faculty. I hope 2022 will be a rewarding year for you and the start of a life-long connection with the Faculty of Law at UTS. The place of the UTS Law Faculty is on the unceded land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Our vision is ‘To be, and to be acknowledged as, a leading law faculty recognised nationally and internationally for education, research and collaboration that brings positive social change, inspires a justice consciousness, and promotes leadership through service.’ We achieve this vision.

Importantly, UTS Law has the highest graduate satisfaction of any law school in NSW and the highest graduate employment overall and our Faculty is known for our distinctive and collaborative research focused on impact, social change and social justice.

In choosing UTS Law I welcome you to join with us in contributing to a large and influential law school, proud of our commitment to social justice and the impact we have upon

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improving our local, national and global community. It is a privilege to be alongside you in that commitment – indeed you are now part of a community of engaged academic and professional staff and committed students working together to provide and partake in high quality legal education. During your time with us we aim to provide you with excellent skills you will need throughout your career and professional life.

As Dean of the Faculty of Law I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the Faculty and its future direction. I am a recently appointed Dean. Indeed I am as new as all of you and I feel very privileged to have been selected to be Dean of this Faculty.

I encourage you to get involved with the activities offered by the LSS, the Law Faculty and the University. Indeed the last two years have demonstrated to us all the importance of connection – and I believe that connection is something the University, the Faculty and the LSS does very well. The activities on offer outside the formal classroom are equally important for your understanding of law, the

development of your future career and importantly learning how to balance your ‘work’ and your ‘non-work’ activities. Exploring how to balance personal and professional needs will remain critical for well-being throughout life. So please don’t be hesitant – get involved early and explore and take up opportunities as they arise.

I have always treasured the opportunity to work with the students of the Faculty. I am constantly in awe of student enthusiasm, energy and commitment – and indeed it is infectious. As Dean I will try to find ways to connect with you – activities such as the Brennan program offer opportunities for us to do so and I urge you to become involved with that and other events. Here the LSS is an important piece in the law student experience.

Programs such as the Brennan program are run jointly with the LSS and the Faculty and the LSS runs activities which often complement the aims of the Faculty. For example, student competitions run by the LSS promote the skills embedded in our subjects through Graduate Attributes.

I look forward to meeting you throughout this year and over the course of your studies.

Thank you for joining us in our pursuit of social justice. I encourage you to make the most out of studying at UTS Law and wish you all the best for 2022.

PROFESSOR ANITA STUHMCKE

Dean, Faculty of Law (@AnitaStuhmcke)

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Congratulations and welcome to UTS:Law! No matter how you arrived here, in picking UTS as your law school, you have chosen a path filled with exciting and meaningful opportunities, and one which will challenge you to think in new and creative ways. You will encounter so many different people and be exposed to incredible social and educational experiences that will ultimately make you a well-rounded person. The beauty of UTS Law is the practicality and transferable skills that will allow you to use your degree in so many ways!

A big part of the UTS Law School experience is immersing yourself in extracurricular activities, such as competitions and social justice, while making lifelong friends. This is where the UTS Law Students’ Society (UTS LSS) comes into play. The UTS LSS is here to support you through your studies, but this Law School Manual will also cover the many opportunities we offer to enhance your university experience.

You will soon learn that the law governs and impacts us in so many different ways. It is

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a constantly changing system of rules and regulations in a world that is responding to technological advances. As such, innovation and practicality are critical. As a university committed to practice-based learning, UTS Law students are better equipped to respond to and apply critical thinking in the modern legal world. This is made possible by the fantastic law faculty with highly-accomplished academics and an excellent program to facilitate your studies for the next few years.

Another one of the most valued aspects of UTS Law is the collaborative student community and supportive student culture. Having transferred into UTS Law from another law school, I have witnessed first-hand the warm and non-competitive student culture which enables individuals to thrive and feel that they belong. This is where the UTS LSS truly plays a role in enhancing your law school experience!

The UTS LSS is the peak representative body for UTS Law students, and we are the largest (and oldest) student-run organisation on campus. We are devoted to providing you with initiatives that cater to your social, educational and vocational needs. We understand

that the last two years have been extremely difficult to meet new people, but we are committed to providing you with meaningful opportunities to make a diverse group of friends, and support your holistic student needs. These opportunities come in the form of social events like Law Cruise and Law Ball, Careers networking events, Wellbeing events (think: puppies on campus and meditation), and Social Justice events to expand your awareness of social issues and how you can use your degree for good. For first-years in particular, we have First Year Law Camp, the Buddy Project, Peer Mentoring and the Gauntlet Competition.

As the President, I manage a team of over 40 Councillors, who each work tirelessly to provide you with initiatives across seven portfolios. My journey with the UTS LSS started at my First Year Camp in 2019 where I made so many incredible memories. I came to UTS Law knowing no-one, and I now have so many amazing lifelong friends. I urge you all to make

the most of your university degree and get involved with extracurricular activities. Even if this is outside of the LSS, there are so many UTS societies that you will find something for you!

As a UTS Law student, membership to the UTS LSS is free if you register through the ActivateUTS website at bit.ly/joinutslss. Becoming a member will give you access to all our initiatives, as well as discounts on our ticketed events and merchandise.

I hope you enjoy the rest of this manual - it’s a fantastic way to gain an understanding of what we’re all about at the UTS LSS. If you have any questions about the UTS LSS, UTS Law or university life in general, please feel free to contact me at president@utslss.com.

I wish you all the best of luck as you enter this new chapter and I cannot wait to see you around campus!

ERIKA SERRANO

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VICE-PRESIDENT (ACTIVITIES) CHANDRA RENOUF

GET INVOLVED & MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS

over the coming year so that those studying near and far can all join us.

University entails so much more than spending hours in the library studying. The best way to make the most out of your experience at law school is to break up study time with a little bit of fun. You will soon find UTS Law to be a particularly tight-knit community.

In 2022, we hope that we will be able to run all the events that you know and love without the pandemic interfering. These include Law Ball, Law Cruise, Semesterly Parties and much more. It is our dream to enjoy a year without too many interruptions and to be able to dance the night away on multiple different occasions. We expect 2022 to be the biggest year yet, with plans to grow existing events and bring new passion projects to you all.

The Socials Portfolio organises events run by students, for students. Coming to these events guarantees that you will meet amazing people, make lifelong friends and create some of your greatest university memories. Trust us when we say that you will need these people to make it through law school. It is so important to get involved with the social initiatives run by the LSS as they will always be the perfect escape from the hours spent studying.

Over the past two years, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has meant that our social events looked a little different. As a portfolio, we were dealing with cancellations and postponements, which meant that we had to swiftly adapt to ensure that we were still creating value for our members. For example, some of our online events which ran last year included an Online Games and Catch-Up Night, and Craft for a Cause, which was run in conjunction with the Social Justice Portfolio.

To ensure that our events remain accessible to all members of the UTS LSS, we will continue to innovate and run some events online

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The best way to keep up to date with all of our events is to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages. This is where everything will always be posted. If you don’t have social media, then refer to our website, which is updated frequently with the information of every initiative.

Finally, the Socials Portfolio always welcomes your suggestions so reach out to socials@ utslss.com if you ever have any questions!

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START OF SEMESTER PARTY

FIRST YEAR LAW CAMP

When? 17 March

When? 11-13 March First Year Law Camp is a three-day weekend dedicated to meeting your fellow peers and having fun before the law school experience truly begins.

Better yet, there is absolutely no studying at this camp!

There will be a line-up of activities and parties for everyone to enjoy, and soon enough, you will be finding your lifelong friends by getting to know them outside of the classroom. If you’re a first year, you cannot miss out on the opportunity to go to Camp!

FIRST YEAR LAW DRINKS When? 17 March Head over to First Year Law Drinks to catch up with your fellow Firsties in a fun and relaxed environment. For those who missed out on going to Camp, don’t worry! This event is entirely for you to get involved and make new friends before getting stuck into uni life.

LAW BALL

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Start the uni year off with a bang at the annual Start of Semester Party! Dress to theme and enjoy the bar tab, dance floor and DJ to keep you going all night. This is the perfect way to party the night away with students from all year groups, and get to know new people who you will be hanging out with over the many years to come.

LAW CRUISE

When? 22 APRIL Hop on board and get ready to cruise through Sydney Harbour by grabbing your friends, getting into costume and taking advantage of the bar and banging tunes. There’s no better way to enjoy yourself than dancing the night away at an exclusive boat party and enjoying the sight of our wonderful city all at the same time! Keep your eyes peeled for the ticket release.

When? 24 SEPTEMBER Dress to the nines and prepare for the biggest event of the LSS’ social calendar - the annual Law Ball! Alongside the themed decor and the classiest outfits, there will be an unlimited bar tab, dance floor and three-course menu. Celebrate the year that has been and get your poses ready for the photographer to capture your best memories with friends, both new and old. This event absolutely cannot be missed!

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VICE-PRESIDENT (EDUCATION) ANTHONY AYOUB

Starting law school is an amazing experience. Between studying, making new friends and starting a career, it is the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life. However, it can all become quite a juggling act. That is why the Education Portfolio is here to help.

Our wide-ranging support focusing on academics, mentoring and wellbeing seeks to make your time at UTS Law a breeze.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

PEER MENTORING

SUBJECT TUTORING

First Year Peer Mentoring is an absolute game-changer for your study. Led by some of the LSS’ brightest students, you will be granted with tips, examples and invaluable insights in the lead up to assessments for first-year subjects. This year, Peer Mentoring will be delivered in-person and online via the official Facebook page.

Do you want to get ahead in your studies? The LSS facilitates a ‘Subject Tutoring Database’ of high-performing subject tutors, which can be found by searching ‘UTS LSS Subject Tutoring’ on Google. Signing up is as simple as contacting the tutor and organising a time, price and meeting arrangement.

The program is a great way to ease any anxieties or uncertainties that may arise when commencing your studies. Whether you missed a concept in class, are struggling with legal skills or simply want to perfect your craft — Peer Mentoring is valuable for every student.

To get involved, look up @LSSPeerMentoring on Facebook and like the page to stay up to date and maximise your marks.

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Please note that the UTS LSS is not liable for any agreements made between tutor and student.

NON-ACADEMIC SUPPORT BUDDY PROJECT

SMILE PROJECT

The Buddy Project pairs first-year students (Junior Buddies) with older students (Senior Buddies) based on degrees and mutual interests. It is one of the most fun and impactful programs the LSS offers.

The UTS LSS recognises the importance of mental wellbeing for all students. The Smile Project is a semesterly run event that aims to alleviate some stress that comes from law school and promote an inclusive and open dialogue around mental health. There are opportunities to have a BBQ lunch, puppy sessions and Wellbeing Packs filled with many exciting items.

While buddies are encouraged to catch up throughout the year, this year, we plan to introduce ‘Buddy Events’, which are a series of events where buddies can bond in individual and group settings.

I have personally witnessed the success of the Project and would love all new students to be immersed in the experience. Your buddy can be anything from a study buddy, coffee mate or best friend! The program is what you make of it.

Sign up to the Buddy Project using the QR Code!

SPEAKER SERIES Speaker Series is an exciting series of interactive legal seminars which explores pertinent issues faced by the legal profession. We invite esteemed guests to lead the dialogue and facilitate the discussion in a Q&A format. Past topics include COVID-19 and the Law, International Relations, Modern Slavery and the Strain on Privacy.

PUBLICATIONS The LSS’ publications are a fantastic mechanism that bridges vital information to our members. In addition to the Law School Manual and the Camp Survival Guide, the UTS LSS offers The Full Bench, a biannual law journal composed of articles written by peers and academics on topical legal issues.

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EDUCATION (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTORS ALYSSYA WARTY-HASAN & GEORGIA NEAVERSON

The LSS and the Education Portfolio are thrilled to welcome you to ‘The Bar Productions.’

Are you running out of music to listen to during your commute to UTS? The Education Portfolio has the perfect podcast for you. Two of our very own UTS Law students run The Bar Podcast, providing insight into their experiences throughout their university journey. The podcast started in 2020 to fulfil the missing in-person events due to COVID-19. Our hosts discuss a range of topics, such as the Law Students’ Society events, their experience in the legal industry, and, most importantly, their favourite coffee shops around campus! The podcast also features external guests, who answer your questions about law school and the legal industry. You can check out our podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts (and listen to the 2021 episodes if you want to get a head start before Season 3)!

We are also excited to continue the newly founded ‘The Bar Newspaper.’ The newspaper started in 2021 to provide an engaging and humorous addition to your week. The Bar Newspaper will have relatable titles and captions that will leave you laughing and sharing the posts with all of your friends. It will

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also explore common university and career experiences. Need to do a quick scroll over your social media accounts in between classes? You are in for a treat, as you can find the newspaper on our Instagram page.

We hope that The Bar Podcast and The Bar Newspaper will become the one-stop shop for all of your daily law school information.

Feel free to reach out to us if there are any topics you would like to hear about.

Be sure to like our podcast on Spotify and Apple Music, and follow us on Instagram @thebarproductions_ to stay updated with our social media polls and takeovers.

We can’t wait to share our ideas throughout 2022. So sit back and tune in for Season 3 of The Bar Productions!

WELLBEING DIRECTOR Mac Middleton

After a difficult two years due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to look after your own personal wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of those around you. The first year of law school can involve late nights, difficult assignments and the challenge of meeting new people. The UTS Law Students’ Society is prioritising mental health in 2022 to ensure that all new UTS Law students feel at ease in a new and often challenging first year of university.

If at any time you have questions about your law school program, experience stress during your studies, or would simply like to chat to a friendly face, please reach out to me or a member of the UTS LSS. The UTS LSS office is located at Building 2, Level 14.

We would love to meet you, and our door is always open.

In 2022, we are looking for eager applicants to join the Student Wellbeing Committee (SWC). These students will assist in the planning and running of Wellbeing events over the year, volunteering your time to support your fellow students. These volunteer hours will also go towards the completion of the prestigious Brennan Justice and Leadership Award.

Our main initiatives include the biannual Smile Project - a day of therapy dogs, BBQ and meditation to support your wellbeing in the lead up to exams. The SWC will also host a Random Acts of Kindness Day and an R U OK Day event.

As a UTS student, you have access to a range of mental health services. These range from counselling services, sexual harassment support services, and opportunities to join mental health organisations at UTS to help your fellow students. If you recognise that a friend or fellow student may be struggling, or just isn’t themselves, remember to ask them if they are ok, listen, encourage them to take action, and check in to see how they are doing.

UTS Counselling Services: Phone: (02) 9514 1177 Email: student.services@uts.edu.au Mental Health Services, including Lifeline 13 11 14: https://www.uts.edu.au/currentstudents/contacts/emergency-contacts

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INTERVARSITY COMPETITIONS

SPORTS DIRECTOR Brydon Truong

Are you looking for a competitive challenge, a relaxing break from studying, or an excuse to meet new people? Whether you are a seasoned gym junkie, or just looking to have a good time, it is time to get active, get involved and have some fun with UTS LSS Sport!

SOCIAL SPORTS Social Sport is a great way for law students to have fun and meet new people, while competing against your fellow UTS students! Regardless of your previous sporting experiences or skill level, this is a must for every law student! Social Sport is run weekly on campus in both Autumn and Spring sessions. We are looking to enter teams to represent the LSS in mixed Netball, Basketball and Futsal. Keep an eye out for registrations on the LSS’ socials!

YOGA University can undoubtedly be a stressful time. So, to help you destress, yoga will run in the Spring session. Our Yoga program will take you through a flow that will enable you to relax your mind and body. Stay tuned for sign-ups!

Represent the UTS LSS in the New South Wales Young Lawyers Intervarsity Sports Day! Held at Macquarie University, this event is perfect for those who love team sport and some friendly competition. Run in the Spring session, you can represent the LSS in Netball, Touch Football or Futsal. Whether you have prior sports experience, or just want to give it a try, we want you on our team! This event is a great opportunity for you to make new friends across different year groups. So, get into the UTS spirit and help us to bring home the gold!

KICKSTART Have you ever wanted to get serious about your health and fitness but were not sure where to start? Look no further. Challenge yourself and your friends at the LSS’ Kickstart. Kickstart is a 10-week smallgroup exercise program led by qualified personal trainers. The program runs weekly on campus at the Elite Athlete and Performance Gym. This is a great opportunity to have fun with weekly fitness sessions to get you started. Limited spots are available so register as soon as possible!

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VICE-PRESIDENT (SOCIAL JUSTICE) GEORGINA HEDGE

A strong relationship with social justice is a necessary part of the law student experience.

Through an engagement with the principles of justice and the barriers that certain minority communities face, law students can contribute to community level change. The UTS Law Students’ Society champions social justice, and provides members with a multiplicity of opportunities to engage with and consider the role of lawyers in attacking injustice.

JUSTICE ACTION COMMITTEE The Justice Action Committee (JAC) is an official subcommittee of the UTS LSS, and is dedicated to assisting the Brennan, Equity and Diversity Directors. Members of the subcommittee will meet fortnightly, and assist with the organisation and execution of SJ initiatives, as well as spearheading their own events, such as the annual Week of Social Justice Awareness.

Applications to join the JAC will open in March 2022.

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BRENNAN JUSTICE & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The Brennan Justice and Leadership Program is the hallmark of social justice at UTS Law. The program is a collaboration between the UTS LSS and UTS Faculty of Law, and encourages students to engage deeply with social justice, and to give back to the wider community. Students who take out the award will have it recognised on their AHEG Statement.

The program has two key components: Leadership through Service (LTS) and Reflections on Justice (ROJ). Together, these components allow students to volunteer within their communities and reflect deeply on different areas of justice. The program offers initiatives to gain LTS and ROJ, such as Justice Talks, Discussion Groups, RASA Week, and the Westmead Arts and Crafts Drive. The program is the only one of its kind across all Australian law schools and shows UTS Law’s commitment to social justice.

TEXTBOOK EQUITY SCHEME (TES) & EQUITY SUBSIDIES The UTS LSS offers a number of equity schemes to assist students who are experiencing financial difficulties. Our central scheme is the Textbook Equity Scheme (TES), which loans textbooks to students upon proof of financial hardship. The LSS also offers equity subsidies to our events, such as First Year Law Camp, Law Ball and Law Cruise. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to apply for these schemes!

SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE

WOMEN’S MENTORING PROGRAM The WMP embraces the representation of women in the legal profession, regardless of race, cultural background, sexual identity or age. The WMP pairs female-identifying students with mentors from a diverse range of corporate and non-corporate legal careers.

These mentors provide invaluable insight and advice in navigating barriers as a woman in the legal profession.

INTERVARSITY WOMEN IN LAW CONFERENCE

The Social Justice Conference, held in the Spring Session, is the largest event hosted by the Social Justice Portfolio. The conference allows students to engage with keynote speakers from legal, political, social justice and academic sectors on a wide variety of topics and current issues.

The Intervarsity Women in Law Conference is a trilateral conference run by the UTS LSS, SULS, and UNSWLS. It involves panel discussions and Q&A sessions with female leaders in the legal profession, discussing topics such as barriers to female representation, and the unique experiences of diverse female law students and lawyers.

CHARITY TRIVIA NIGHTS

NAIDOC WEEK

Keen for a trivia fix? In both the Autumn and Spring sessions, the SJ Portfolio hosts a Charity Trivia Night at the Underground! Free pizza and drinks are provided, and all funds are donated to a worthy charity, allowing students to have fun and give back to the community.

Each year in the Spring Session, the UTS LSS runs a week of initiatives to observe NAIDOC Week. This initiative provides an opportunity for students to reflect on issues of Indigenous justice.

INTERVARSITY PRIDE MOOT Our annual UTS LSS x SULS Intervarsity Pride Moot is one of the most coveted events in the SJ calendar! This moot provides the opportunity for LGBTQIA+ identifying students to compete in a moot focused on issues which their community face. In 2021, we had the famous Justice Michael Kirby sitting on the bench, and we would love for UTS to bring home the title in 2022!

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degree is a vital part of any law school experience and can even help you stand out to future employers.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

VICE-PRESIDENT (MOOTING) TIANA DE SILVA

MOOTING AT UTS:LAW Remember Mike Ross’s mock trial? Feel like getting a taste of what real life advocacy looks like? Sign up and get involved in one of the many mooting competitions the LSS offers!

Mooting is a form of mock trial competition offered by universities all around the world, where students compete in teams of two or three to present their own legal arguments in front of a judge. Mooting involves two components — first, competitors prepare a written outline of the arguments they will make in favour of their client; and second, teams compete against each other to present their oral arguments. The competition challenges students to use legal research, writing and public speaking (or better termed, ‘advocacy’) skills, while also allowing students to meet new people and have fun (yes, I said fun)!

BENEFITS OF MOOTING The skills you will learn through competing in a moot will carry you not only through your degree, but well into your career. You will learn the formalities of being in a courtroom, gain confidence to advocate for your client, and be able to understand and interpret the law in a practical way. Not to mention, participating in competitions throughout your university

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The UTS LSS has an entire portfolio now dedicated to running moots throughout the year.

With over seven subject moots, three junior competitions, several intervarsity competitions and an array of development initiatives, you are sure to find a competition that suits your interests! Some of the most popular moots on offer include the annual Torts Law Moot, the Constitutional Law Moot and our flagship Legal Technology Moot, which brings together universities from all over Australia and is the only one of its kind!

WHAT TO EXPECT? We know that signing up for any competition can be a daunting prospect. This year, the Mooting Portfolio will arm you with all of the knowledge and tools necessary to hit the grounds running. This includes our brand new Mooting Mentoring Program, which will take you through each step of the competition.

Further, during 2021, the LSS also secured Supreme Court Judges to sit on our Grand Final benches, giving students an opportunity to compete in front of Sydney’s most extraordinary legal minds!

To hear all about the latest opportunities, be sure to follow the UTS LSS Facebook page and join our Competitions Facebook group!

We look forward to seeing you get involved!

of their case. Competitors work to construct a convincing case while simultaneously discrediting their opposing counsel’s case.

INTERVARSITY SKILLS COMPETITIONS

VICE-PRESIDENT (SKILLS COMPETITIONS) NICOLE BADR

Skills Competitions allow law students to engage in practical applications of their academic studies through real-life problem scenarios.

Participating in competitions adds invaluable experience to your CV, and provides networking opportunities with other students, faculty members and external advocates.

CLIENT INTERVIEW Building positive working relationships with clients is an essential legal skill. Competitors conduct a 30-minute interview with a hypothetical client to address a unique legal issue. They are required to extract all correct information through carefully posed questions, raise ethical dilemmas, and provide preliminary legal and non-legal advice.

NEGOTIATION Negotiation provides students with an opportunity to master important alternative dispute resolution skills. Teams are required to find a mutually beneficial outcome which balances their client’s objectives with the other party’s interests, based on hypothetical common and secret facts.

WITNESS EXAMINATION Witness Examination is a solo competition where students develop their advocacy skills by examining and cross-examining witnesses to extract evidence to persuade the judge

The UTS LSS hosts and participates in numerous intervarsity skills competitions. These competitions provide opportunities for experienced competitors to represent the LSS at a local, state or national level in any of the above competitions.

WRITTEN SKILLS Students also have an opportunity to compete in various written skills competitions, including Advice Writing and Affidavit Drafting. These practical competitions provide students with invaluable legal skills heavily relied on in practice. Participation in these competitions is always favourably perceived by employers!

WHEN NEW LAW STUDENTS CAN COMPETE The UTS LSS runs the Junior Skills Competitions in the Spring session for first and second year students who have not previously competed.

We run the Open Skills Competitions in Autumn for all students, regardless of experience, but encourage all new law students to attempt the Junior Competitions first.

While waiting for the Junior Competitions in the Spring session, students can get involved as a volunteer client or witness in the Client Interview and Witness Examination competitions, picking up valuable skills from experienced competitors along the way! Volunteering can also work towards other initiatives, including the Brennan Program, UTS SOUL or UTS Accomplish Awards.

The Gauntlet Competition is another great opportunity to kickstart involvement in competitions. This weekend competition includes workshops on how to compete and the opportunity to put new skills into practice.

Join the UTS LSS Competitions Forum and the UTS LSS Facebook page for all the latest competition updates!

POSTGRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE FAUZIA SHEREEN

Congratulations and a warm welcome to our 2022 UTS Postgraduate Law students! You are about to embark on an exciting journey, one that is full of opportunities that are equally as valuable from both an educational and a social perspective.

My name is Fauzia, and I am currently in my second year of my Juris Doctor degree. I have been an active member of the UTS Law Students’ Society for over a year and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Over the course of the year, I am thrilled at the number of opportunities that the LSS has provided me, such as the ability to enhance my legal communication skills within the Junior Gauntlet Competition and lead my own social justice discussion groups within the Brennan Justice and Leadership program. The opportunities that I was able to participate in were valuable building blocks in developing my legal skills as a future lawyer, and I am sure that you will no doubt feel the same. As the Postgraduate Representative, my role is to actively engage and act as a first point of contact for any concerns, complaints or questions from UTS Postgraduate Law students.

One of the common questions I receive is, ‘How can I make the most out of my time throughout my degree with the LSS as a postgrad?’. To that, I answer:

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GET INVOLVED — COMPETITIONS The UTS Law Students’ Society hosts numerous competitions in collaboration with many leading law firms throughout the year.

Competitions are a fantastic way to accrue legal knowledge and enhance your legal skills.

These competitions allow you to understand which legal skills you personally want to improve, and act as great exposure to the different areas of law that you have the potential to practice in. If there is one piece of advice I can give to students, it is to get involved in these competitions as early as you can.

NETWORKING The UTS LSS organises many social events throughout the year. From our very own Postgraduate Networking Evening to industry networking events held throughout the year, I cannot emphasise enough how crucial networking is to receive advice from industry professionals or your own peers, learn about the experiences of others and progress your career.

Good luck and I hope to meet each one of you either in person or online soon!

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