Careers Guide 2023

CAREERS GUIDE

Made by Pawan Sinha, Polly Tamer & Mei Lole

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide aims to act as a tool for students at all stages of their law degree in finding and working towards their dream legal career.

It covers the practice areas that a law degree can take you and explores the options for alternative paths outside the legal sector. The guide also outlines

your

undertaking practical

options

for

traineeships

and

legal

training,

with

advice from both current and past

Victoria

University

students to help you establish which options are best for your legal journey.

C A R E E R S

G U I D E

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

2

3

WELCOME Acknowledgement of Country

1

Message from the Dean

2

Acknowledgements

3

Executive’s Welcome

4

BOOSTING EMPLOYABILITY Student Leadership

5

Moot Competitions

10

Internship Opportunities

13

PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING Leo Cussen Centre for Law

17

College of Law

20

The Admissions Process

21

LANDING THAT JOB

4

5

Finding that Job

22

Build your Resume

23

Write a Cover Letter

25

The Art of Interviewing

27

BE INSPIRED Alumni Interviews

29

WEL

COME

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Dictum Society acknowledges the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which the University sits and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Dictum Society acknowledges that sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. In so doing, we acknowledge that as we share our own knowledge practices within the University, may we pay respect to the deep knowledge embedded within the Aboriginal community and recognise their ownership of Country.

We acknowledge that the land on which we meet, learn, and share knowledge is a place of age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the Traditional Owners living culture and practices have a unique role in the life of this region.

C A R E E R S

G U I D E

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1

MESSAGE FROM THE

DEAN

It is with enormous pleasure that I introduce the Careers Guide for 2023. I acknowledge the very hard work and dedication of the DICTUM society and its current committee in organising and presenting this Guide for this year.

The mission of the College of Law and Justice at Victoria University is to provide high quality, engaging, career-based legal education in all aspects of the law, justice and related fields. We seek to provide opportunity for all students and to deliver work-ready graduates into the legal profession and related fields while supporting innovative, applied and translational research which connects deeply with country, culture, the legal profession, the courts and community.

This Careers Guide for 2023 is an additional tool that assists students in the progress of their legal education and beyond. I hope that those that read and use this Careers Guide of 2023 will be better able to address the career pathway they wish to obtain for themselves for the future.

Professor Lidia Xynas Victoria Law School

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SPONSORS DICTUM SOCIETY EXTENDS SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS THIS YEAR,

CONTRIBUTORS DICTUM SOCIETY ALSO WISHES TO EXTEND SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE THAT SUPPORTED THE CREATION OF THIS YEARS, 2023 CAREERS GUIDE.

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EXECUTIVE’S WELCOME Welcome to Dictum Society’s annual Career’s Guide - 2023!

This year the executive team together with our Careers Director to bring you an iinclusive display of the opportunities that arise during and after your law degree.

This guide including past guides showcase a massive variety of jobs and opportunities within the legal areas of employment.

We are also priviledged to be able to showcase success stories from Victoria University Alumni, in hopes to inspire our future law graduates to come.

We also focus on what your options are available during your studies and what your options are to improve your employability skills and expand your choices before completing and graduating from your degree.

We sincerely hope that you make the most out of this guide and we hope this assists you throughout your law & justice journey.

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BOOS EMPLOY

TING ABILITY

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT DICTUM SOCIETY As the President for a second term in a row at our VU Dictum Law Society, I know just how important the role and my primary responsibility is to provide strong leadership by working with the VU board and other executives to establish short and longterm goals, plans and strategies.

I am responsible for presiding over the entire society and manage budgets and making sure resources are allocated properly. As president I oversee and ensure that all Directors and Officers meet their individual goals and are responsible for the overall accountability to our sponsors and all VU faculty staff and students (Law, Criminology and Migration), including all Dictum members.

As president I encourage involvement from the VU community and other universities, and act as the public face and voice for the society. In addition, my role as president must have an entrepreneurial mindset and adapt quickly to changes within the university.

The benefits of being part of Dictum is being able to understand the concerns, objectives, and interests of all students and staff and since joining Dictum Society, I have found that it is a very rewarding experience, and I strongly encourage every one of you to take advantage of the many opportunities that the Dictum Society provides.

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The Dictum team of volunteers work extremely hard to ensure that you are provided with not only informative programs and events, but also with fun interactive activities and networking opportunities.

It is our goal is to provide the College of Law & Justice students, including all Dictum Society members with a memorable and unforgettable experience. My aim as president is to ensure that everyone shines in their own unique way.

So, in saying this should you ever run into me or any of our team members on campus or online, please do not hesitate to say hello.

Wishing that the remainder of this year goes smoothly for you all and you are more than welcome to contact me or any of the Dictum Society committee members at any time.

We are here for you and are always willing and able to assist you at any time!

Kindest regards Mei Lole 2022 & 2023 Dictum President

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SECRETARY DICTUM SOCIETY My name is Polly Tamer, and I am currently in my third year of a double degree; Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Upon completion of my degree, I hope to pursue a career in the law, in family law, but would also like to experience the court system as a judge’s associate.

My role as Secretary of the Dictum Society is characterised largely by administrative tasks. While my role is, in the scheme of the great work and events organised by the committee, minimal, it is a great opportunity to aid in, and support the work of the committee, and maintain lines of communication between the committee, and our members. I have the responsibility of taking notes, and minutes at our meetings, and further maintaining records of memberships. In addition to this, I provide support to the Executive Committee through communication and advertising their amazing events.

My role as secretary has been a great way to understand the inner workings of not only the dictum committee, but also the relationship between societies and the university on a larger scale. It has also been excellent to see the engagement of VU law students with such great events that provide real and practical value.

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TREASURER DICTUM SOCIETY My name is Ivyluanna Robertson and your treasurer for Dictum Society 2023.

I am currently in my third year as a Bachelor of Law student and I am due to graduate by the end of 2024.

As part of the Dictum Committee, my role as treasurer involves the responsibility of overseeing the financial administration of the organisation and managing financial reports. This role has opened up doors for me to connect with my fellow peers and being able to network with different people who share the same passion in law. Being apart of the committee can be challenging however it has also encouraged me to take any chances that will help benefit me in my future career as a lawyer.

My journey this year as a treasurer has been nothing but memorable and most of all loving the experience of learning new things along the way. Taking on any role within the VU Dictum Society will enhance your skills, knowledge and even provide you with opportunities that will help you get to your desired level of education and success.

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CAREERS DIRECTOR DICTUM SOCIETY

My name is Pawan Sinha, I am the Careers Director within Dictum Society 2023.

I am in final year of Bachelor of Law Graduate Entry (BLGE) program.

Besides my study, I am a business owner. I operate in hotel/accommodation industry.

During Covid, I was president of Victoria Accommodation Industry Association (VicAIA). I saw many businesses collapsing during covid because they were not able afford legal help to avail covid rent relief.

There is hardly any legal aid available to business owners. So, I decided to study law and provide free legal help to small business owners.

My job as the Careers Director has been to provide insights to students on various career options after finishing the law degree. This role has given me chance to interact with Leo Cussen, College of Law, various Alumni and several other people.

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MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN!

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

VIP MEMBERSHIP

$10

$15 Sign up Now!

www.dictumsocietyvu.com

MOOTING

MOOT COMPETITIONS WHAT IS MOOTING? Mooting is a simulated court proceeding where student teams are presented with a legal problem which they are required to argue before a ‘judge’ or panel of ‘judges’.

Partaking in a moot competition compromises not only oral, but written submissions, providing a practical and holistic approach in engaging in the court process.

Each mooting competition focuses on a specific area of legal argument such a s family law, international law, intellectual law, criminal law, humanitarian law, constitutional law administrative law and so on.

WHY SHOULD YOU MOOT? 1. Mooting experience can separate you from every other candidate applying for that job you want 2. Mooting is the closest you can get to a real court scenario without fear of failure 3. You get feedback from the judges, who are experienced lawyers or barristers 4. Practice oral and written components of lawyering 5. Why not?

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The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG

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MOOT COMPETITIONS The Kirby Moot

The Kirby Moot is a prestigious mooting event held over 4 days in September attracting teams nationwide, earning the title of Australia’s largest contract law moot.

Law professionals judge the rounds and provide valuable feedback to students.

Part of the Moot is the Annual Michael Kirby Justice Oration. It provides leaders in Law with an opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on justice issues.

The Kirby Moot is an invaluable tool to help students develop their oral and writing advocacy. For the skilled finalists, they are able to get personal feedback from former High Court Justice Michael Kirby himself.

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INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE DISCOVER WHAT YOU LIKE? Family Law

Civil Law Commercial Law

Migration Law

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? Join the

Judiciary

Private Practice In-House

Criminal Law Join the Legislative

Corporate Law

Tax Law

Intellectual Property Law

Succession Law

Government Organisations

BREAK THIS CYCLE

Administrative Law

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Victoria Legal Aid Victoria Legal Aid is an organisation that aims to help those that otherwise would fall through the cracks of our legal system, and aid in a variety of different matters Civil Law Criminal Law Family Law The Duty Lawyer Program Help with clerking at the Magistrates Court Shadowing opportunities Understand court processes

“My internship at VLA helped me to see the good we can do as part of the legal profession in helping those that are most vulnerable” - Polly

WEstjustice

“During my internship with WestJustice, I gained experience that has increased my confidence to enter into the legal field. The best apart about me experience was that I got to do a court appearance and observed all that happened in the Magistrate’s Court, dealing with family violence and youth violence.” - IvyLuanna

WEstjustice is a community organisation that provides free legal help to people in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

We can help with a broad range of everyday legal problems including consumer disputes, credit and debt, family law and family violence, fines, motor vehicle accidents, tenancy, youth criminal law and more.

The Internship McAuley Community Services for Women program Youth Law Community Development, Education and Engagement (incl.

Burmese clinic) 14 Family Law / Family Violence

State Trustees State Trustees provides clients with financial and legal assistance, offering the following services and programs to Victorian residents who due to mental illness, injury or disability are unable to fully manage their own affairs Will Writing Powers of Attorney Executor Services Trustees Services Personal Financial Administration

Judicial College of Victoria

“My internship at the Judicial College allowed me to understand the processes, information, and factors considered by the courts in sentencing, which allowed me to put sentencing in context” - Polly

The Judicial College of Victoria publishes highly valuable legal resources for the legal community, practitioners and students alike.

These resources include manuals on sentencing, charges, criminal proceedings and uniform evidence law.

The Internship Read and summarise sentencing judgments from the County Court Be exposed to different types of cases Understand sentencing factors 15

Barrister Shadowing Program This program provides students with an understanding of life at the Bar, and the work of a barrister Students will be matched in pairs with a host barrister for a period of 4 weeks 1 day per week Student will have specific activities in which they will be engaged in relevant to the program.

Student will participate in a moot in which each student advocates against their partner

To find out more about internship opportunities at VU Click here

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Practical Legal Training and Admissions

Get moving

with PLT

at Leo Cussen.

Run your own cases in simulated practice and be coached by skilled and supportive lawyer mentors.

Join our extensive legal network and be part of our community.

Be Ready with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Leo Cussen.

www.leocussen.edu.au/PLT

Virtual Internships Leo Cussen has partnered with Forage to build two Virtual Internship Programs designed to provide students with valuable insight into what it’s like to solve real issues in legal practice.

Free

Self-paced

Criminal Law Human Rights Law

Add to your CV

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Why lawyers need courage Finding your first legal role can feel daunting. But Leo Cussen is here to help. We aim to provide Law graduates with the practical tools that get them job-ready to hit the ground running in their legal career.

Every year, we help hundreds of graduates prepare for their first role in the legal field. Now we’re sharing some of the insights that have helped others land their first role. Alex Giannopoulos, Manager, Industry Engagement & Careers at Leo Cussen, shares his top seven tips that will help you find your first role: 1. Use Job Boards: Start your job search where the jobs are advertised. It may seem obvious, but there are a multitude of job boards out there. Look at places like Seek, LinkedIn Jobs, the Leo Cussen Job Board, and ‘Beyond Law’, just to name a few.

2. The Hidden job market: Did you know that around 80% of available jobs aren’t advertised? That means you’re only finding about 20% which are posted! So how do you access that hidden job market? The key is to tap into existing networks and contacts, and to create new ones.

3. Tap into and expand your networks and contacts: Ask yourself who you already know in the industry and get in touch with them. Set up a coffee chat (even a virtual one) with those in your network, discuss any jobs they may know about, and consider asking your contacts to refer you for jobs. You also need to push your comfort zone and appropriately approach employers directly via email, even if they aren’t advertising. You can ask about job opportunities, but sometimes it is also helpful to seek advice and mentoring from those individuals through what’s called an ‘informational interview’. Setting up a LinkedIn profile is also a great way to expand your professional networks as part of your job search.

4. Don’t just rely on the big commercial firms: While working in a large commercial firm can be rewarding, it is important to realise that this is not the only pathways to a successful legal career. Your success as a lawyer does not necessarily hinge on getting a clerkship or a position in one of their graduate programs.

Smaller, boutique firms provide great experience in your first role too – particularly in noncommercial areas of law such as family, criminal, and personal injury law.

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5. Build skills outside of law: Employers look for more than just legal skills. They also place great emphasis on non-legal experience and transferable skills. These include IT capabilities, business development, leadership, client relationship building, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. These are just as important as the skills and knowledge you learn at university.

Top Tip: Add these to your CV 6. Get work experience and Volunteer: Gaining work experience and volunteering is a great way to add to your resume and to increase the skills employers are looking for. It doesn’t always have to be fancy work experience! Even shadowing a barrister for a few days, or completing some admin in a legal office will help set you apart from other graduates.

A virtual internship is another great way to gain experience. Leo Cussen currently offers two virtual internships through Forage: one in Criminal Law and one in Human Rights Law. They are free and can be put on your CV once complete.

7. Don’t leave your PLT until the last minute Getting admitted can make you incredibly attractive to employers. Once you have completed your PLT, an employer can immediately organise a practising certificate and charge you out at a lawyer’s rate.

With PLT you also develop the practical skills you’ll need in your career, helping you to become job ready. So, the sooner you complete your PLT, the more equipped you’ll be for a job interview.

Top Tip: Don’t quit the race! In many parts of Australia, you must be admitted within 5 years of completing your law degree to avoid further potential study.

Take the next step in starting your legal career. Find out more about completing your PLT at Leo Cussen here.

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ADMISSIONS PROCESS HOW TO BECOME AN AUSTRALIAN LAWYER

TERTIARY EDUCATION THE FIRST STEP IS TO COMPLETE YOUR TERTIARY EDUCATION UNDERGRADUATE: BACEHLOR OF LAWS (LLB) OR POSTGRADUATE: JURIS DOCTOR (JD) VICTORIA UNIVERSITY IS APPROVED BY THE VICTORIAN LEGAL ADMISSIONS BOARD SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION REQUIRES COMPLETION OF THE ‘PRIESTLEY 11’ - MANDATORY UNITS

ADMISSIONS THE FINAL STEP IS MAKING AN APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION WHICH IS MADE TO THE VICTORIAN LEGAL ADMISSIONS BOARD (VLAB) UPN SUCCESSFUL ADMISSION, YOU ATTEND AN ADMISSION CEREMONY WHERE YOU TAKE AN OATH, SIGN THE SUPREME COURT ROLL AND RECEIVE CERTIFICATE

PRACTICAL OR SUPERVISED TRAINING AFTER GRADUATING FROM YOUR TERTIARY COURSE, THE NEXT STEP IS TO EITHER UNDERTAKE: PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING (PLT) - WHICH IS THE MOST COMMON PATHWAY OR SUPERVISED LEGAL TRAINING (SLT)

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LANDING THAT JOB

FINDING YOUR JOB SEARCH *ALSO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH COMPANY WEBSITES FOR JOB VACANCIES

NETWORK

BE ACTIVE ON LINKEDIN

INTERNSHIPS

ATTEND SOCIAL EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

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BUILDING YOUR RESUME TIPS TO BUILD YOUR RESUME MAKE SURE IT IS APPROXIMATELY 2 PAGES ALONG

TAILOR IT TO YOUR INDUSTRY/PROFESSION

PICK A RESUME FORMAT BASED ON EXPERIENCE CHRONOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL SKILLS-BASED

MAKE SURE OF ITS EASY READABILITY SINGLE FONT HEADINGS BULLET POINTS - SHORT SENTENCES FAIR AMOUNT OF WHITE SPACE

ALWAYS PROOF READ FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ERRORS

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CREATING YOUR COVER LETTER TIPS TO CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER KEEP IT TO ONE PAGE

STRUCTURE IT IN PARAGRAPHS

PTRY TO HIT MAJORITY OF POINTS ON JOB DESCRIPTION AND KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

MAKE SURE OF ITS EASY READABILITY SINGLE FONT SAME LINE SPACING CLEAR AND CONCISE SENTENCES

ALWAYS PROOF READ FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ERRORS

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THE ART OF INTERVIEWING PREPARATION

RESEARCH YOUR POTENTIAL PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT HISTORY/ORIGINS WHAT DO THEY DO? WHAT IS THEIR INTERNAL STRUCTURE? BE PREPARED FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT...

WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM HOW YOU FIT THEIR KEY SELECTION CRITERIA WHY YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THEM

PREPARE QUESTIONS FOR THEM ABOUT THE ROLE EXPECTATIONS POSITIVE ASPECTS CHALLENGES A USUAL DAY ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS CULTURE DIRECTION

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THE ART OF INTERVIEWING THE INTERVIEW

ANSWER QUESTIONS TO HOW YOU FIT THEIR KEY SELECTION CRITERIA IN THE ‘STAR’ METHOD TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

SITUATION Where & Who?

ACTION What specific actions did you take?

TASK What was required of you?

RESULT

Outcome?

Positive or negative?

Upon reflection what would you have done differently?

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BE INSPIRED ALUMNI INTERVIEWS

ERIN FINNIGAN Q3. What advice do you have for students who wish to pursue this career?

Be Brave! Believe in yourself, work hard and don’t be afraid to put your self out there and connect with those that can help get you to where you want to be. Say yes to any opportunity you can, sometimes having any job, even if it is not the end goal makes you more employable. For example, I took a graduate job in bankruptcy even though my passion was Crime, whilst I kept applying.

Q4. Did you have mentors who inspired you to pursue this position?

Q1. What is your job title and what did you study?

I hold a Bachelor of Laws 2007 and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practise. I am an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist and Principal Solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions.

Q2. What does a typical work day look like for you?

I am responsible for prosecution and preparation of cases involving Indictable crimes such as Homicide, Sexual Assault, Serious Violence and Drug related matters. A typical day involves appearing in court, analysing evidence and providing advice to Victoria Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions and conferencing victims/ witnesses about the court process.

I did not have any connections when I was studying, but I with every new opportunity be it volunteer work or placement, I found mentors and talked to senior lawyers about what I could do. From this, I was able to receive advice and encouragement from those that inspired me. These days, I actively seek out formal mentoring through the Women in Crime mentoring program and have been lucky enough to have a number of County Court Judges and Magistrates’ mentor me.

I have applied this approachability and wisdom in mentoring junior lawyers. What I have learnt is that people love to pass on the goodwill that they received throughout their careers. All you have to do is ask.

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AMRITA THAPAR Mental Well-Being Coach Bachelor of Law and Business, VU (2014-2019)

Background Amrita moved to Australia when she was 9 years old. She started working part time in a legal firm when she was in year 10 and it made her decide that she wanted to pursue law. Midway through the law degree, Amrita realised that she didn’t want to become a typical lawyer.

After finishing her degree, she transferred her retail sales experience into corporate sales and worked as a Product Specialist in an Australian startup, Airwallex. In 2022, she left Airwallex and started her own business as a mental well-being coach. To further her career in the mental health industry, Amrita is currently studying a Diploma of Mental Health and working at Werribee Mercy hospital as a peer support officer.

2. Communication and articulation: There's very little room for error so law school teaches us to articulate ourselves quite well. Working in people-centric fields, this has been vital for me and perfecting that has led to opportunities to further my career.

Q1. How studying law has helped you in 3. Tenacity: Determination is a key skillset of being a good lawyer but also your current role/roles? something that is needed to face and Whether you practise law or not, law overcome life's hurdles. Being taught school gives us skill sets that set us up to power through builds resilience, self control and teaches delayed for life. gratification. To give you my example, 1. Wide range of view/open mindedness: I was well settled in my field of sales Because nothing is black or white, it but starting my own business and allows us to look at a problem from pursuing opportunities and further different perspectives and provide studies in the mental health industry solutions that may be out of the takes courage and tenacity, which I learnt in law school. ordinary.

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AMRITA THAPAR Q2. Why studying at VU is an advantage I have always believed and still maintain that VU law school provides a practical experience component that is unparalleled. The campus is situated next to the courts and the curriculum, during my time, took complete advantage of that. We had assignment that required us to sit in court, speak to barristers and obtain insights that we otherwise would not have had. We had judges do presentations and talks at the university and affiliations with Victoria Legal Aid allowed us to work alongside a lawyer at the Magistrates Court.

At the time, no other university provided this depth of practical experience and if students take advantage of it, they'll be better prepared for the workplace.

Q3. Any advice for Mid-final year students who don't want to pursue a legal career?

If becoming a lawyer is not for you, that's absolutely fine. Below is a step by step guide on what you can do to find your career path 1. Make a list of all the things you enjoy about studying law. Ask yourself, do you want to work in the field but not as a lawyer or change gears completely?

2. Make a list of things you enjoy doing or did in school, outside of university, etc.

Eg, working for charities in your spare time 3. Once you've pooled all the things you like doing and/or are good at, start researching the industries/jobs that require those skills. You can do Google searches, speak to peers/family/friends. I would highly recommend sitting down with the careers counsellor at university 4. See if you want to stick with law or if you're at the end of your degree, study further in the field of choice.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is that theory is very different to practise so if you're looking to change gears, get some practical experience in the industry you want to change to, before you decide to make the move. It'll give you a realistic understanding of what to expect. For me personally, I worked at a law firm and volunteered at the courts via VLA, which ultimately led me to the decision to not practise law.

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AAYUSHI PATEL Immigration Lawyer Bachelor of Laws (graduated 2022)

Q1. What does a typical work day look like?

A typical workday involves a lot of direct client interactions to manage new enquiries and ongoing matters. My work gives me the opportunity to meet and understand the stories of people from all walks of life from all over the world. On a typical workday I prepare supporting documents for visa applications, draft legal submissions, assist clients in preparing statutory declarations, assist clients in understanding what the law requires and provide advice on their migration options, assist the other lawyers in our team, assist with Administrative Appeal Tribunal or Federal Court matter as needed, lodge visa applications as needed and prepare responses to any requests made by the Department of Home Affairs in relation to any visa applications. My work in immigration law involves various types of migration matters including family visas, visa refusals and cancellations, skilled independent and employer sponsored visas, refugee and humanitarian visas, visitor visas, citizenship, and more.

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AAYUSHI PATEL Immigration Lawyer Bachelor of Laws (graduated 2022)

Q2. What is your advice to law students who wish to pursue a career this career?

My advice is to get a strong understanding of administrative law as it plays a significant part in immigration law. Additionally, if doing a Bachelor of Law degree, I recommend that you study the migration law electives.

These electives are the units that got me hooked on to immigration law. This area of work is impacted by politics and it often changes so keeping up with news and migration updates is important for this career. It can be helpful to do a placement or paralegal job at an immigration law firm to step into this career. Networking and making connections in this area of law is also good advice. Most lawyers I know are happy to chat to law students if they have the time to do so.

Q3. Did you have mentors who inspired you to pursue your position?

I had people I looked up to in the immigration law space. My lecturer and unit supervisor for my migration law units at university were great teachers and accomplished immigration lawyers themselves. I have been fortunate to have supportive lecturers and colleagues throughout my adulthood that encouraged me and assisted me in developing skills that I use as a lawyer.

Having mentors can make you a better lawyer so it is worth getting to know people in law.

To all the readers of this career guide, I wish you the best with the rest of your time at Victoria University and with your professional career, whatever it may be.

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HARJIT SINGH MAHINDROO Commercial and Property Lawyer

Q1. What is your job title and what did you study?

I currently work as a Commercial and Property Lawyer, a role that bridges my passion for business with the intricacies of legal practice. My foundation was established with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Financial Risk Management, which I achieved in November 2020. Inspired by my mother's legacy and my affinity for business, I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry). Following this, I completed my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Leo Cussen.

Q2. What does a typical work day look like for you?

On a typical workday, I begin by convening with our commercial team. This initial meeting allows us to share updates on ongoing matters, address any recent correspondence, and prioritize tasks that require immediate attention. My responsibilities primarily revolve around reviewing files, engaging with clients, and liaising with other stakeholders involved in our cases. I take pride in assisting small to medium enterprises, guiding them through the intricacies of purchasing and selling commercial businesses, as well as drafting and reviewing leases.

Later in the day, I touch base with our property team. Our discussions mirror the morning's agenda but shift focus to the realm of residential properties. A significant part of my role involves coordinating with various councils across Australia. This ensures that all documentation related to property transactions is in order and that settlements proceed as scheduled.

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HARJIT SINGH MAHINDROO

Commercial and Property Lawyer Q3. What is your advice to law students who wish to pursue this career?

One piece of advice I'd emphasize is the value of getting involved in student organizations. Specifically, I'd recommend joining the Dictum Society. Serving as its Vice President was not only an enriching experience for me but also a pivotal one. The networking opportunities it provided were instrumental in broadening my horizons and opening doors across various legal sectors.

Beyond that, my counsel to aspiring lawyers is to immerse yourself in the legal world as early as you can. Even if it's a once-a-week stint as a legal secretary or a paralegal, these roles offer invaluable insights. Pam Christou, in particular, is an excellent resource for gaining hands-on experience. The sooner you familiarize yourself with the industry's inner workings, the clearer your path will become, helping you discern which area of law resonates most with your passion and skills.

Q4. Did you have mentors who inspire you to pursue your position?

Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have several mentors who have played pivotal roles in shaping my career. At Victoria University, Nussen Ainsworth, Gerard Everett, Pam Christou, and Linda Telai stand out as my guiding lights. Their unwavering support, whether related to academics or career guidance, has been invaluable. Their insights and advice have consistently been on point, guiding me through challenges and decisions.

At Leo Cussens, while the entire staff was commendable, Anastasios Mallis left an indelible mark on my journey. He played a significant role in my early career, even facilitating my admission.

I've made it a point to stay connected with all these remarkable individuals on LinkedIn. Our relationships have transcended the confines of formal mentorship, and I often reach out to them for casual catch-ups or sage advice.

Their presence in my life is a testament to the power of genuine mentorship, and I'm deeply grateful for their continued support and guidance.

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WORK EXPERIENCE TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Work experience often raises a number of questions for students: “When should I pursue it? What will I need to do? How long will it take, and what if I can’t meet the time requirements?”

Our guide will answer these questions and help you choose the right option for you.

WORK EXPERIENCE What counts as work experience

You have a huge range of opportunities that may count towards your Practical Legal Training. Examples include: • Summer clerkships; • Paralegal work; • Volunteering at community legal centres; • A placement with Legal Aid; • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; • Legal or tax division of chartered accountants; • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature; • Judge’s associate or tipstaff; • Assisting barristers in chambers; • Working in government or semi-government legal departments; • Assisting Tribunal members (who are legal practitioners); and • Company in-house legal departments One key factor in considering whether your workplace experience can count towards your Practical Legal Training is that the placement involves the delivery of legal services. Some examples of the type of activities you should experience, both hands-on and by observation include: • Meeting, communicating and interacting with clients; • File management – managing critical dates and deadlines, timetabling and schedules; • Interacting with other legal service providers such as solicitors in other organisations, barristers, expert witnesses, courts and other justice section administration; • Management processes for client work and risk management – e.g. conflict checks and costs disclosure; • Legal research and legal factual analysis; • Considering professional responsibility issues; • Drafting correspondence and legal documents; • Financial and accounting systems, budgets; and • Administrative activities which support the delivery of legal services.

START YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE 2 YEARS PRIOR TO BEGINNING YOUR PLT! Have you already completed legal work experience? Maybe a short internship, or a regular paralegal job? Great!

At the College, you can gain credit for up to 60 days work experience (out of 75 days) if it has been completed in the two years prior to starting your PLT.

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