NDSLS 2020
COLLEGE OF LAW CAREERS GUIDE
NDSLS COLLEGE OF LAW CAREERS GUIDE 2020
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER Š 2020 Notre Dame Sydney Law Society 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 permission of the NDSLS. Disclaimer The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the NDSLS, the editor, or those of the Notre Dame Australia 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 editor, author and the NDSLS accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Dean............................3 Why a law degree?....................................7 What are my career opportunities?........14 How do I get started?.............................24 How can I balance it all?........................33 Where can a law degree take me?.........37 Practical legal training...........................45 Graduate spotlight..................................51
FOREWORD FROM THE EDITORS 2020 has so far been a year unlike any other. It is important more now than ever that we persevere through the changes in the world and that students and professionals alike are inspired to help each other achieve to the best of their ability. Look after yourself and look out for your neighbours. This year, the Careers Guide is particularly focussed on diverse career paths as well as how students and professionals face challenges in their lives. All students are encouraged to have faith in their abilities and to be brave. We should not hesitate to reach out to others for assistance with your studies or with your career path. I am grateful to all those professionals who contributed to the guide this year and who continue to inspire in the legal community. I thank those alumni and current Notre Dame students who have contributed to the guide and who continue to give back to the Notre Dame community. I would also like to thank Paige Gavenlock for all her hard work and support. ‘Finally all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble’ 1 Peter 3:8 Julia Beins Careers Director 2020
It was a great honour having the opportunity to put together this years’ Careers Guide. Myself and Julia have developed the guide with the idea of inspiring people to envision their own future careers. This year hasn’t been without its challenges, and this years’ guide reminds us that there is life beyond these times. The Notre Dame 2020 Careers Guide is practical, relevant, authentic and encouraging. Creating the Guide was a reminder of the plethora of opportunities that a law degree offers. My own research educated me on practical tips, how to balance work, life and study, and provided me with a deeper understanding of how a career in law is not stagnant, but something that will grow and develop as you do. I would like to personally thank all those professionals, students and Alumni who contributed to this years Guide. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their contribution to the contents and the making of the Guide. This experience has been tremendous for me, and I hope the Notre Dame 2020 Careers Guide is informative and enhances your passion for law and assists you in achieving your career aspirations. Paige Gavenlock-Ginns Careers Assistant 2020
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Maria
Howard
Sometimes, we find that we spend more time stressing about how we’ll finish law school, with good grades and extracurriculars, let alone thinking about our future careers. However as you all probably already know, planning and research not only help take the stress out of the future, but prepare us for whatever it holds. This Guide is here to inform you of career opportunities and help you wade through the mass of information out there. It is designed to be a starting point for your future planning, wherever you are up to in your degree. I encourage you to give it a read and really think about what it is you want upon graduation and how it is you’re going to get there. Whilst you are a student at Notre Dame, the NDSLS Committee, Staff, Students and Alumni are all here to help you achieve your career goals. Maria Howard President of the Notre Dame Sydney Law Society
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FROM THE DEAN Professor
Michael
Quinlan
I am very pleased to commend the NDLSLS Careers Guide 2020 to you. Students at The University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Law, Sydney (Notre Dame Law) are very fortunate to be assisted in so many ways during their studies by the NDSLS. The provision of Careers Week and the production of this Guide are just some of the many activities and benefits that the NDSLS provides to students. With its focus on “providing an excellent standard of training for the profession” Notre Dame Law provides students with a law degree which is not only academically rigorous but which also assists students to develop their practical skills in such areas as public speaking, advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. Notre Dame Law also provides all students with mentoring and internship opportunities. The commitment of the School to its students is reflected in the annual Quality Indicators in Learning & Teaching (QILT) results. This is an external survey of students across all university-based Australian law schools. Thanks to the dedication of our administrative and academic staff and to the hard work of the NDSLS in the latest QILT survey Notre Dame Law was rated first in NSW for both Overall Student Experience (87.7%) and Skills development (90.5%). Studying at Notre Dame Law and assisted by the NDLSLS, Notre Dame Law graduates are well prepared for employment in the legal profession and for other careers. This Careers Guide provides students with important and valuable information to assist them in planning their future and obtaining employment in the environment most suited to their many particular gifts and talents. Notre Dame Law students should be justifiably proud of their School and of the achievements of their peers. I encourage all students to carefully review the contents of this Careers Guide and to continue the tradition of service, contribution and success of our students and graduates. All the best Professor Michael Quinlan Dean 3
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WHY A LAW DEGREE? 7
WHY A LAW DEGREE?
When contemplating tertiary study many people may find themselves asking the question, why a law degree? Studying law is much more than becoming a lawyer. Objectively speaking, a law degree is a good foundation to assist in developing a skillset for use in personal and professional life. Undertaking a law degree at Notre Dame, students have an opportunity to enhance a variety of capabilities in an intimate and supportive learning environment. By focussing on valuable skills such as researching, writing, and public speaking, students gain the ability to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Notre Dame provides a flexible method of learning, by giving students the option to study law by itself, or a combined law degree which allows them to explore subjects based on additional strengths or interests. The natural progression of a law degree allows students to learn about key legal principles and their subsequent application in practice. While addressing essential legal doctrines, students also consider contemporary matters and their relevance to the evolution of law. This deepened understanding by students reveals the broad scope of a law degree and its intrinsic value. This quality of education assists in guiding students to specialised areas of law, or to alternative career paths. From learning key legal principles and their application in practice, to thinking critically and utilising ethical reasoning, a law degree is universally advantageous for all students.
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STU
DEN T INSI GHT
A law degree can potentially differ from what you think. We asked some of our valued students, who are at different stages in their respective degrees, to provide insight into a law degree at Notre Dame and its benefits and opportunities.
KATHERINE VARGOCZY FIRST
YEAR
STUDENT
I am studying a Bachelor of Laws, LLB, single degree. I really wanted to study law as I believed it was a good choice for me. I had previously studied a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney, but did not want to go into a science career path. I had the opportunity to apply for Law school at Notre Dame and I took that incredible opportunity and it turned out really well. The reason I am studying a single degree is that I have already spent a few years at university and would like to get my law degree in a shorter time. I have had two people in my life that inspired me to study law. The first being my grandmother, who was one of the first female lawyers in Hungary in the 1950s, and who struggled to assert her right to practice law in a male dominated time and career area. The other person was barrister Terry Willis SC. Terry was a close family friend who really inspired me to pursue a career in law. So far I am really enjoying law school, it is very different to a science degree in that the focus is on written analysis and oral communication. Criminal Law is my favourite subject so far, as it is case study based and encourages students to really think about relation between crime and the law. Having a law degree opens up a wide array of opportunities. Other than learning about the law itself, a law degree teaches you how to think critically, how to analyse text and excellent oral and written communication skills. All of these are valuable skills for any career path. I myself, would like to pursue a career as a lawyer, hopefully in criminal law. My dream would be to work in the Department of Public Prosecutions.
VIGNESH JAYARAM SECOND
YEAR
STUDENT
Ever since I was young, arguing about random and mundane topics became another part of life. As I grew up, these topics shifted towards more complex and topical political events that were happening around me, as well as important legal issues. I realised that simply discussing these issues wasn't enough, I wanted to be a part of these events and try to make a difference as well. I believed that a law degree would be the best fit for this goal, its practical advocacy skills are always useful, and the manner in which you learn of the law's interaction with society becomes significantly more nuanced and complex. However, it is the way it is thaught at Notre Dame University that I am most thankful for. Notre Dame approaches the heavy and contentious topics in law with absolute respect; using a moral perspective that isnt clouded by partisanship or close mindedness. Every lecturer is willing to have an honest discussion of all the topics covered, and logical disagreements and thoughtfully constructed arguments are ecnouraged. This lets everyone in a class feel like they can participate without a sense of anxiety or judgment. This unique environment for learning is one I am incredibly fond of, and it’s why I am so glad I chose to study law at Notre Dame University. 9
REBECCA SALEME THIRD
YEAR
STUDENT
Initially I chose to study a double degree of Law and Arts degree because I was interested in pursuing a career focused on International and Humanitarian law. After I started studying, my eyes were opened and I saw just how many avenues this degree can take you. Studying the law is more than simply diving into history, memorising cases and reading legislation. Beyond this is a set of skills which I would argue are applicable across a diverse range of career paths. A law degree, whilst many may say comes with a demanding workload, is exactly what you make of it. It has taught me how to develop a strong work and study ethic, to be disciplined, be organised, to use my time efficiently, to read effectively and think critically over a range of different problems. There are so many opportunities available to us law students both at university and externally. I personally have been extremely privileged to compete in a team for an International Commercial Law Arbitration Moot. This allowed me to represent Notre Dame on a global scale, making unprecedented connections with other students, lawyers and professionals, and exponentially growing my research, advocacy and writing skills. We are also privileged at Notre Dame to become involved in the mentoring program. This has provided me with the opportunity to personally and professionally connect with a lawyer, gaining invaluable insights into the legal profession. There are a plethora of opportunities and benefits to a law degree and I certainly look forward to where it may take me in the future.
GEORGINA MORTON FOURTH
YEAR
STUDENT
Having studied a law degree for the past four years has definitely opened my eyes to the endless possibilities a law degree can offer a graduate. In high school, my main reason for studying law and pursuing a careers in it was my fascination of the judicial system from what i had seen on Law and Order, and my interest in true crime novels but as well from what i had learnt in legal studies. I had an urge to help bring justice to those whose voices could not e heard because their socio-economic or other vulnerabilities stopped them from attaining a just outcome. Throughout my studies and with the help of my philosophy degree ie experienced many existential crisis' where i questioned what i truly wanted to do after i graduate. I discovered that my initial interest of becoming a Criminal Barrister wasn't the career path for me after completing my criminal law units. However, i fell in love with tort law and realised that is the path i wanted to take. Along the way i also questioned whether i wanted to be a lawyer. I loved studying law but didn't know whether that was what i truly wanted to do in life. A law degree can take a graduate to work in the government or policy writing, as well as in house lawyers of various companies. For the past three years I have been lucky enough to compete in the internal competitions the Law Society has run. In particular, negotiations and client interview. These competitions have been fantastic where i have learnt practical skills that aren't taught in the classroom. I was lucky enough in 2019 to place first in Client Interview, and runners up in Negotiation and was given the opportunity to compete at the ALSA 2019 National Competition. Taking part in the extra curricular activities in law school not only adds to your CV, but also gives you the confidence in practical exercises conducted in the classroom, such as advocacy for example.
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WHAT ARE MY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?
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DIFFERENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
While some may already be set on what career they want and how to achieve this, many others are unsure. The practicality of a law degree clear, as it will equip you with indispensable skills for any occupation you pursue. For people who may not be interested in the conventional lawyer route, there are countless career opportunities that can come from a law degree, depending on your interests.There are a multitude of possibilities on the journey from student to graduate and beyond.
PRACTICE Solicitor Barrister Judge Private Practice Public Defender
GOVERNMENT Legislator Policy Analyst Political Advisor Prosecutor
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JOURNALISM & WRITING Legal Journalists Court Reporter Court Typist Court Clerk
ADMINISTRATIVE Paralegal Case manager Jury Consultant Law Firm Administrator
ACADEMIA Professor of law Lecturer Law School Tutor
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MAGISTRATE LISA STAPLETON Magistrate at Burwood Courthouse How did your career path begin? I have a B.Commerce & B.Laws from UNSW. In 1986-1987 I was a solicitor in a medium sized city firm working in insurance and building litigation. From 1988-1999 I was a barrister in general practice except family law, crime and workers compensation. From 2000 to date I have been a Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW.
What opportunities would you recommend to young law students/ lawyers? Whilst a student, find work of any type in a solicitors’ firm, in a business eg insurance, real estate, banking, in the public service or for a public interest organisation. Every experience is valuable and will assist you in identifying what your first job as a lawyer could be.
What challenges did you face in your career? My challenge as a barrister in setting up a practice from scratch was to form good working relationships with solicitors and provide high quality advice and advocacy for clients so that my practice was financially viable.
How might young students/ lawyers overcome challenges in their careers? Students and graduates should find a mentor (preferably more than one) who is an experienced lawyer or business person. Every challenge is likely to be better managed when you can discuss it with a trusted person.A reputation for integrity is your most important asset. Completing an MBA (or the like) after you graduate law. An ability to understand financial accounts is a key skill. Prepare thoroughly for every conference with a client, discussion with an opponent or appearance in court.
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MITCHELL FLAKELAR Solicitor Director at Farrell Goode Solicitors Cootamundra How did your career path begin? I was always a bright student in high school but did not really know what path I wanted to take. I applied for and was granted early entry into a few universities in both law and accounting so I had a few options. I was then approached by my school careers advisor at the time and he said that a local law firm was looking at hiring. This had some appeal to me as it meant that I could still obtain a legal qualification and I did not have to leave my home town. I went down and had an interview and I started work with them almost immediately after I completed Year 12. I commenced my law studies through the LPAB in March 2008 and I was admitted as a solicitor in December 2013. I worked full time during this period.
Where do you work now? I am a Solicitor Director at Farrell Goode Solicitors and I have been with the firm since I finished school at the end of 2007. I was employed by the firm up until July 2018 when I became a Partner. We have three main offices including Temora, Narrandera and Cootamundra. I live in Temora but work out of our Cootamundra office two days per week.
What opportunities would you recommend to young law students/ lawyers? On the job experience. I have found that my most valuable lessons have come from my on the job experience and learning from more senior practitioners. Whilst my studies have been important, nothing has been more insightful then actually being on the ground working in a legal office and dealing with clients and their situations/needs. I have a cousin who has recently completed her PHD in the science field. In their field, a person’s academic qualifications determines their seniority. In the legal profession, it is the experience of a person and their ability to handle various situations and matters that carries more weight. When dealing with real clients with real problems and issues, the client is generally not concerned with how many letters you have after your name, but whether you have the skills to achieve the best outcome for them.
How might young students/ lawyers overcome challenges in their careers? Studying to become a legal practitioner and in your early years in the profession are always a challenge. I am based in a regional area and I studied essentially by correspondence. This presented difficulties with time, travel and being able to access the resources that my city counterparts do not encounter on a regular basis but you need to be able to adapt. I was disciplined in my studies and I managed my time as best as possible. If I was required to travel for studies or for exams, then you plan ahead and allocate the time needed to complete those tasks. This has been a great skill moving forward into my legal practice as good planning and being disciplined I think are essential skills. You need to be organised for client meetings, mediations, court appearances, etc. You need to plan and say to yourself, okay this task is due on this date, I need to complete these things to be ready, I will need this amount of time to complete them. A diary is a great way to keep these tasks and goals in the sight. I am also constantly reviewing my outstanding tasks and matters and again saying to myself, right this one is urgent and needs to be dealt with shortly, this one can wait, I will need a substantial amount of time to complete this one so I need to set that time aside, etc. I also find as a regional practitioner, again often services that are available for clients is limited. Recently I had a client who required the services of a forensic psychologist so I reached out to a fellow practitioner who was able to recommend someone. Good networking, forming those professional relationships with not only other members of the profession but also accountants, bankers, financial planners, real estate agents, doctors, counsellors, etc is very important. It means that you can often refer to clients to these other supporting services that they need in conjunction with 18 providing them with the legal advice about their matter.
SHAUNA O'SULLIVAN Head of Legal Australia at Aberdeen Standard Investments How did your career path begin? I did a combined LLB/BCom (Finance & Accounting) at UNSW, graduating in 1986. I always wanted to work inside the financial services industry, so after College of Law I went straight to an in house legal role at a small merchant bank. I was learning about financial markets but I didn’t feel I was getting the same legal training as friends at law firms, so after 18 months I moved to a large law firm, finishing with 2 years in Singapore. That set me up for my dream job in the Sydney office of a large global investment bank.
Where do you work now? I am Head of Legal, Australia at Aberdeen Standard Investments, one of the world’s largest investment companies. Headquartered in UK with over 40 locations across Europe, Asiapac, the Americas and the Middle East.
What opportunities would you recommend to young law students/ lawyers? Take up lots of experiences and opportunities. It’s important to invest in yourself, build confidence and move towards your career goals. You’ll likely have to ask for things, ask people to help you, and put yourself forward. Be in situations with good people and develop your skills, including personal skills. In my job, knowing the law can be the easiest part.
How might young students/ lawyers overcome challenges in their careers? If something is challenging or difficult, calmly work out some strategies, be open with people you trust, listen to their advice and perspectives, back yourself and give the situation your best shot. Give yourself a break too, recognise that sometimes things don’t work out, and may be outside your control.
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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
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JOB SEARCHING... Going about finding a job can be confusing. If you are uncertain about what you are interested in or your career path, then that is okay! Any opportunity will help you in your career as each provides a different environment for you to develop your skills. The prospect of a job in law may seem overwhelming, but the experience you will gain is indispensable. Here are a few ways you can search for a job or experience in law.
ONLINE Online is one way to find prospective employment opportunities. Online searches are efficient and convenient as you can tailor your search to your preferred profession, location and interests. The majority of online job forums present a unique platform through the creation of a personal profile. This allows you to interact with people you know and people who know you. Businesses and recruitment companies post adverts online, making potential jobs easily accessible. Notre Dame has a an online forum, the CareerHub. This allows students to access potential jobs that have been posted, attend events and workshops to further skills and resources, and even make an appointment with a Careers Officer to assist them.
NETWORKING Networking is a constructive way to make connections with people and frame yourself in a positive light. Networking is a key way to exchange information about yourself and your interest in seeking employment through communication with people you know in the industry. Potential employers would be more inclined to trust and value people they know over a digitised profile. You may be able to make connections through your current job, classmates and friends, or even through your university by attending campus events and mentoring programs.
VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is a great way to gain skills and experience in a different environment. The skills you develop can be transferrable to your next occupation or even your daily life. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and nourish your soul as well as providing an opportunity to see what you learn put into practice. With the indispensable skills studying law provides you with, volunteering is also an opportunity to make these skills available to everyone. It provides a sense of purpose and demonstrates the breath and diversity of the legal profession.
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ALTERNATIVE EXPERIENCE Applying However
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Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community, meet new people, and learn about the organisations who you will one day potentially be working with, should you wish to pursue a career in social justice. University is a great time to learn new things and meet people, and it's important you immerse yourself in these opportunities both in and outside of our Notre Dame community in order to take full advantage of the years prior to commencing your practice. Through volunteer work you are likely to discover causes you are passionate about. At the very least this will give you great personal and spiritual fulfilment. However, more importantly to the topic of the NDSLS Careers Guide, volunteer work will also enable you to familiarise yourself with certain organisations and the ways in which you can turn your passions into a fundamental aspect of your career in the law. That being said, here are some tips and tricks to get your volunteering career started, (I hope your experience volunteering is a fun and fulfilling pursuit!). Contact your local parish - Lots of church and local communities undertake great social justice initiatives that you can become a part of, often advertised in the Parish or community bulletin. Attending these groups is a great way to start, especially if you feel you’re not ready to commit to a formal long-term volunteer program. If you are looking to become a part of a network of people interested in various social justice initiatives, contributing to your parish or local community will allow you to meet new people who may inspire you to get involved with broader projects with other organisations. Google a cause you are interested in and contact the organisations that work in that area - If you have the time to dedicate to volunteering, emailing organisations that peak your interest and inquiring about how you can help will enable you to get involved with a cause you are passionate about. Initiating a long-term relationship with an organisation is a great way to really immerse yourself in a project.
Familiarise yourself with legal organisations that have student volunteer programs, allowing you to gain legal experience whilst working for a cause you are passionate about - For example, RACS is an organisation that has twice-yearly intakes of law students looking to contribute one-two days of volunteering per week for a threemonth period. If you are passionate about refugee rights and immigration law, applying for this program may give you an opportunity to see what a career in this sector is like, whilst also contributing your time to an important cause.
SOCIAL JUSTICE DIRECTOR Jasmine Robertson If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me (socialjustice@ndsls.org) – I would be more than happy to answer any questions and even help you find ways to get started! 26
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CIRRICULUM VITAE Your curriculum vitae or CV, is arguably one of the most important parts of your job application. It is a general overview, which provides insight into your skills, experiences, qualifications and accomplishments. It is important to make sure your CV is relevant to the job you are applying for. However, you must never lie and keep it authentic. Your CV should be simple and professional. Ultimately, your CV is a reflection of you and therefore it is important to make sure it is respectable.
NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS You should include your full name and contact details such as your phone number and your email Make sure your email is appropriate Also double check that all details are written correctly
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS You should include any previous study and current study In your current study include your degree and your progress in that degree You should also include your grade point average or academic transcript Here you can also add any awards/ achievemnts you have received You can also add any other qualifications that are relevant to the job
EXPERIENCE
This is where you include your previous work experience For each job you have had you should include The name of the business/ organisation How long you worked there for A brief outline of your role and responsibilties you undertook whilst you were there Don't forget to include other experiences e.g. volunteering
REFEREES/ REFERENCES Your referres or references are people who can testify to your character, skills and work ethic to a prospective employer You can provide their name or contact details or state they are availible upon request
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C O V E R L E T T E R
A cover letter is an introductory letter addressed to a potential employer or organisation when applying for a job. An effective cover letter will be tailored to address and fulfil the specific traits and skills that your potential employer has advertised or is looking for. Students are encouraged to create cover letters which reflect their individuality and specific skills in order to stand out amongst other candidates. 1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF Give your full name Clearly state why you are applying for the job AND why you should be hired Include references to the employer's business/firm to demonstrate that you have researched the role
2. STATE YOUR EXPERIENCE Include any work experience you have - skills from many work sectors such as retail Be sure to emphasise any prior work experience in the legal profession 3. STATE YOUR EDUCATION Include any specific academic achievements. As a sub-section you should include any curricular activities you have participated in such as volunteering, community wor leadership roles and so on.
DO write authentically and honestly DO ensure you understand the position being advertised DO emphasise skills or experience that the employer is looking for
DO NOT use superfluous language DO NOT fabricate any of your information DO NOT use fancy fonts or graphics 29
THE INTERVIEW Along with your CV and cover letter the interview is one of the most important aspects of potential employment. The interview is where an employer can determine who would work well within their business. You should be confident and present yourself as someone who would be a good fit for their business.
TIPS Make sure you are prepared - be aware of how the interview will be conducted and if you can, find out who is conducting the interview. Do your research - do some research about the business you could potentially end up working for; what do they do and why do you want to be a part of this? Know yourself - make sure you know what you have included in your CV and cover letter because if you are asked about it you should be able to talk a bit about it. Practise - there is no substitute for practice - try a mock interview or verbalising your answers with someone who can give you helpful and constructive feedback. Presence - the interview is also a first impression so make sure you arrive early, are dressed appropriately, and demonstrate that you put care and thought into your appearance. a Think outside the box - an interview is a chance to showcase why YOU are the best fit for this job - think about what you will say before you answer and showcase your unique perspective. Don't panic - if you don't know an answer that's okay! Interviews are meant to challenge you and put you on the spot. Don't be afraid to seek clarification of the question to confirm your understanding before you answer. Ask questions - this is your chance to show that you are interested! Your questions shouldn't be too generic and you can have them already prepared or base them off something you spoke about during the interview. 30
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HOWÂ CAN I BALANCE IT ALL?
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WORK, LIFE AND STUDY BALANCE Maintaining a healthy balance of work, life and study is fundamental to achieving your best. Usually, work and study take up the most time in a day and the idea of doing something for yourself becomes imaginary. Alternatively, it may be more tempting to pick up an extra work shift or miss a lecture to catch up with friends which leaves you feeling unorganised and anxious about your studies. Sometimes you can feel a little overwhelmed trying to get everything done without sacrificing one area for another or without feeling stressed. There is no one way to balance it all as everyone’s lives are different. However, here are a few helpful tips that you can try in your own life to stay organised and help you feel less stressed. Find your support group – there are people who care about you and will help you when you aren’t feeling your best. Whether it be your family, friends, church community, classmates or colleagues, find people who can look out for you Utilise university services – Notre Dame has Student Support and Student Services, two enormously helpful facilities that are designed to assist students while they are at university. Who better to talk to! Don’t be afraid to say NO – if you have an assignment due and your friends ask to hang out or your employer asks you to work a bit more, don’t be afraid to say NO. You, better than anyone, know what is happening in your life, so if you need some time away from work and friends to focus on study, don’t be afraid to say so. Be realistic – at the end of the day we are only human and don’t have the ability to be two places at once (although we wish). Be sensible with what you can do in a day, week or month. Don’t overcommit otherwise you will spread yourself thin. Stay organised – using a diary or planner to map out homework, assignments and events is a useful way to help you visualise your life, stay on top of what you have going on and not to let things get the better of you. Manage your time – stop procrastinating! We all are guilty of doing it but this just pushes back our tasks so they overlap with something else or leaves us with minimal time to complete something which leaves us feeling anxious. Make a list of what you want to get done and stick to it! Take a break – if you feel yourself getting tired, disengaged and you know you’re not doing your best work, go and take a break. Come back to your work with fresh eyes and a fresh mind. Don't forget to schedule some time away from technology too! Stay active – Exercise is not only good for you but it makes you feel better. Exercise can be anything, go for a walk, swim or even get involved in the student sport programmes Notre Dame has to offer! Self-care – your mind and your body are the vessels that help you to achieve amazing things so make sure you look after them. Be mindful of what you eat, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and stay healthy. Also take some time to reflect on how you are mentally. Be your own best friend – sometimes we can be hard on ourselves. The best thing you can do is be your own best friend, say what you would say to your best friend to yourself. Purpose – it is crucial to remember that there is a purpose to everything we are doing. Looking at the bigger picture reminds us that some things in life take time and to trust and have faith in the process.
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MANAGING IT ALL NDSLS Jose
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In order to maintain a balanced academic and athletic lifestyle, time management is essential. This means breaking down time incrementally to ensure I maintain my studies and sport. This means waking up early, around 7am and having a nutritious breakfast, to help give the body energy and nutrients it needs to operate. After early morning classes, a healthy lunch is needed to help restore the body’s energy levels. To ensure that adequate time is given to university work, it means starting assignments early, this allows time to train and workout. On days off, it also means waking up early to have breakfast, and sport and fitness training start at 8:30am for 3 hours. After I have lunch, time is allocated to my university work, that may be assignments, class readings or catching up on lectures. By following this routine, it allows me to not fall behind on university work and my sporting abilities, it allows me time if I want to socialize on the weekends. This a repeated routine throughout the semester and has helped maintain an academic and athletic lifestyle.
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WHERE CAN A LAW DEGREE TAKE ME?
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OPPORTUNITIES IN DIFFERENT REGIONS There are many career opportunities for law students that exist outside of Metropolitan Sydney and outside of Australia altogether. It is important to consider where your degree can take you - not only into diverse work sectors but into different regions. Joining a regional law society after graduation is a great way to get involved in different regions in New South Wales and to explore diverse career paths and opportunities. Current law students can join the New South Wales Law Society as an Associate Member. You are eligible to apply if you are not applying to be or are currently a practising solicitor. The benefits of becoming an Associate Members include: Networking opportunities Access to the Law Society library Education and training Professional support and wellbeing services Eligibility to join NSW Young Lawyers Law graduates with their Practising Certificate can apply to become members of societies such as The New South Wales Law Society, the Newcastle Law Society, Wollongong and Regional Law Society (includes Shellharbour and Kiama) and the Central West Law Society (includes Bathurst, Orange, Cowra etc). Some of the benefits of joining a law society include: Professional support Volunteer opportunities Access to publications and resources Networking opportunities
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CLERKSHIPS Clerkships are holiday work experience programs that Mid-Tier and Top-Tier law firms offer to students. They provide law students with the opportunity to develop skills key skills under the mentorship of legal professionals. Clerkship programs are a key method of recruitment for law firms.
In clerkship programs, students are commonly rotated through different sectors of the firm to gain experience in areas such as banking and finance, energy and resources, dispute resolution and litigation, projects and real estate. Typically students in their second last year, or penultimate year, of a Bachelor of Laws are eligible to apply for clerkship programs. Many firms do not require candidates to have any previous legal experience .
Students are strongly encouraged to apply for clerkship programs if they are interested. Some of the benefits of clerkship programs include; developing legal skills, gaining experience, networking opportunities, mentorship and exposure to a professional environment
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SYDNEY LAW FIRM CLERKSHIP INFORMATION Allens - One summer program over 10 weeks from November to February Ashurst - One summer program from November to February. Clayton Utz - One summer clerkship program over 11 weeks from November to February. Herbert Smith Freehills - One summer program, 30 - 35 candidates selected. Gilbert + Tobin - One summer program over 9 weeks from December to February. King & Wood Mallesons - One summer program from November to February. Thomson Geer - One summer over 8 weeks from November to February.
KEY DATES Tuesday 9 June - Applications for all 2020/2021 summer clerkships open Sunday 5 July and Sunday 12 July - Applications for all 2020/2021 summer clerkships close Wednesday 16 September - Offers for summer clerkships can be made by law firms Friday 18 September - Offers for summer clerkships must be accepted or declined by 5.00pm
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WHAT IS PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING?
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PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING Practical Legal Training or PLT is a structured training program designed to help students gain the required skills and knowledge to perform as a legal practitioner. It is a requirement to complete PLT before you can be admitted by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board and be recognised by the Supreme Court of NSW as a legal practitioner. Not all law students must complete PLT, only those students who wish to practise law in New South Wales or other Australian States. See the following pages for more information on PLT.
CAN ALL LAW STUDENTS COMPLETE IT?
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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
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GEMMA MCTEGG UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME 2018 GRADUATE
I sent her a copy of my resume and interviewed a few days later. I managed to secure the role and worked part time during the second year of my law degree. Within 6 months, the firm offered me a graduate role which I took up and remain with the firm What is your advice for law students seeking to enter the legal workforce?
What is your job? I am a solicitor at Speirs Ryan a boutique commercial property firm What does your typical day look like? Luckily for me my days vary. I always have a running list of tasks to complete, however, as I am still a junior solicitor my day is largely reliant on the tasks set by the partners I am working for. On a typical day I would be drafting finance documents; attending to settlements, undertaking legal research and drafting advices or submissions. I am also required to liaise with clients and opposing solicitors. On occasion I will also appear at NCAT or before the Court. Working at a boutique firm exposes me to a wide range of tasks.
My advice would be to make sure you have an up to date resume and continually update your resume so if a role does come up you have no delay in applying. I would also suggest swapping your resume with friends for proofreading to ensure there are no typos or syntax errors, remembering your resume is usually a possible employer’s first impression of you. Another good tip is to sign up for email notifications from job websites for jobs which meet your criteria. I found that Jora was best at capturing all the jobs advertised across different websites. It is also important to use any contacts you have in the legal industry, ask lots of questions and if possible, ask to grab a coffee to gain some insight. I always found it useful talking to Lecturers and getting involved with the Mentoring Program run by the Law School. This is especially important if you do not know anyone working in the legal industry. In my experience those working in the industry were always willing to share their knowledge and happy to keep an ear out for any job opportunities. It is also important to be mindful of your digital footprint and keep your LinkedIn profile up to date as undoubtedly potential employers will search you on google.
How did you come to acquire your job? I was at a Notre Dame Law School event and was talking to a Notre Dame alumnus, who was working at Speirs Ryan. We discussed my experience. At the time I had been working as a settlement clerk for about 3 years and also briefly with the Local Court. She contacted me a few days later asking me if I was interested in a Law Clerk role.
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W I T H T H A N K S T O
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Notre
Dame
Sydney 2020
Law
Society