Obiter Issue 1 | 2022

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY DICTUM SOCIETY

ISSUE NO. 1 JUN 22

OBITER THE

DICTUM SOCIETY'S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

SAY HELLO DICTUM '22!

Meet the committee as they discuss plans, experiences, and expectations!

COURAGE AMONG LAWYERS Leo Cussen shares what makes a great lawyer

FUTURES OF THE FOREST An ode to the value of nature and its many best friends and the future that may follow...

LIVE LOVE LAW! A crossword puzzle to tickle your brains on the many words of law school

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” ― Benjamin Franklin

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Acknowledgement of Country Dictum Society would like to acknowledge the Woiworung and the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, who are the Traditional owners of our University land.

We extend our acknowledgements to the traditional custodians of Australian land and pay our respects to their culture, and their Elders past, present and emerging.

We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded, and pay our respects to the diversity of indigenous peoples , their communities and cultures, and the intrinsic connection to the land and waters as the Traditional Owners to Country.

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CONTENTS Acknowledgement of Country.....................................................................................................3 Dear Reader..........................................................................................................................................5 The Introduction................................................................................................................................6 Dictum Membership Packages ...................................................................................................7 Dictum Committee............................................................................................................................8 EPBC Act 1999.......................................................................................................................................9 EPBC Act 1999: Section 3................................................................................................................10 President's Introduction...............................................................................................................12 Secretary Introduction..................................................................................................................13 Treasurer Introduction..................................................................................................................14 Dir.Competitions Introduction...................................................................................................16 Dir.Careers Introduction ..............................................................................................................17 Dir.Activities Introduction............................................................................................................20 Dir.Equity Introduction..................................................................................................................21 Dir.Publications Introduction.....................................................................................................22 Wall of Dictum ..................................................................................................................................23 The Legal Toolbox............................................................................................................................24 Wall of Dictum ..................................................................................................................................26 The Legal Toolbox............................................................................................................................27 Finding Jobs Through Advertised Search..............................................................................30 Courage Among Lawyers ............................................................................................................33 Wall of Dictum .................................................................................................................................36 .Whats the Verdict...........................................................................................................................37 Getting LinkedIn to Your Dream Career...............................................................................38 And the Verdict Is............................................................................................................................40

CONTENTS Law School Gradman...............................................................................................................................42 Cross Laws....................................................................................................................................................43 Word Wheel..................................................................................................................................................45 A Lawyer's Conundrum...........................................................................................................................46 Forest of the Future..................................................................................................................................49 Dictum Moot Winners 22........................................................................................................................50 Under the Covers.......................................................................................................................................52 Obiter Issue 21 Covers............................................................................................................................53 Sponsors List...............................................................................................................................................54

Dear Reader Dear Reader,

The Obiter is a magazine that serves you a buffet of quality content.

From 'Seasoned Artists' that know the legal world like the back of their hand to students like you sharing their perspective and experiences, our articles engage the audience in a conversation you would wish it never ceases.

'The Writer's Nook' is where you might find our writing competition of the issue with a topic almost as tantalising as the prize that is offered. Be sure to venture into it, if you thrive on competition!

For the many that our simply looking to kick back, relax, and tickle their brain with some legal brainteasers, keep an eye out for our 'Cross Laws Crossword', 'What's the Verdict, 'Word Wheel', and 'Legal Doodler' sections. They aim to entertain and challenge you.

I like to weave themes through the 2021 Obiter Issues and you will see this as you read through this magazine and more.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy the Obiter!

Sincerely, Malaika Nambiar Director of Publications

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D I C T U M

S O C I E T Y

THE INTRODUCTION Dictum Society was established in 2012, and has successfully engaged and serviced a wide variety of external and internal stakeholders in this short time. We are a Society which aims to represent the diverse aspirations and attributes amongst our law students and improve their university experience.

We achieve this by hosting a combination of initiatives and events, ranging from careers, competitions, social events and education programs.

Dictum Society is affiliated as a College Society through Victoria University’s Student Union (VUSU). This means that Dictum Society is the peak student representative body for Victoria University’s College of Law and Justice.

THE

OB IT ER

The Obiter is Dictum Society's official magazine. The magazine provides its readers with content that is fresh, stimulating, and diverse.

In 2021, the magazine aims to keep its readers on their toes.

From students to professors to legal legends, each issue passes the baton to one renowned law veteran who will be sharing valuable advice and riveting anecdotes in our 'Seasoned Artist' Series.

Our seasonal writing competitions, 'The Writer's Nook' series, offers captivating topics and exclusive prizes for the winners who are also feature in our following Issue.

You don't want to miss our 'Dictum Editorials' where the Committee expresses their creativity through a plethora of topics all of which aim to spark new conversations.

Our content also caters for the lighthearted with our brainteaser puzzles and fun facts that are peppered through out the magazine. As well as our newly introduced 'LOL: Laugh Out Law' column which aims to publish funny legal cases and narratives for the entertainment of our readers.

The Obiter Magazine is more than just a publication stuffed with articles. It is a reflection of the innovation and tenacity that the Society and its people embody.

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DICTUM DICTUM

MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES PACKAGES STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

$10

Includes:

VIP MEMBERSHIP

$15

Includes:

Access to our exam prep sessions

Access to our exam prep sessions

Access to the Society’s exclusive social

Access to the Society’s exclusive social

events

events

Access to free food during social events

Access to free food & tap during social

Eligibility to participate in mooting

events

competitions

Eligibility to participate in mooting

Access to exclusive careers events and

competitions

programs

Access to exclusive careers events and

Access to exclusive networking events

programs

Access to our 2021 Careers Law Guide

Access to exclusive networking events

Eligibility to be mentored in our Peer 2 Peer

Access to our 2021 Careers Law Guide

mentoring program

Eligibility to be mentored in our Peer 2 Peer

Eligibility to become a Dictum Society

mentoring program

volunteer

Eligibility to become a Dictum Society

Eligibility to partake in our Leadership

volunteer

training programs , such as Speech Master

Eligibility to partake in our Leadership

Eligibility to partake in our society’s

training programs , such as Speech Master

competitions such as the Writing

Eligibility to partake in our society’s

Competition

competitions such as the Writing

Discounts tickets to our Law Ball, Trivia night,

Competition

Halloween dress up party, movie night &

Bigger discounted tickets to our Law Ball,

many more!

Trivia night, Halloween dress up party,

Eligible to make submissions to the Society’s

movie night & many more!

student publications The Obiter & the E-

Discounts on any merchandise

Newsletter

Priority given to VIP members who are on

Receive a Membership pack full of goodies !

the Peer Mentoring waitlist

(may be available when campus opens)

Eligible to make submissions to the

Most importantly, to be a part of a student

Society’s student publications: The Obiter &

team dedicated to making your law school

the E-Newsletter

experience the best !

Receive a Membership pack full of goodies ! (may be available when campus opens) Most importantly, to be a part of a student team dedicated to making your law school experience the best !

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DICTUM DICTUM COMMITTEE COMMITTEE '22 '22 PRESIDENT Jakob Hadenfeld-Hunt

SECRETARY Mei Lole

TREASURER Samuel Mander

DIR. ACTIVITIES Claudia MytnikBondin

DIR. CAREERS Matthew Keath

DIR. COMPETITIONS Karlee Rawmsley

DIR. EQUITY Silvia Motran

DIR. PUBLICATIONS Malaika Nambiar

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EPBC Act 1999

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places — defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national environmental significance. Learn more about the EPBC Act

Enacted on 17 July 2000, it established a range of processes to help protect and promote the recovery of threatened species and ecological communities, and preserve significant places from decline. The EPBC Act is as of June 2020 administered by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

FUN F ACT!

The A ustra lian N ation al He ident ritage ifying List (N place HL) is s of o a list utsta signif n ding icanc h e in A eritag ustra e lia. Th amen is list dmen was a t to t signif he EP icant BC A in Se ct wh ptem en it ber 2 w as cr 003. eated

The above sections are from Australian Government website (link below) and can be accessed in full online. The above information are references to the original and give full credit to it's owner. https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/epbc

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EPBC Act Act 1999 1999 EPBC

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

EPBC Act s3: Objects of Act (1) The objects of this Act are: (a) to provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance; and (b) to promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; and (c) to promote the conservation of biodiversity; and (c)(a) to provide for the protection and conservation of heritage; and

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(d) to promote a co operative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community,

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land holders and indigenous peoples; and

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(e) to assist in the co operative implementation of Australia’s international environmental responsibilities; and

(f) to recog nise t he ro le of conse indig rvatio enou n and s peo ecolo ple in gicall Austr the y sust alia’s ainab biodiv le use ersity ; and of (g) to prom ote th e use of ind know ledge igeno us pe of bio oples diver ’ s it and in y with the in co op volve eratio m n wit ent o h, the f, know ledge owne rs of . the

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The above sections are from the EPBC Act and can be accessed in full online. The above information are references to the original and give full credit to it's owner.

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President Jakob Hadenfield-Hunt Hey all, I took up a legal elective in high school to get a little bit more educated about the law and found myself enjoying the content and challenge that the subject presented. In an attempt to be a little bit more employable though looking at Uni, I took up a double degree with VU rather than just law. I realised though coming up to my third year or so that I wasn't taking full advantage of what was offered to me, signed up as a Mentee under Dictum's program and I asked my Mentor how I could get more involved. It was a little bit late in the year and there wasn't much running at the time but he suggested to toss my hand forward for the Criminal Moot taking place soon.

Jumping into the deep end was a fantastic experience though, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of organising my memorandum and improving my legal advocacy alongside my randomly assigned partner and together we ended up winning the competition. I certainly never expected that result going in, and I wanted to keep the momentum going.

Unfortunately, the next year was 2020 and COVID hit and suddenly

everything was cancelled! I figured if I couldn't participate in the events that I could just make them myself and I put my nomination forward for the Director of Competitions role. And now fastforwarding to the current time I've got a few subjects left and I'm the President of Dictum Society. I really appreciate the positions I've had entrusted to me by the student body over these last two years and I'd like to think I can return some opportunities back to my student peers.

All that aside I'm a huge fan of various genres of music, and in particular Power Metal right now. Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle-Earth goes hard!!

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Secretary Mei Lole I am a mature aged samoan islander student, who is a very dedicated church girl (woman) and basically everything I do (helping others etc) is to Glorify God! I am also still a bit of a gamer, which I honestly thought I would outgrow after raising a family and aging gracefully haha! But no, I still enjoy the challenges of the Playstations and Xboxes (but I do miss the good old Nintendos and Wii's). I have a passion for media and computers and I love to just have a laugh about anything, with anyone and everyone (in samoan I would be known as a soso) lol!

go for it and always believe in yourself!’

YOU CAN DO IT! Since starting my law journey, mine and my family's favorite movie to watch on repeat is Legally Blonde 1 & 2! In Elle Woods voice "I object '' haha.

I have always wanted to either be a judge or a police officer. Instead I got married young and started a family, now that my children are all grown up and in the stages of choosing their own life & future pathways, it inspired me to finally pursue my own and get my law degree.

I truly hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and to know that age doesn't stop you. ‘If you really want to do something, don't ever make age an excuse not to pursue your dreams, just

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Treasurer Samuel Mander I ’m super passionate about travel and attending global sporting events! When I’m not doing that, I enjoy playing soccer participating in trivia nights with friends and taking my energetic greyhound Harper for runs!

Course: Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

I joined law school because of a desire to challenge myself and to engage in meaningful and worthwhile problem solving. Another motivator was the opportunity to learn from teaching staff and my fellow students who have taught me how to deliver value to clients and stakeholders.

Favourite movie: Remember the titans Favourite song: Move on up by Curtis Mayfield Favourite book: Teacher Man by Frank McCourt

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Competitions Karlee McCulloch

Director

Hi All, my name is Karlee. I thrive off helping others, which can be evident in my roles reflected in the committee I'm a part of. I am the current Director of Competitions for Dictum Society and the Secretary for the Auslan Society at VU. In my spare time you can find me watching/listening to anything true crime related. Which is extremely important to establish something you enjoy doing in your spare time.

Why I joined law school: I have always had strong sense of I need of duty to service others. My childhood dream was to be a lawyer for the Army.

Unfortunately thus didn't work out.

Next best thing was to be a lawyer for civilians.

Favourite thing &why: My favourite YouTubers are Me Ballen and Bailey Sarian. Both are very creative and talented in their own rights. I often watch their videos in my down time from uni.

Course: Bachelor of Laws. Commenced in 2019 but ill graduate in 2023

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A L R E A D Y ,

Careers

M E E T

Director

Matthew Keath Hello, my Name is Matthew Keath, and I am the Director of Careers. I’m currently in second year here at VU – it’s an amazing honour to be able to represent the law students with their careers. After all, most people who study a LLB do so to have a career in law or a related field – the best time to start building that career is while your still in school. Law is such a diverse area, and over my studies I have met so many people from many different and varied backgrounds; passionate, interesting and hard-working students, some just starting out, and others in a second or even a third career.

Law and how society interacts with is something I have always been interested in. During a legal matter I was involved in, I mentioned – again that I would enjoy being a lawyer and helping people solve disputes, particularly when someone was being screwed over. My wife said, do it – I’ll support you, and in two months I had started my law journey.]

I sold my business in 2019, just a few months before Covid changed our lives forever. I completed my Advanced Diploma of Legal Studies at Vu before starting the Batchelor in 2021. While I ( see next page)...

I fall into the second category, having come to the law as a mature age student from a business background.

For many years I was the owner of a web services firm, working with a large range of clients from small business to large corporate and government entities. I learnt to be a passionate networker and connector of people. I learnt the ‘soft skills’ of negotiation and communication, something in which my interest only grows considering how vital such skills when working with people – and that is what lawyers and people who work with the law do.

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Director

Matthew Keath ...have kept an open mind during my studies, I still have a keen interest in dispute resolution, and are currently looking to go to the bar after graduation. I am also a Nationally Accredited mediator, are looking to get more real-life mediation experience over the coming years, My other interest is technology. Having worked with tech in my business, I am fascinated with the intersection of law and technology, both in a substantial law, and also in how tech changes how we access and work with the law. I am currently chair of the AI sub-committee which is part of the Innovative and Technology Section at the Law Institute of Victoria. I am also part of a technology and law group at the Australasian Cyber Law Institute. Last year we made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference through social media which explored the effect on democracy and social media.

classic Aussie film The Castle, because it’s the only film Aussie comedy I know about the Australian Constitution, and it has some great lines. (Tell ‘em their dreaming!). Music wise, I still love 90’s grunge and Daft Punk. I look forward to serving in the careers role in 2022, there is a great line up of career events coming up. Please make sure you follow us on Facebook to get all the information. And please, if you see me on campus or in an online class, say hi!

My favourite book? I love reading so I’m not sure I can reduce it to one, but one book that had a huge impact was 1984

by George Orwell. When it comes to movies, I’m going to say the 90’s

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Activities

Director

Claudia Mytnik-Bondin My personal interests are spending time with my family. I enjoy watching the latest movies and tv shows. I also love going on adventures with my partner. Currently planning on going to Europe at the end of the year.

This is because it all starts from the books and there’s specific detail the books provide that you can’t see while watching.

Course: Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminology

I am currently in my third year studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology. I love studying in block mode and the variety of benefits being at VU. I have just recently finished placement with Fittipaldi Injury Lawyers.

I am really enjoying my time at dictum. As the Director of Events I get to plan lots of fun activities for dictum members. This also includes the annual law ball.

My favourite song at the moment is Running Up that Hill from Stranger things, which is also my favourite tv show at the moment. I enjoy all genres of movies and I always read the books for any show or film I plan on watching beforehand. I am currently reading the game of thrones books before watching the tv show.

This is because it

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A L R E A D Y ,

Equity

M E E T

Director

Sylvia Motran Hey everyone, I’m proud to be in this year’s obiter magazine and am looking forward to the release for 2022 obiter magazine! I enjoy the process of planning and creating things and as a result, i rushed to the opportunity to apply for the role of Equity Director. lucky, I am proud to have been selected for the role and am excited to be planning and taking on further events throughout the year.

As a young girl i have always sought to pursue law. I joined law school as both my parents are great lawyers, in which they inspired me to be interested in law. I can definitely say that it has been a rollercoaster journey so far, but a great one!

I have always had a passion for binge watching shows which I believe I am a showaholic! My all-time favourite show is F.R.I.E.N.D.S as I’m sure many people know; it is one of the funniest shows to be known! I enjoy watching it as it releases my stress and gives me joy and humour.

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Publications Malaika Nambiar

Director

I am in my final year, studying Law and Commerce at Victoria University. I was born and brought up in India and moved to Australia over 7 years ago.

Getting into law school, I was very much influenced by the usual 'Suits' and 'Legally Blonde'. While I was truly disappointed when Harvey Spector didn't hire me in my first year, I was amazed by the avenues I got to explore in law school including being part of Dictum.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my ride at Law School with amazing friends and valuable knowledge and I can only hope that the rest of my time at VU offers half as memorable of a journey.

I'd like to believe I'm extremely approachable and have a penchant for good conversations. If you ever see me around or on social media don't hesitate to say hello!

Course: Bachelor of Commerce (Applied Finance)/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

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D I C T U M

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D I C T U M S O C I E T Y I N A F F I L I A T I O N W I T H L E O C U S S E N P R E S E N T S

The Legal Toolbox T O P

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F U T U R E

At Leo Cussen we warmly congratulate all recent law graduates on reaching the summit of a momentous climb.

The endless readings, late nights and coffee addiction were all worth it. You have developed skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, ability to understand and express complex concepts and a vast array of legal knowledge. In your journey you probably had to overcome moments of self-doubt and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone as you embraced these new perspectives. And the effort has been worth it, not only because of your degree but because of the person it has helped you become. You flexed your mental muscles and developed grit, a skill you can draw on in all aspects of life, in the practice of law and beyond.

Despite the doom and gloom about an oversaturated job market for graduates and newly admitted lawyers, there has quite possibly never been a more exciting time to enter the legal profession.

Traditionally slow to change, law is not immune to disruption. The rumblings of change have been on the cards for quite some time.

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happening in other industries. More recently, agility, innovation, and change have become mainstream concepts as the profession was forced to adapt in the context of a global pandemic. Things that once seemed impossible such as online hearings and remote work have become common place.

Culturally this has shifted the collective mindset of the current custodians and leaders of the profession and expanded their perception of what is possible.

This also means that enlightened leaders recognise that you, the future of law, bring unique skills and perspectives to the practice of law. Not only because of your awe-inspiring status as digital natives but also because of skills, knowledge and insights gleaned about the world before becoming too constrained by precedent and tradition.

Mentoring in this new context has become a two-way street.

Initially it was spearheaded by visionary outliers who had the courage to look beyond their context to see what was

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D I C T U M S O C I E T Y I N A F F I L I A T I O N W I T H L E O C U S S E N P R E S E N T S

The Legal Toolbox T O P

S K I L L S

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F U T U R E

So, where does your value lie? And how can you ensure that you thrive in your future career?

Without significant legal experience, I suggest that the skills, mindsets, and attitudes you bring to the practice of law are what will help you not only contribute, but also derive satisfaction and meaning from what you do and contribute in the most impactful way. Specifically: Curiosity: The late Shunryu Suzuki wrote about the concept of Shoshin in his book “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”

As you progress in your career, you will gradually increase in your confidence and expertise as you practice the art of lawyering. You will apply precedent, follow rules, and defer to authority. As you develop this sense of competence, do not be afraid to revisit the place of not knowing and question everything. Stay curious and be open to new possibilities.

Look up and look around, learn voraciously about the context within which you practice and continue to embrace possibilities and opportunities.

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Adaptability: Change is the only certainty. Law firms of the future need people who can adapt to changing circumstances and environments. Historian and futurist Yuval Noah Harari states that to stay relevant – not just economically, but above all socially – one will need the ability to constantly learn and to reinvent oneself. One will need a lot of mental flexibility and great reserves of emotional balance. This means being resourceful and enterprising to embrace new ideas.

Rand Spiro describes cognitive flexibility as “the ability to spontaneously restructure one’s knowledge in adaptive response to radically changing situational demands.” Consider how you can be sufficiently versatile to respond to novelty.

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D I C T U M S O C I E T Y I N A F F I L I A T I O N W I T H L E O C U S S E N P R E S E N T S

The Legal Toolbox T O P

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Self-awareness: Objective analysis and evaluation trump knowledge in the information age. It is a problem that much of our thinking is clouded by unconscious bias. In other words, decisions that appear rational and considered are affected by blockers such as: Confirmation bias (evident in social media echo chambers for example).

A fast-paced lifestyle leading us to fall into what behavioural economist Daniel Kahneman would refer to as System 1 (short-cut) thinking.

Cultural Conditioning.

Labels.

Black and White Thinking.

Halo Effect.

Hindsight bias, etc.

Lawyers of the future need awareness of bias that affects them so they can see more clearly and make better decisions. A great place to learn about cognitive bias is Daniel Kahneman’s book, “Thinking, fast and slow”.

Empathy: Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, once said that: “All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.”

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Being able to stand in the shoes of others is essential to effective lawyering. This does not mean, taking on your client’s problems as your own, or becoming clouded by sentimentality but rather considering how another person may perceive or experience a problem or situation. Such a perspective will certainly help you deliver your services in a more client-centric way. It may also help you help your client resolve disputes more readily and advance commercial matters more efficiently as you pre-empt questions or concerns the other party may have in a contract negotiation, for example.

Values: In a rapidly changing world, values are our anchor and what grounds us. Take your ethical obligations and commitment to the higher road seriously and let it be your guiding light. Reflect on and develop your character so that you can embody the change the world needs. On your path, there will be many shiny objects, which may divert you from your path. But, by recommitting to your purpose and values regularly, you can stay true to yourself and have a greater chance of contributing in a way that both delivers and derives meaning. In the beginning, you may not know your purpose, but you can certainly develop a picture of who you want to be in

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D I C T U M S O C I E T Y I N A F F I L I A T I O N W I T H L E O C U S S E N P R E S E N T S

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the broadest sense and start from there.

As you see, the practice of law offers much more than the ability to offer legal advice, negotiate a transaction or advocate in court. With the right mindset, it can also be the context for your own journey towards self-actualisation with the great news being the greater person you become, the more effective a lawyer you can be. And, if you are worried that you are not cut-out for the practice of law, don’t. The profession is a broad and roomy one with opportunities well beyond private practice including public policy, legal innovation and operations, in-house counsel opportunities and more. At Leo Cussen, we look forward to being your partner in transforming the profession, knowing that all change comes first from within.

BY LIZ CHASE Leo Cussen Mentor & Lawyer

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If you are finishing up law school and want to reserve a time to discuss your future PLT feel free to book a chat to ask anything you are unsure about the course. Alternatively, you will find our PLT guide has plenty of information.

Enrolments are open and filling fast. Completing our enrolment form submits your application for PLT and reserves you a place in the course.

This form does not commit you to the course and you are still able to cancel your enrolment should you wish to do so.

Leo Cussen Chat online: https://www.leocussen.edu.au/practical-legaltraining/chat/ PLT Guide: https://www.leocussen.edu.au/practical-legaltraining/guide/ Enrol below: https://www.leocussen.edu.au/practical-legaltraining/enrol/

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. Don’t just rely on the big commercial firms:

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It doesn’t always have to be fancy work experience! Even shadowing a barrister for a few days, or completing some admin in a

While working in a large commercial firm can

legal office will help set you apart from

be rewarding, it is important to realise that

other graduates.

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 non-commercial areas of law such as family, criminal, and personal injury law.

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

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.

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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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Wall of Dictum

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What's the Verdict?

Read the facts for the case provided below and guess the verdict.

AREA OF LAW Contract; essential terms; conditions and warranties; termination of contract

CASE Associated Newspapers Ltd v Bancks (1951) 83 CLR 322

FACTS The Plaintiff contracted with the Defendant to draw a comic that would be displayed in full on the front page of the newspaper every week.

The Plaintiff did not always display the comic on the front page.

The Defendant stated that the Plaintiff had breached the contract and that therefore he would be terminating the contract.

The Plaintiff sought an injunction, arguing that displaying it on the front page was not an essential term.

ISSUE Was the obligation to display the comic on the front page an essential term, and had the contract been repudiated?

case summary derived from https://lawcasesummaries.com/knowledge-base/associatednewspapers-ltd-v-bancks-1951-83-clr-322/mo/Cases/jc%20williamson.htm

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And the the And Verdict is... is...

Verdict The Court ruled in favour of the defendant.

Bancks was entitled to terminate the contract due to Associated Newspapers Ltd having breached the contract.

HELD Displaying the comic on the front page was a condition, not a warranty.

The Plaintiff has three obligations under the contract: 1) to display the comic, 2) on the front page, 3) every week.

The Plaintiff had breached #2, which was an essential term.

Therefore the Plaintiff had repudiated the contract and the Defendant was entitled to terminate the contract.

QUOTE The plaintiff would not have employed the defendant unless it had been assured that the defendant would perform his promise, and the defendant would not have made the promise unless he was assured that his work would be published in a particular manner”

case summary derived from http://www.alcware.com/fpbldemo/Cases/jc%20williamson.htm

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Law School Gradman!

Help Gradman graduate with a law degree by guessing the latin legal phrases below. Every incorrect answer brings Gradman's grade below a HD, so beware the N grade scholar!

1. "From the beginning"

__ _______

2. person who assists in the commission of a crime, but who does

_________

not actually participate in the commission of the crime

3. An item of personal property which is movable, as distinguished from real property

_______

4. Judicial doctrine that exists in various common law jurisdictions.

________

5. An order issued by a legal authority with administrative or juridicial powers, typically a court.

____

Gradman Grades

HD

D

C

P

N

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Cross Laws D I C T U M

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Word Wheel Literacy and good vocabulary is a major plus in getting through law school and as you go through the legal industry. Practice your skills by using the word wheel to forms as many words as you can! Try and use all the letters to achieve a Word Wheel Win!

Tort Law: Session 1 Alright, repeat after me class!

'Sue first or be sued! '

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The Legal Doodler

We believe all law students have a little funny in them.

Our dark sense of humour is the reason why we choose law school in the first place right? (Some of us are still crying).

If you wish to put that funny bone to good use, send us over your funniest takes on law school, lawyers, legislation, basically anything law! Dictum will feature your iconic gags in 'The Legal Doodler' spread.

Get cracking readers!

Submit any written work for the Obiter to the following! following!: publications@dictumsocietyvu.com 45

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A ALawyer's Lawyer's Conundrum Conundrum The lawmakers were rattled but their mask remained unmoved, Lips coated with unbias, their judgment set the truth.

The mother wept for justice, her boy now kept under Earth. The other half of the courtroom showed, the Lawyer with a man unhurt.

An innocent victim, a guilty man, a house of maxims and watchful eyes, To weigh the proof and weave the laws, to pass decisions on their demise.

That night the Lawyer laid awake, questioning if justice was truly delivered, While the murderer lay warm in bed and the boy under Earth shivered.

Heavy lay the head that wears the duty of serving citizen's justice, and heavier still for law-keepers that embody laws and trust it.

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A ALawyer's Lawyer's Conundrum Conundrum With an unraveled spool of troubled thoughts, the lawyer stood before lady justice, questions in mind. Have I play the role of law-keeper, if I fought for the wrong side?

The lady sighed, the lady saw, the lady smiled a woeful smile. She placed the balance on the ground, for she'd awaited this question a hopeful while .

Dear lawyer, you are not a justicekeeper, but a keeper of all laws designed. You are not the people's messiah, but the vessel of laws you find.

You seek the truth and not true justice, For if you did, you'd truly trust it.

Don't just chase the right, you may run into the wrong. But be a lawyer in honest, justice will follow along.

-- By Malaika Nambiar

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Forest Forest of of the the Future Future The forest hides her cracks with weeds; Her vines track up chalky cement.

As winged birds fear smoky skies their flightless skies they all lament.

For even in the thick of trees the cooling breeze loses way and reason As the men with men come bearing more Stripping down her green Axes bold and brazen Gold and black, spots and stripes once majestic, cower weak and defeated The rivers parched lay dead and naked As the forest weeps its life depleted Look out for tomorrow the forest whispers Her roots detach from loosened ground While concrete cities are built on forests The forest will be nowhere to be found.

So savour your breaths and rejoice over dew As this may be the last of this world you see Or take your steps toward a better planet To restore the forest as she used to be.

- Malaika Nambiar

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Dictum Moot Winners 2022 JUNIOR MOOT WINNERS Marcela Zamora Matthew Keath RUNNERS-UP Dominique Dreyer Polly Tamer

SEMI-FINALISTS Emma Fitzsimmons & Joanna Legaspi Rahmatullah Hussaini & Tamanna Kumail

BEST SPEAKER Marcela Zamora BEST MEMORANDUM Marcela Zamora

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Under the Covers Issue No.1 is an ode to the urgency for resolving the climate crisis.

The planet sustains many ecosystems and basically it allows us to exist!

Yet somehow we have spent years taking it for granted and assuming that the climate crisis is simply an afterthought of an issue.

The cover showcases natural landscapes enveloped in green and gold silks with Canva illustrations of

perched birds.

The magazine also details Australian legislation that protects the environment and Australian biodiversity.

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OBITER ISSUES 2021

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Thank You Sponsors!

The magazine has been published by Dictum Society, sponsored by The College of Law and Leo Cussen.