Issue One 2016

The Jurist Issue 1 2016

The Jurist

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Lawskool is committed to helping early year law students benefit from our five years of ups and downs at law school.

Law is a strict, traditional discipline where there is a great bulk of work to get through. Extensions for assignments are rarely granted.

Students must learn to work hard and prioritise tasks.

Have a read of the following points.

Think about them, put them into practice and keep coming back to them to refresh your memory. Consciously acting on the principles below will make your law degree a rewarding and pleasurable experience. In essence, you must work hard and smart.

Work in spurts

While student life can be stressful, let’s face it – who can complain when you have three months of holidays each summer?! Don’t become one of those latte-sipping law students who sit around all day whining about their lives. Get in there and work hard.

Once those exams are over you’ll have three months to do whatever takes your fancy. Go travelling, work an interesting summer job, bum around. The choice is yours!

Teamwork

Developing a network of good friends is vital to success at law school. Going it alone for five years straight will just stress you out. It’s so much easier to have a group of

like-minded peers who you can draw strength from and share the ups and downs with. There are good people everywhere. You just have to seek them out. Go to the social events in your first year, be open and friendly and you’ll have no problems.

If you have moved to uni from interstate and are living in a college on campus, try not to just hang around your non-law college friends. In the end, employers are looking for graduates who are wellrounded and who can communicate with a wide variety of people.

Become well-rounded

Most employers would favour a well-rounded graduate with teamwork skills and a strong work ethic over an unsociable person with a comprehensive knowledge of the law. There’s plenty of time to learn the nuts and bolts of the law once you start full-time work.

Don’t spend all your time studying because any employer will tell you that marks aren’t everything. It’s important to work part-time jobs throughout your degree so you can show employers that you can balance your workload. You can play sport for your uni and go to your uni gym between classes. There are always plenty of clubs and societies on campus as well. Volunteer work is a great idea.

Most cities have some sort of community legal project that is often staffed by law students. You really should make the most of your uni years.

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Exams

Exams cannot be avoided at law school, but don’t let them get you down. There are three crucial steps for exam preparation: 1. Keep up with the work during the semester i.e. go to all classes and do the relevant reading.

2. Revise and synthesise your class notes and notes from other texts with a lawskool.com.au to create your own summary.

3. Do lots and lots of practice exams.

This third step is the real key.

Before you sit your exam you must be confident that you can apply the law to any question your lecturer might throw at you.

We sincerely hope that the above guide helps you to get the most out of your time at university. We welcome feedback from current and former students so that we can add more hints and tips.

Right now you’re probably more concerned about partying up your first year and rightly so. As long as you come back and re-read this guide occasionally, you’ll be in good stead to cruise through your degree with ease.

We wish you all the best for your exams.

The Lawskool Team lawskool.com.au

Contents President’s welcome

by Alex Douvartzidis

4 From the Dean

by Prof Kim Economides 7 Australia’s refugee slammed 8 policies

by Tanella Puccio A mundane reality

by Sarah Saad 12 Stepping up 14 to the bar

by Daniella Di Girolamo Freedom from fear

by Giulia Prosperi-Porta 15 Meet your topic coor18 dinator: Dr Rhain Buth Surviving your first year of law 22

by Patricia Sicapore Jury duty 25 by Audrey Lian Team FLSA 2016 26 A whole new world 35 by Ben Krieg Ready for work

by Laura Ward 36 The Jurist

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President’s welcome

EVERY new year, whether we like to admit it or not, we make resolutions about things we want to change in ourselves, or in our lives.

There is a noticeable trend in law students making resolutions to “get better grades”, work towards that ‘dream clerkship’ or ‘prioritise’ everything university-related. These are good resolutions, and I firmly believe that we should always work hard to achieve our goals.

What lacks however, is that all law students rarely seem to form resolutions about one’s self. Did you make a resolution about getting enough sleep? Did you make a resolution about finding an hour a day to read a non-law book?

Probably not, and for those of you who did – kudos to you!

You’ve discovered the secret elixir to achieving your goals.

What we often do is neglect ourselves during that MarchNovember period, and it does impact on your ability to reach those goals. We become so caught up in the daily grind and we lose focus on the big picture. We are passionate about the law, but we are not passionate enough about ourselves.

Psychology has told us a lot of things about the relationships between stress, lack of sleep and poor routine and eating habits. When you’re stressed and you’re running on four cans of Red Bull, Mc-

STUDY SMART: Take regular breaks from the books and get enough sleep, exercise and don’t forget to treat yourself.

Donalds fries and three hours sleep for 36 hours, you are more likely to not perform as well than good ol’ Fred sitting next to you - Fred who has managed to get six hours sleep last night, one coffee and eating his mum’s homemade lasagna with salad.

Stress, sleep and anxiety are large inhibitors in performance and learning, and we need to get serious about tackling them.

So, what can you do to improve these habits? Well, firstly it takes about two weeks to settle into a new routine. So just like you can commit to Netflix, you owe it to yourself to try new habits for at least two weeks. Sleeping for one night, but then averaging two-four hours for three days later is not going to help you and is not a successful attempt at trying to break old habits.

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Develop a regular sleeping pattern Many law students become insomniacs. I’m going to firstly point out, that if you have severe ongoing sleep issues, please talk to your GP or another health professional.

But for those of you who are simply cramming in that 2am study session, you need to change it up. Avoid blue light. When you’re about to try to have an early night sleep, do not get your phone out, or your circadian rhythms have no chance. You’re better off going to bed for six-seven hours and getting up early to complete the assignment, as opposed to going to bed at 6am and sleeping for three hours or until lunchtime. When you wake up, go outside and enjoy the sunlight. It will help you wake up, and you’re less

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President’s welcome

ture for your notes! If you can’t make the lecture, you should always watch them. You never know what you will miss.

When the going gets tough

HAVE FUN WITH FRIENDS: Don’t forget about your friends and family and continue to make plans to spend time with them throughout the semester.

Talk to someone and take some time off. Not every week is going to be easy. Make sure you are honest with yourself about your emotions. Talk to your friends, family members and health professionals when you’re experiencing those not-so-great times. Find yourself a supportive network.

A lot of people face mental illnesses, and it is very important to acknowledge that it takes a strong person to live with one.

So praise yourself if you make it through a dark time.

Law school is not easy.

For those of you who are just starting law school, welcome!

For those of you who are returning, welcome back!

If you want to make a time to talk about anything FLSA related, or how to create a good weekly plan, please feel free to send me an email at president@flsa.org.au or drop into our office in LWCM 1.08 to see us.

likely to have that groggy this week?’

Exercise fatigue feeling. Don’t take my word for it either – psychology Ooooooow yes. I know it’s is the one who is telling us this. not everyone’s cup of tea, but exercise is good for the Take time out for yourself soul. Commit to at least three Please. Find an hour a day times a week. Use this as a to do something that is not part of the time you take out related to work or university. for yourself. No one has ever If you play a sport, try not to felt bad after exercising! give it up while you’re at uni, Plan your study week even if you just play casually. and go to/watch lectures If you love to read, borrow or buy a new book once a Buy a weekly planner and week or fortnight and find set it out. If you set it out, you’ll some time during the week to surprisingly find more time to read it. be able to do other things and If you’re simply cramming in you’ll have a strong chance everything law, chances are at avoiding that 3am law lab Alex Douvartzidis, president a lot of it will not stick. study session.

Go out for dinner with your I encourage you to go to friends, or have a movie night your lectures and take notes. in! If you make set plans with If you build up notes throughfriends, you’re more inclined out the course of the semesto go through with them. So ter, you’ll understand the every Sunday night, ask your- topic more and you’ll get to self: ‘What will I do that is fun exam time with a good strucThe Jurist

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Editorial WELCOME back!

We hope you had a relaxing and refreshing break, and you are feeling energised, positive and ready to take 2016 head on.

First year students – welcome to the vibrant and supportive community that is Flinders Law School. Issue One of The Jurist is packed with articles just for you, with tips about studying law from students and legal professionals.

The Jurist is a unique vehicle for students to delve into issues they are passionate about, express their opinions and showcase their creativity. This edition features everything from an analysis of Australia’s asylum seeker policies, a student’s once-in-a-lifetime experience undertaking the Washington Internship Program, to a student’s enteraining account of her ‘mundane’ court visit.

A piece of advice I have to offer new (and continuing) students is: Don’t be disheartened by the competitiveness of law, particularly gaining a job after you graduate.

I’m sure the thought, ‘I’ll never get a job’, has crossed the mind of most law students.

We are made aware nearly every day about how difficult it is to secure a law job after graduating.

My first degree was journalism. All throughout the course, my classmates and I were continuously reminded about

If only..........

Image: Legal Cheek

how tough it was to get a journalism job; we were constantly worried about becoming unemployed and poor when we graduated.

However, a few of my classmates and I secured full-time jobs straightaway. This is because while we were studying, we took up every opportunity possible to put our journalism skills into practice and build up a portfolio of published articles to send to potential employers.

Of course undertaking volunteer work won’t guarantee you a job, but it will definitely put you in good stead. Barrister Taruna Heuzenroeder, who was a guest speaker at New in Law 2016, expands on the importance of work experience and extra-curricular activities on page 20.

Speaking of extra-curricular activities. We are always looking for contributors The Jurist

for The Jurist. You can write about anything law-related.

It can be an opinion piece or news story about a current issue, an article about work experience or an internship undertaken, or even a review of a law elective you have found interesting. Travel stories, book, movie, and live show reviews are also welcome (these don’t have to be law-related). Best of all, you can add ‘The Jurist Contributor’ to your resume and show potential employers how innovative and varied you are.

The deadline for Issue Two is Monday, 30 May. Please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly publications team at publications@flsa. org.au with any questions, or scoops!

Giulia Prosperi-Porta Editor-in-Chief

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From The Dean

challenging ride, especially the ‘King of the Mountain’ stage THIS issue of The Jurist contains at Crows Nest Road. But along several articles that relate to the way there were highs and lows, stops and starts, pain and student law journeys. exhilaration.

As many of you are just As I didn’t prepare properly, beginning your own journeys in the law, both personal and consequently the journey was intellectual, I am sure you will find far tougher than it needed to be, and one of my biggest fears much that is of interest. was that I would not finish and Whether stories of these fail conspicuously. journeys are told by an Ethiopian Our team was aiming not so refugee (Deng Thiak Adut’s much to come first but rather Australia Day speech), Flinders students learning about the to contribute to the ‘Ride for a law in action via internships in Reason’ fundraising effort.

Washington, the WorkReady Finishing mattered, but far Program, or court visits nearer to more significant was the fact home here in Adelaide, each that we worked together to help of these student voices confirms each other support a cause the power of law to transform larger than any one of us. lives, our own as well as those of Again, it became clear to others. me that the journey was more Because journeys frequently important than reaching the are transformative, and can finishing line quickly and there eclipse their destination, it is are different ways to win. perhaps wise not to rush them.

In the event, inspired by This advice is also evident friends who are fighting in Ithaca, one of Cavafy’s cancer and supported by most celebrated poems (see other friends, family and Sean Connery’s rendition: colleagues, I managed to https://www.youtube.com/ reach the finishing line and watch?v=1n3n2Ox4Yfk) came in 5th amongst our team I was recently reminded of this of fundraisers, which overall insight about the art of journeying raised $16,870 for the Cancer when last month I participated Council, to come in 2nd on the in the 2016 BUPA Challenge as leaderboard of fundraisers. a member of the Law Society If this team result was and Courts SA team and cycled satisfactory, also satisfying for 103kms from Echunga to Victor me was overcoming the fear Harbor. of getting started, working

By Kim Economides

It was a long, arduous and with and supporting others in The Jurist

FIT: Prof Economides cycling at the 2016 BUPA Challenge as a member of the Law Society and Courts SA team.

our team, and working toward some goal higher than oneself.

As you begin your individual journeys at Flinders, I hope each of you will take time to enjoy your legal studies however challenging they may be.

Prepare well, strive to do your best, persevere when you get stuck, but also take time to enjoy the stops and views along the way.

While it may be tempting to race to the finish line and ruthlessly compete against others, it is far better to work with, and help, others - and if you feel you must compete, then let this be against yourself.

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Australia’s refugee

By Tanella Puccio MY holiday break from university was supposed to be guilt free – with no assignments hanging over my head and less bad food choices fuelled by late night study stress, I was set to indulge in all the happy things life has to offer. That all changed a month ago, while on a beautiful tour in the Blue Mountains, one news headline left me feeling guilty for the rest of my university break.

‘High Court rules Australia’s offshore detention regime lawful’.

I felt guilty. I felt hopeless, and I felt extremely disappointed. At the sight of the bad news, I also saw a thankful wave of criticism regarding our asylum seeker policies.

I got thinking, this is not the first time that our asylum seeker policies have come under scrutiny. Australia’s asylum seeker policy has been vehemently criticised, time and time again, by both our own community, and on an international level.

Why? For the reason that, under Australian law non-citizens, including refugees who come to Australia without a valid visa, are classified as unlawful noncitizens and are required to be detained. Unauthorised maritime arrivals, the name given to those who come by boat without a visa, are processed in a regional processing country, rather

than in Australia. This system of mandatory detention and the conditions of immigration detention centres both offshore and onshore, are the foundation for why we are frequently under scrutiny by the international community and human rights commissions.

Australia’s international obligations The ability to seek asylum is considered a basic human right as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Australia, by participating in the international system and entering into treaty agreements with other sovereign states, has agreed to be bound by obligations within those treaties.

Australia is a party to a number of treaties regarding human rights which conflict with its The Jurist

policy of mandatory detention and treatment of refugees.

The relevant treaties include the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). By ratifying the aforementioned treaties, any inconsistency means Australia is in breach of its international obligations.

Australia, in justifying its system of mandatory detention, has described that it has sovereign power to enact laws to protect its borders. Although this is valid, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties, Australia should not invoke internal law to justify

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policies slammed

of automatic mandatory detention, it can be considered a form of punishment for seeking asylum which contravenes the Refugee Convention. This punishment for seeking asylum is further evident in the Australian Government’s upfront policy of mandatory detention as deterrence. Despite the failure of Australian courts to recognise mandatory detention as punitive, the policy is punitive Australia has been criticised at international standards as a for deflecting its obligations result of this deterrent objectowards refugees under the tive.

Refugee Convention. Australia Furthermore, the length has specific obligations under that asylum seekers are held the Refugee Convention to en- in detention in Australia is sure that refugees, regardless considered unnecessary and of whether they illegally enter arbitrary, with 775 people held Australia, are not penalised for in detention for 12-18 months doing so. All who claim asylum in June 2014 as recorded by in good faith are to be prothe Australian Human Rights tected by the Refugee ConCommission. This exceeds vention. As Australia disregards what could be considered the individual circumstances of the reasonable time it takes to refugees with its enforcement conduct health and security failure to perform a treaty.

Further to this, Australia under the Vienna Convention is obliged to enact laws which protect refugees and promote human rights, as all treaties which are in force, are binding upon parties and parties must perform treaties in good faith.

The Refugee Convention

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checks as required by law.

The claim that mandatory detention upholds the integrity of the Australian migration system is not a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim in compliance with international obligations, when there are other alternatives which could be considered, including, better bridging visa schemes and imposition of reporting requirements.

The use of third country processing has also been described as not constituting fair and efficient asylum procedures interpreted under the convention, as it doesn’t protect those refugees from being taken to a country where they face real risk of harm. The essence of the Refugee Convention is to protect refugees, which Australia fails to do through the use of immigration detention centres which embody punitive and arbitrary detention measures.

ICCPR Australia ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1980. However, the harsh conditions in detention centres offshore contravene its obligations under this convention, an issue that has been previously submitted to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee.

The covenant considers Australia accountable in ensuring both citizens of the

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Australia’s refugee

state and those individuals in a state’s jurisdiction regardless of statelessness have rights, including asylum seekers and refugees. It also applies to wherever a state exercises jurisdiction. This is relevant as Australia’s effective control of offshore detention facilities in Nauru and Manus Island means that Australia is still bound by its ICCPR obligations there.

Australia is required to take reasonable steps to prevent asylum seekers from being the subject of violations, protect their lives and to ensure they are not subjected to torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment (ICCPR art 6(1); 7).

An example of breaching these provisions is exemplified by the incidents at the Manus Island detention centre from the 16 to 18 of February 2014 where asylum seeker Reza Barati was murdered and other refugees were seriously injured.

The ICCPR provides that no individual should be arbitrarily detained (article 9(1)). The United Nations in an inquiry into incidents on Manus Island, concluded that, ‘the practice of detaining all asylum seekers in a closed centre, on a mandatory and open-ended basis and without an assessment of the need for such detention, amounted to arbitrary detention in breach of international law.’

However, The Migration Act 1958 (Cth) does not specify a

time limit in detaining refugees.

This arbitrariness was affirmed lawful by the High Court in AlKateb v Godwin [2004] HCA 37 despite conflicting with the ICCPR. Furthermore, the ICCPR establishes that a detainee should be able ‘to take proceedings before a court, in order that that court may decide without delay on the lawfulness of his detention and order his release if the detention is not lawful’ (ICCPR art9(4)).

The Migration Act however, prevents the court from releasing an asylum seeker, which puts Australia in breach of international obligations under the ICCPR. Adequate access to review

by Australian authorities is also impaired by the mandatory detention of asylum seekers on offshore facilities. Although the harsh conditions of immigration The Jurist

detention have been held to not render detention unlawful

by Australian legal standards as in Behrooz v Secretary DIMA [2004] HCA 36, the harsh conditions conflict with the requirement under ICCPR article 10, that detainees are to be treated with ‘humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.’

The harsh conditions of offshore and onshore detention centres, accompanied by the policy of mandatory detention contribute to Australia’s breach of its international obligations.

CAT Most recently, Australia has been vehemently accused of violating the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).

The United Nations, in a report

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policies slammed

Human Rights Commission.

The policy of mandatory detention also disregards the circumstances of each child as children are sent to Nauru to be resettled and therefore there is no consideration of what the best interests of the child are, contravening article 3(1), which is one of the most significant aspects of the convention.

produced by Juan Mendez, Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, recently found that ‘the detention of children, the failure by the Australian government to provide adequate detention conditions and put an end to the violence and tension at Manus Island results in a violation of the requirement to prevent cruel treatment under article 16.

Furthermore, the Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Act 2014 allows for ‘arbitrary detention and refugee determination at sea, without access to lawyers’, which breaches the CAT as it infringes the rights of asylum seekers to be free from torture provided in articles 1, 3 and 16 of the CAT.

CRC Australian use of immigration detention centres

is also in breach of the nation’s international obligations under the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC).

The CRC in article 37(b) endorses that detention should be a last resort and if it is considered necessary, then detention of a child must be lawful, not arbitrary, and for the shortest appropriate period of time. The last resort principle is further established in Australian law, through the explicit statement in the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) s 4aa, that, ‘a minor shall only be detained as a measure of last resort.”

Despite this, the Australian law requirement of automatic detention of all non-citizens includes children, and evidently is then the first step rather than the last resort. Consequently this is contrary to both a domestic law provision and international law obligation, with 699 children in immigration detention facilities and 1525 children in community detention in June 2014, as reported by the Australian The Jurist

Concerns were raised by the Human Rights Commission regarding the conditions of detention centres where children were being detained.

Specifically, the conditions on Christmas Island breached international obligations as previously there was a lack of access to education and lack of appropriate recreational facilities. This led in a failure to uphold article 6(2), that children could enjoy the right to development, and article 28(1), the right to education. Although this was rectified recently, the failure to provide these facilities earlier still puts Australia in breach of International obligations.

Although the Australian Government justifies its policies as its right to exercise exercise sovereignty over its borders, it has vast international obligations which are breached through the harsh and punitive nature of its mandatory detention policies, laws, and the conditions which hinder the lives of refugees in both the offshore and onshore detention facilities.

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A mundane reality:

By Sarah Saad AS a law student who regularly has to convince myself that studying law will be worthwhile in the end, whether it be to justify the long sleepless nights, an increasing caffeine addiction, or my impending unemployment upon graduation, visiting the courts during the summer break seemed like a logical activity.

I thought, how better to reignite a passion in law than to watch the wheels of justice turn?

Naturally, I selected the case with the most exciting charge (or so I thought) – conspiracy to endanger life. I dressed up in heels and a pencil skirt, and made my way to the Supreme Court. In my mind, I expected to see the skills and knowledge I spontaneously seem to forget at the end of each exam in practice, presented in a manner resembling a scene from To Kill a to resemble the historical county courthouses in the American Mockingbird or A Time To Kill.

South as depicted by Grisham.

I envisaged melodramatic However, I remained blindsided pleas to the jury, long impassioned by the elaborate staircase and submissions interrupted with a my own excitement and naivety. dramatic ‘objection!’ and the My inexperience became judge banging a gavel shouting ‘Order!’ to regain control of the apparent when I had to be courtroom. Years of reading directed towards the right John Grisham novels painted courtroom, I then zigzagged pictures of grand court rooms, my way upstairs, located the rife with tension and overflowing courtroom, and had my first with townspeople. moment of panic. As you Upon entering the Sir Samuel may or may not be aware, it Way Building, I should have is courtroom etiquette to bow realized the South Australian when entering or exiting the Supreme Court was not going courtroom as a sign of respect The Jurist

for the laws of the land, as well as the judiciary. Before entering the Courtroom, I doubted myself and questioned whether it was customary to bow to the Coat of Arms or to the Judge.

As the judge was not yet present, I contemplated the correct course of action while questioning why this hadn’t come up somewhere during my four years of law school.

Distressed, I resolved to wait for someone to walk in before me and observe what they did.

Unfortunately, my sheer lack of stealth and athletic ability

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where’s the drama?

Basically, each lawyer made a number of proposals as to whether or not certain evidence (namely words on a recording) should be withheld from the jury. This was ensued by civilised discourse between the lawyer and the Judge, after which opposing counsel either agreed or provided reasons for disagreement. The Judge then permitted or denied the request.

I assumed this would take no more than an hour. I was wrong.

Third lesson: Lawyers talk a lot.

Three hours later, the jury still hadn’t been allowed in and I still hadn’t heard a single ‘objection’ or ‘order’ shouted across the courtroom. In fact, the whole process was rather civilised.

There were no impassioned pleas, rather underprepared and lengthy spiels. With that, day one was completed. meant I couldn’t walk in behind someone fast enough to mimic their actions. So, I decided to ‘man up’ and take the safer route – bow anyway. This turned out to be the right decision, and my first lesson of the day was to bow to the Coat of Arms.

at the seams with townspeople.

Rather, it was quite the opposite - I was one of the few people in attendance.

On day two, I thought the dynamic would change, perhaps once the jury was brought in and a witness was called upon. I hoped a witness would shout ‘you can’t handle the truth’ from the witness stand.

Further, I was overdressed.

Great. The second lesson: jeans I couldn’t have been more and a t-shirt are appropriate wrong. The primary witness was courtroom attire, as long as they called, the evidence presented, Having overcome this initial are not paired with thongs. and once again, not a single hurdle, I walked in and sat down We rose, the judge entered, we ‘objection’ was heard that day. in the back row. My primary sat back down. I made more I haven’t been back since for observation was the room was mental notes on courtroom fear of shattering my dreams. smaller than I had expected and Main lesson learned: Australian was kind of ‘modern’ (I mean as etiquette. And so it began. modern as an 80’s style interior Before the jury was invited in, the courts are substantially more can be). The room lacked the lawyers submissions pertaining to civilized than one would imagine historical air and wasn’t bursting the evidence. and, well… mundane.

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Stepping up to the bar MY name is Daniella Di Girolamo and I am a former president and current committee member of the Women Lawyers’ Association.

The Women Lawyers’ Association of South Australia (WLASA) is the South Australian branch of the Australian Women Lawyers’ Association (WLA).

WLA was founded with a number of objectives in mind.

Our aim is to promote justice and equality for all women.

We are committed to improving the career prospects for women within the legal profession.

The WLA also prepares comments and submissions on issues relevant to women and law, maintains a professional and social network for women lawyers and lobbies on behalf of women in the law.

In addition to being a committee member of WLA, I am also an ex-Flinders University graduate, having been admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2007.

Since my admission I have worked in both the private and public seWctors with a focus on commercial litigation.

At present, I am undertaking the Step Up to the Bar Program through the Supreme Court.

The Step Up to the Bar Program is an equal opportunity initiative of the Chief Justice

LEFT: Women Lawyers’ Association of South Australia President and Flinders graduate Daniella Di Girolamo

of South Australia and the South Australian Bar Association.

It is a 12-month full-time opportunity for a female legal practitioner to gain experience within the Supreme Court prior to pursuing admission to the Independent Bar of South Australia.

I am the first person to undertake the program, and commenced working in the Supreme Court in mid 2015.

I have been interested in pursuing a career at the Independent Bar since I commenced working as a solicitor, and am intending to complete the Bar Readers’ course in the 2016 uptake.

Since starting the program I have gained exposure to complex legal cases in both the civil and criminal jurisdictions.

I have assisted in preparation of documents for court, observed hearings and trials, and assisted in the drafting of judgments.

I have had the great opThe Jurist

portunity to work with various Justices of the Supreme Court and observe their approach to cases.

My experience so far has been invaluable and I would recommend it to any female practitioner unsure of whether practice at the Independent Bar is for them.

In terms of WLA, I have been involved with the committee since 2010 and was president in 2014/15.

The WLA holds several functions a year which provide an opportunity to network within the profession.

It also runs various other projects and undertakes important policy work.

If you are interested in joining WLA, or want more information, visit us at www.womenlawyerssa.org.au.

Facebook: www.facebook. com/WomenLawyersAssociationofSA. LinkedIn:www.linkedin. com/groups/5113902/profile Twitter:www.twitter.com/ WomenLawyersSA.

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Freedom from fear

By Giulia Prosperi-Porta DENG Thiak Adut arrived in Australia illiterate, traumatised and impoverished.

As a young boy he was stolen from his family in Sudan to fight with the rebels in Ethiopia.

“As they took me away from my home and family I didn’t even understand what freedoms I had lost,” the refugee lawyer said in his Australia Day address.

“I didn’t understand how fearful I should have been. I was young. I was ignorant. I lost the freedom to ACHIEVEMENT: Deng Thiak Adut during his graduation day. read and write. I lost the freedom PICTURE: Western Sydney University to sing children’s songs. I lost the In Australia, Deng taught right to be innocent. I lost the right the trigger with their own fingers and blew out their brains. to be a child. himself to read and worked at “In a better world those fingers a service station to learn Eng“I was a child soldier and I was might have made music in a lish. expected to kill or be killed.” place such as this hall, built “I was lucky,” Deng said.

Deng’s story has received homes, operated the equipment much attention after he was “You are too. featured in a video for Western of scientific discovery. Instead “Freedom from fear is about Sydney University where he their short lives were as nothing – acceptance of our common innocents destroyed.” studied law. identity. For we Australians in “I wonder what their spirits 2016, freedom from fear is alAs a child soldier, Deng was taught to sing war songs and would have thought if they saw most taken for granted. We ‘love the death of others’. He that I would become a practising had better take care to keep witnessed his relative die, and lawyer in Australia some 18 years it.” was ordered to watch deaths by later. I grieve for them.”

Deng is now an advocate firing squads.

Deng told his story during his for refugees, working as a lawAustralia Day address at the yer in Blacktown, Sydney.

“As a child, witnessing the death of a relative is something Sydney Conservatorium of Music “The reward of freedom from that stays with you for life,” Deng to highlight how lucky Australians fear has a price: to are to enjoy freedom from fear. said. willingly give for others In 1998, Deng was rescued by without hope of anything be“Around 1993, I watched some boys, only 10 or 11 years old, as the United Nations and brought yond ‘thanks’.

He could finally “This is an obligation that never they picked up their AK47s, put to Sydney. the gun to their heads, squeezed begin to live his life free of fear. ends.”

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Watch me W.I.P...

By Olivia Hanna NOW watch me slay slay, as I saunter down Pennsylvania Avenue to Capitol Hill, the hub of American politics, legislation, and justice.

Dressed in my best professional attire, I have to remind myself that I am an intern, not the next world-changing politician. Hundreds of other interns traipse the halls of the House and Senate office buildings, the Supreme Court and the White House as we prepare for another day of menial tasks that build the foundations for success on the Hill.

About the W.I.P The Washington Internship Program (WIP) is an opportunity for students in the American Studies major in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of International Studies to intern for a Congressman or Representative for seven weeks during our summer holidays. The application process requires successful completion of 18 units of the major, as well as a statement of interest, a onepage CV and an academic writing sample.

The WIP is a nine unit topic requiring an oral presentation and 9,000 word research paper on return. The program is in its 16th year, thanks to Professor Don Debats and his connections with respected members of the American

political community. Don’s teaching has ensured that the Flinders University interns continue to have an excellent reputation on the Hill.

Although this program is part of my arts degree, it complements my law degree with a deep understanding of the beginnings of legislation. Many law students are like me in that they have another area of interest, or wish to make themselves stand out in the employment market by having an additional qualification. This program is the perfect intersection between my interest in policy and legislation and my interest in American politics. The attraction to American politics stemmed from discovering how dynamic and polarized the American The Jurist

political system is compared to typical Australian politics.

R-PA-03 I intern in the office of Congressman Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania’s third district.

Representative Kelly is a Republican and as such has traditional conservative views on issues, most topical at the moment being gun control and abortion. Representative Kelly is a member of the Committee on Ways & Means (the chief tax policy writing committee), said to be the most powerful committee in the House of Representatives.

He also sits on the subcommittees of Tax Policy, Social Security and

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Watch me W.I.P... with other offices, and getting letters signed. Less frequently I will give a tour of the Capitol building to constituents or transcribe Representative Kelly’s remarks from the House floor.

More recently, I’ve had the privilege of writing research memos for the Legislative Assistant, and letters for the Legislative Correspondent. I’ve been trusted with updating Representative Kelly’s personal contact list, and booking his flights from D.C. to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and back for the rest of the year.

ABOVE: The Ways and Means Committee hearing room.

LEFT: Olivia Hanna during a White House tour.

Trade. Representative Kelly is a member of several caucuses, and serves as the co-chairman of the House Automotive Caucus, the House Small Brewers Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Korea, and the House Retirement Security Caucus.

This the same gentleman that I accidentally hugged on day three, not realising he was attempting to help me with my coat. Oops.

#InternLife Each day I walk to Longworth House Office Building, shuffle through security and settle in at

my desk in room 1519.

Before the staffers arrive, I distribute the newspapers and magazines to each of their desks according to their personal preferences.

By 10am, I’ve checked the voicemails, faxes and emails, and logged each one into an online system for the Legislative Correspondent. I’ve also sent out a birthday card to each Member of Congress celebrating their birthday.

Then there are the endless briefings, hearings and receptions that attract many interns, both for the policy interest and for the free food.

Rent in D.C. is exorbitantly high!

The WIP is an unparalleled experience. There aren’t many opportunities that leave 20 year olds with the stories, experiences, contacts and memories I now have.

The atmosphere on the Hill is addictive: even as an intern, I’m aware of how coveted positions are here.

My long-term goals have now shifted towards returning to D.C., to contribute to this The rest of the day is dedicated incredible core of domestic and foreign policy, and to be to answering the phone and among the most dedicated logging constituent calls, and passionate people in the delivering documents to the House floor, swapping snacks political sector.

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Your topic coordinator: Dr Rhain Buth DR Rhain Buth talks to The Jurist’s Giulia ProsperiPorta about everything from practising in criminal defence and getting shot by a prosecution witness, to writing poetry.

Before he became an academic, Dr Buth was a criminal defence lawyer in the US, specialising in white collar crime, particularly money laundering and embezzlement.

The topics he coordinates include Criminal Law and Legal Method, Issues in Criminal Law and Corporate Crime.

have some reservations or are. If somebody you loved

Why did you choose to doubts as to how secure that or cared for was in the posipractice in criminal defence? conviction is, and if that was tion to have charges brought It chose me.

I’m inclined intellectually to sit on the defence side of things. I could never prosecute, even though prosecutors do laudable work advancing the public interest and justice.

But for me, if I do my job really well on the defence, if reasonable doubt can be inferred for someone, they could have another opportunity.

The prosecutorial side might

me I don’t think I would sleep as well at night.

Do you get questioned a lot about ‘how you do it?’

It’s one of those party questions: ‘How do you defend the guilty person?’

There’s a one minute, a three minute, a five minute, an hour long and probably a semester long answer to this.

At one level, they aren’t guilty until the jury says that they The Jurist

against them, you would want someone who is capable and zealous in their defence. And it’s not a system whereby the accusation merits criminal liability. You want that matter to be perceived to its fullest.

And I’m that person; defence practitioners don’t speak for the victims.

My view is there are other people in society who speak for victims.

I’m not that person - I speak for the accused.

What’s the most interesting case you’ve worked on?

There are lots of money laundering matters or aspects of corporate fraud that don’t lend themselves to a one minute response.

I was involved in the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, war crimes tribunals in Rwanda and the Irish emergency Parades Commission. I have also had some involvement as special counsel for former US senator Paul Wellstone in the defence of the impeachment of President Clinton. The roles in those areas were all quite unique and they have their own little stories.

What do you enjoy the most about law?

occurred in relation to practice. It happened at the end of a matter, where justice was served in favour of my client.

The chief witness for the prosecution, I believe, felt that I portrayed them in a very poor light and was unfair, so they had some personal grudges against me. I understand that. It was hard - lots of people wanted me to be punitive towards that individual. But I’m not bothered by it. I don’t

‘‘

Everybody tells you to read, nobody tells you how to read.

You need to read the cases searching out any ambiguity and arguments against any ambiguity.

I enjoy the practice of law.

I like to think very precisely about things. The teaching side – I’m amazed by the delight students have when they start to sink their teeth into the law and really wrestle with really try to draw attention to what the arguments look like it. I gave a police statement and the mechanics of advowith my recommendation to cacy. not pursue the matter further.

It didn’t have an impact on What has been your me practising law. I practised greatest challenge? law for a long time after that.

At one level I would have When you’re not doing liked my hardest challenge to have been that I was ethicalanything law-related, what ly or morally conflicted about can you be found doing? representing parties, who I I’m a very strong napper, might have thought were undesirable or had limited legal developed from over 25 years scope for valid argument. But of legal practice. You learn to take sleep when you can get I wasn’t and I’m still not.

If you ask others in my life, it and I don’t get lots of sleep.

I like to play basketball, and they might say, I was shot as a result of an incident that enjoy reading about math, The Jurist

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math theory, and geology.

I can also be found trying to write novels and poetry for my family or other interested parties.

What sort of novels have you written?

I’ve written three books.

They are not under my name.

But one has been published and the other is for other people who wanted to read them. I’ve probably written 10,000 poems. I write lots of poems for my wife – probably three to four per year.

What advice do you have for students who want to succeed in your topics?

Spend time on task. Everybody tells you to read, nobody tells you how to read.

You need to read the cases searching out any ambiguity and arguments against any ambiguity.

The problem is, most students read just to read. Like a text message they are reading for content, not for sharp nuanced appreciation of prosecution, defence arguments and judges rationale for their decisions.

The more that you get into law, you’re not reading it, you’re trying to uncover the structure of decisions.

Make friends and put yourself out there. In class, make comments.

You might not know the answer, but that’s okay. Make mistakes.

You would rather make mistakes here at university than anywhere else.

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Do. The. Readings.

TARUNA Heuzenroeder, barrister at Murray Chambers, and The Honourable Kevin Duggan had some important tips for beginning students during their addresses at New in Law 2016.

The Hon Kevin Duggan was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1988, following a distinguished career as a Barrister and Queen’s Counsel. The retired judge was also a Major General in the Army Reserve and Judge Advocate General (JAG) for the Australian Defence Force from 1996 until 2001.

Ms Heuzenroeder’s practice areas include alternative dispute resolution, appellate advocacy, commercial, personal injury, defamation, environment and planning, equity, and administrative. She is a Flinders University graduate.

Taruna Heuzenroeder

Don’t squander this opportunity. Ask questions. Be Curious.

Be brave. Be prepared for the inevitable disappointments.

And there will be some.

Make sure you use your time to develop your legal skills, but more importantly to discover what really interests you. What really fires you up?

A legal education provides skills that are not only useful for lawyers but in other fields.

No matter whether you practise as a lawyer or not, I can confidently say to you - truly engage with your law degree.

Take advantage of all the opportunities that come your

INSPIRING: Taruna Heuzenroeder speaks at New in Law 2016.

way to experience what legal practice is really like.

Find out whether practising as a lawyer is for you or not.

If it turns out you love the law, then all the practical experience you’ve gained will be helpful even if it’s not directly related to jobs you are applying for.

If it turns out you think there couldn’t be anything worse than being a practising lawyer, there is a multitude of other jobs those legal skills will suit incredibly well.

It’s a good idea to get a head start on working out what where your passions lie so you can start putting into place those connections before you graduate.

Don’t leave the hunt for work experience until your final years or even worse, wait until you’ve already graduated.

It is incredibly hard to convince people to give you a The Jurist

chance once you’ve graduated because you’re an insurance risk because you are basically a qualified lawyer. It’s much easier to get people to give you a chance and work experience while you’re still a student.

It’s a really good idea to get a solid academic foundation (one year or two) before undertaking work experience.

Grades aren’t everything Good results aren’t the be all and end all of a law degree, but it does open doors.

If your results in first year aren’t fabulous, don’t be disheartened. Employers care much more about the last couple of years then they do about your first.

There’s plenty of opportunities for you to improve. But if your results were not too bad, don’t just leave it there. There is an opportunity for you to im-

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Do. The. Readings. where somebody is unrepresented in a simple case – that is one of the rules of the profession.” I sat down humiliatingly.

But it is something the judge and I have laughed about since. Don’t be disturbed by things of that nature that might happen.

INTERESTING: The Hon. Kevin Duggan at New in Law 2016.

Life is no dress rehearsal

prove as well.

Go and ask your tutor how you could turn your credit into a distinction or your distinction into a high distinction.

Overcome you embarrassment about asking help because that can be essential for you improving.

A tip I would give to brand new commencing law students, which applies equally well to practising lawyers as it does to commencing law students. It’s just this. Three words.

It’s a very good start. Do. The Readings.

The Hon Kevin Duggan It is a profession where you don’t know everything in day one. There is a learning process.

Quite often you will make boo boos and get worried about it.

Everybody in the profession will remember their first case - either a disaster, a victory or probably somewhere in between. Sometimes things

happen that you don’t expect. I think the nicest way to say it is it’s good for character building.

The Attorney General John Raus tells the story of his first case where put on a wig and a gown to court. As he was arguing he got a bit fidgety and he was playing with his biro up around his ear and it got stuck in his wig. The only recollection he has of the case was the terribly tortuous experience of trying to get the biro out, which he didn’t really succeed in. The judge said “I think you better take your wig off”.

I’ve had a similar experience – I was given the task of prosecuting in the Supreme Court.

The person was unrepresented.

I spent nights preparing my final address for the jury and when the time came, the evidence finished, I jumped up and said, “may I please Your Honour, ladies and gentleman of the jury.” The judge said, “sit down Mr Duggan, you don’t address The Jurist

No particular areas of the law has any kudos of the other.

My own preference was for court work. As soon as I started my studies, I acquired a masochistic determination to go into court. It’s not the easiest work. It might appear to be very glamorous in its execution, but it’s really hard work.

I worked out I spent 24 years trying to convince people of my arguments, and spent the next 24 years trying to listen to people’s arguments. You might reach a point where you have been doing a certain type of work for 20 years and you would like to do something else. Life is no dress rehearsal. If you get another opportunity to do something that interests you – why not?

The law has been referred to as a very jealous person, it can take up a lot off your time. Try to do other things. This question of life balance is not a silly term; it’s an excellent one. The Hon John Doyle, who has just retired as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was excellent with work/ life balance. He was out riding a bike on the weekends.

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Surviving your first year of law

By Patricia Sicapore NEW to university life? Entering your first year of law, but struggling to figure out how you’ll tackle it? Well, here are a few tips and tricks I learnt when surviving my first year, so hopefully they help you to survive yours.

Sort out your timetable Registering for your classes and sorting out your timetable should be on the top of your todo list in relation to preparing for university. It will save you the trouble of having to wait for classes to open because they are too full and you will be placed lower on the waitlist the longer you put this task off. Classes fill up quickly, so organise it as early as possible!.

Textbooks A helpful site to find your required textbooks is Unibooks.

Just enter the topic code into the search bar and the site will direct you to a page of books required for that topic.

Lecturers will also tend to tell you in the first week which textbooks are required for the course and which edition.

It is up to you whether you

want to wait for the first week or buy the textbooks early and get a head start on the material.

If you are short on cash or just don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on books that you may only use for the semester (or year), head to the Facebook page ‘Flinders Textbooks Buy and Sell’. It is a page dedicated to Flinders University students selling, exchanging and buying second-hand books.

Find your study zone It is never too early to start figuring out what study method suits you best. It is usually better to start figure this out in the beginning of the year rather than just before exams!

Start familiarising yourself with what works best for you; whether it be taking notes on paper or on an electronic device, and whether you prefer to study alone or in a group. You might not figure out what works best for you instantly, and that is okay! It may take some time, but once you find something you find comfortable and effective, stick to it. If you keep changing your study method, you may just end up confused and lost when it comes to exam time.

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Trust me, I went through all of first year testing out all sorts of study methods – I tried study groups, notes on a laptop, handwritten notes, and studying during different times of the day. I ended up wasting my time when I could have instead just stuck to what was originally comfortable for me.

It is usually encouraged that during class, written notes works best. But at the end of the day, there is really no right or wrong method of studying – it is whatever works for you. It all comes down to what helps you understand the content and what makes you focus on your work. Once you find your study method, you’ll thank yourself later.

Plan ahead At one point of the semester, you’ll inevitably feel like you’re behind because there are so many cases to read before the lectures. It may feel like you will never catch up. Don’t worry!

We’ve all been there. A good way to keep up with your study is to have a planner handy – whether it be a monthly, weekly or daily planner. Break down big tasks into small ones and take them day by day.

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GLAMMED UP: Claudia Lim, Patrica Sicapore, Mary Winchester, Susan Dieu, Audrey Lian and Elisha Freedman at the Trivarsity law dinner in 2015.

Surviving your first year of law For example, if you have an assignment due in two weeks, perhaps take a day or two to do some research on the question, a day or two to read and analyse the question, a day or two to plan out how you will answer the question and so on until you eventually reach the end where all you need to do is proof-read your answer and submit it.

but you hear your phone buzz even writing this article!) and the next hour is spent on Ask questions your phone.

The wonderful thing about If you’re like me, and can’t university is that you won’t have seem to avoid hopping onto a teacher constantly watching Facebook even for a few your every move and nagging minutes, hide your phone for you to keep working. with a family member or put it The downside however, is that away somewhere you know you won’t necessarily run to you may feel like you’re on your own and can’t seem to ask any instantly. questions.

There is a great extension on A lecturer may have 100+ google chrome called ‘Website students to teach in a topic Blocker’ which allows you to set an amount of time you can and unfortunately they won’t block yourself from accessing be able to check up on you certain websites. So if you’re one-on-one during class.

Maintaining a planner is a great way to keep up with important dates, deadlines and special events, so you’re not stuck working on your essay last minute because you forgot the ever tempted to hop onto YouTube or Facebook on your due date! computer, the extension blocks Remove distractions you from accessing those sites!

We’ve all been there – you’re It has definitely helped me trying super hard to finish off stay focused on completing your weekly tutorial questions assignments and readings (and The Jurist

That’s why if you’re the type of person who is used to a teacher constantly checking up on how you’re doing, it is best to start getting used to the habit of asking questions during lectures and tutorials.

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Not quite Legally Blonde

By Kiara Wiese

NEW in Law - even the name had me nervously squirming in my seat. A day of meeting strangers and experiencing a new institution is a terrifying concept for anyone. Except I had promised myself to commit to the university lifestyle, and this event was the chance for me to fulfill that promise. So, like any first-year law student, I signed up.

Luckily, I did happen to know another first year, which meant I didn’t have to explore the jungle of Flinders University alone. We managed to find our way to the Law and Commerce buildings without too much difficulty. Upon our arrival, the ‘Friendly to First Years’ mentors and staff simultaneously led us down into the depths of the lecture hall whilst putting me at ease.

Truth be told, I had steeled myself to be disappointed about the stereotypical law-related sleepless nights and piles of work. Mainly because these expectations were formed from watching Law and Order: SVU and Legally Blonde.

From the ‘New in Law’ program, I soon realised that these preconceived notions were not the reality of law.

This program cemented my belief that I was in the

NEW FRIENDS: First year law students enjoy FLSA’s barbecue at New in Law.

right course. Associate Dean, Tania Leiman, wisely pointed out that, “Every single person… belongs here.”

Through mentor groups, the students that I first viewed as strangers quickly became my friends. We experienced how to work as a team and shared our views on cases.

Two such cases were about an elderly lady slipping on tiles and whether cannibalism in extreme circumstances was a crime.

The second day began very much like the first, except a quarter of an hour earlier. Which meant I was definitely in a panicked state when I arrived later than I had planned and without my The Jurist

friends from the day before!

Luckily, next to every empty seat was a person that I had been introduced to during the first day of New in Law. Although the schedule of the second day was extremely similar to the first, there was one notable difference. It finished with games.

We played Mario Kart, Heads Up, and made wedding dresses out of toilet paper.

New in Law very much stirred my enthusiasm for studying law at Flinders University. I gained new friendships, familiarised myself with my new teachers, and had my perception of law positively changed.

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FIRST Year Edition Welcome to The Jurist’s Jury Duty with Audrey Lian.

Where we ask law students the important questions in life.

1. One place in the world you’d love to travel to 2. If you were a superstar athlete, you’d be in...

3. Your guilty pleasure 4. Fave emoji

1. New York. It looks like a cool place to live

1. Alaska. To meet the friend she’s never met.

1. Italy. For her family, weather and good food

2. Playing soccer for the Celtics

2. Rugby

2. Equestrian or tennis

3. T-Swizzle

3. Pizza

3. Oreos

4.

4.

4.

WHO WOULD WIN A RAP BATTLE BETWEEN JUSTICE KIRBY & JUSTICE DENNING? Here are the FLSA Committee’s thoughts#TeamKirby won 80% of votes #TeamDenning won 20% of votes

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Flinders Law Students’

President: Alex Douvartzidis “It’s rumoured that she may be the real life Beyoncé secretly studying law in order to defeat Kanye in the biggest Legal battle OF ALL TIME. #immaletyoufinishcounsel” I AM now entering into my fourth year studying a combined degree of law and behavioural science (psychology). I’m well known for my obsession with Marilyn Manson, caffeine and watermelon (and I have a tattoo of all three because why

not). I thoroughly enjoy trying to rap like Biggie and laughing at great (or terrible) puns.

Law was my back up plan – I originally had plans to travel

to Sunnydale to become a Vampire Slayer before heading off to Hogwarts (firstly stopping by Mordor for a two week retreat of course).

I can always be found arguing with someone (in the law labs at around 11pm on a Sunday night) about a multitude of topics ranging from football and politics - to what constitutes “real” jazz music.

It also turns out I like to use brackets a lot (I only discovered this after writing this bio).

Vice-president: Philippa Ewens I AM in my final year of a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) degree. I enjoy memes, Mexican food, going to the theatre, online shopping, and red wine.

I wish I had a EU passport, some basic level of coordination, and a bet-

ter grasp of mathematics, but need to be more realistic about my goals.

I’ll be in the FLSA Office Wednesday’s 2-5pm for all of your careers/education/wellbeing/beauty product related questions, so feel free to come holler."

Treasurer: Edward Shorne-Holden NOMINALLY a finalyear student and FLSA Treasurer, my interests include ales, motorcycles and occasionally baking.a Before deciding to study law at Flinders I completed a Bachelor of Arts at The Jurist

Adelaide Uni. I enjoy explaining what is wrong with the world and regard The Wire as part of the Western Cannon.

My legal interests include criminal law and alternative dispute resolution.

I take quiz nights very seriously.

Feel free to ask me anything except what I’m doing with my life.

2009 WHITE DRZ400S for sale. Enquire at the FLSA office.

LAMS approved.

Association 2016 team

Secretary: Ann Thomas I AM a fifth-year law and international studies student.

When I’m not studying I can most likely be found under a pile of blankets marathonning my favourite TV shows.

I highly enjoy watching sci-fi and fantasy shows, however my guilty pleasure is definitely watching terrible 90s rom-coms.

I also enjoy making terrible puns, eating quality burgers and pizza, and tak-

ing care of my collection of cacti and succulents.

If you asked my friends to describe me they’d prob-

ably tell you that I’m super uncoordinated…and they’d be right! There are no limits to the extent of my uncoordinated-ness; one time I tripped over nothing.

My dreams for the future include seeing the northern lights, learning to fly a plane and mastering multiple other languages.

And becoming a lawyer would be pretty nice too!

Competitions Director: Caitlyn Hoey I AM a fourth-year law and international relations student who after four years gets tired of introducing herself by degree. So, to change it up, I am a 21-year-old coffee, hot wings and Harry Potter enthusiast with a tendency to go out

Activities Director: Tom McCourt I AM a fourth-year law and international studies student.

I’m passionate about social justice issues, drug law reform, environmental conservation and red tins.

I have a keen interest in politics, both domestic and international.

You’ll often find me in the hills searching for new hiking trails.

I’m an absolute sucker for live music and this often means that I live on a diet of potatoes and lentils.

I’m probably the funnest person on the committee this year.

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for too many dinners.

I spend a lot of my time at the beach, or watching House of Cards; during semester time however I live in the library.

If I am at none of those places I will be found somewhere with live music.

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Flinders Law Students’

Marketing Director: William Jones

MY name is William, AKA Bill, a second-year law and arts student and the physical manifestation of #treatyoself.

Before I graced Adelaide with my heavenly presence, I resided in a small country town named ‘Roxby Downs’.

My transition from the Jenny Humphries of rural SA, to the Blair Waldorf of Flinders Law was a quick one.

My favourite pastimes in- L plates, and having a quiet clude drinking inhuman cry to myself when walking amounts of coffee, being into tutorials. laughed at for still having my When I’m not at university,

which is a rare occurrence, I’m either at da club, or at home dying of slow MSG poisoning thanks to Mi Goreng noodles.

Let’s get down to real talk.

I’m interested in constitutional and intellectual property law, and hope someday to work at the Crown Solicitor’s Office.

Having met so many quality people and having had some of the best experiences of my life already in my first year of law, I can’t wait for what’s to come next.

Sponsorship Director: Olivia Hanna I’M your average law/arts student, meaning I have a passion for my American studies major but an ego that requires an elite-sounding degree.

My interest in law comes from both a desire to appear intelligent and from wanting an understanding of how legislation is interpreted and applied.

Here are some fun facts about me to satisfy you until you have the pleasure of meeting me: I live for Nescafe Blend 43, avocados, Diet Coke, and other tall people.

I don’t know how to dress casually, and I don’t own jeans.

I enjoy pulling into Carpark Four playing my stellar music choices at an obnoxious

ing for money and free stuff for FLSA. It’s my responsibility to ensure that we have enough money to continue providing the great services we do.

If you ever doubt my passion for all things FLSA, just know that I once vomited during Wellbeing Week from working too hard.

At present, I am in Washington, D.C. interning for a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania, feeling comvolume. pletely in my element and You’ll often find me in the dreading returning to the real law lab at 2am whispering to world. myself about how I love FLSA. Alas, my deep affection As Sponsorship Director, I’ve for FLSA and the Flinders Law put my loud and self-assured School draws me home. I’ll demeanour to the test by ask- see you soon!

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Association 2016 team

IT Officer: Joe Gherzeddine I AM that one crazy student who studies law and engineering. You may be thinking why the combination? In my opinion, as technology becomes a greater demand in our society the law of intellectual property will boom.

I am that type of guy who wants to be the next barrister to advocate for top tech firms like Apple and Samsung.

I am a handy man and I enjoy my time opening and fixing electronics including computers.

I own a small data recovery and computer business where I create custom computers or restore data from any digital device.

I am a foodie; if you wanna know where to get some nice burgers you can come to me.

Publications Editor-in-Chief: Giulia Prosperi-Porta A SECOND and technically second-to-last year of Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry) student, my previous degree was journalism.

I worked in the industry for six years. I loved court reporting and was intrigued by the lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and defendants, hence the career change and keen interest in criminal law.

I find physical exercise ‘fun’, especially lifting heavy things.

I just want to lift heavy things so I can lift even heavier

things. I also thoroughly enjoy everything from a brutal CrossFit WOD and running, to taking my newly-adopted doggies (children) for walks.

My most memorable travel

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moment involved an unfortunate series of events when I lived in the UK. I missed my flight from London to Rome, rocked up to my accommodation to find it boarded up, roamed Rome for a very long time in the dark, by myself, trying to find a hotel to crash at. The next day there was an accident along the train line I was travelling along to Naples.

I then lost my expensive fitness watch while hiking Mount Vesuvius.

I had to laugh.

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Flinders Law Students’

Publications Editor: Jimmy Coffey HAPPY new year everybody!

I’m Jim. I’m currently doing my fourth year of a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice/ Bachelor of Commerce (finance). I’m delighted to have been elected as one of your pubs editors at FLSA this year.

I take the fact that I was the only candidate for the vacancy merely as a measure of how fervently my fellow law students believed I was right for the job.

If you doubt this, you need

When I’m not helping out at FLSA, you’ll usually find me in the library watching videos on YouTube and convincing myself that counts as work because I’m doing it in the library rather than at home on my couch covered in Pringles and tears of shame.

To the new faces, some of whom I’ve already seen around the law school, I say only look at my picture, fea- good luck, have fun and turing law students rejoicing when the time to get serious en masse at the news of my comes, punch those readelection. ings and exams in the face!

Publications Editor: Audrey Lian I AM a second-year Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice / Commerce (Accounting) student.

I enjoy witty writing and puns, so you will probably find some light-hearted pieces written by me in every Jurist issue.

I didn’t initially plan on studying law, but retrospectively I am so glad that I did. I find law fascinating, engaging and ever-changing.

Studying law is difficult and can be full on, but I view it as an exciting challenge.

Plus, it is so much fun dressing up in business attire for law competitions and events.

When not studying or

reading case judgements, you can probably find me indulging in my guilty pleasure of bad reality television (think The Bachelor and Extreme Cheapskates). The other loves of my life are travelling and romantic comedies.

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Careers Officer: Tim Bost I AM about to enter the second year Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). I took a few years off before commencing study and currently work in a small law firm in my spare time.

I’m more than happy to help answer any questions you might have so feel free to say hello and ask

me anything if you see me around campus. I look forward to seeing you at the Careers and Clerkship Evenings throughout the year and good luck in your studies!

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Association 20 1 6 team Publications Editor: Tanella Puccio I AM a fifth year law and international studies student, with a passion for human rights and immigration and refugee law.

I am ever so grateful to Dick Wolf and Joss Whedon for providing me with the greatest loves of my life – Law and Order SVU, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Buffy, Angel and the Marvel cinematic universe. This, as well as spending time with my fiancé and my cat Taya, is what I do when I am not working or reading

which focuses on debunking the fear and prejudice of asylum seekers, through assimilating them into the community.

I have a love for travel, and one day I hope to visit Russia and see the Temple of All Religions; an architectural complex which represents 12 of the world’s major religions.

Although not a functioning religious site, the temple rep100 cases per week.

I also donate my time to resents the type of world I bevolunteering at the Welcome lieve in – one that is inclusive, Centre in Bowden, an initia- diverse and tolerant of all retive of Welcome to Australia ligions.

Wellbeing Officer: Anthony Busuttil MY name Is Anthony Busuttil, although you may hear me being referred to as Buzz.

The most important thing to me is my beard, followed by my Puglier called Georgie.

I am studying a combined degree of Bachelors of Laws and Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Letters (French).

I am a bartender, and master procrastinator. I can cook two-minute noodles in

Education Officer: Max Joy I AM in the third year of a double degree of law and arts.

I’m interested in criminal, corporate and cyber-law. I have my sights set on being a barrister after my degree.

I live for snow-skiing, am

a soccer fan, and enjoy all types of food way too much.

I’d move to New York tomorrow if I could, as it’s my favourite city in the world.

Most of all though, I have a real passion for the law, and really love mooting!

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a minute and 59 seconds, and if that doesn’t impress you, I don’t know what will.

I am addicted to Red Bull, and don’t be shocked if you see me knocking back five cans of the stuff a day.

If you see me around the law school don’t be afraid to come up and introduce yourself. I hope you have a good semester and enjoy your studies.

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Flinders Law Students’

Marketing Officer: Celeste Craggs I AM a third-year law and business (management) student from Alice Springs, who one day hopes to pursue a career in criminal or corporate law.

I have taken on the role of Marketing Officer this year, as I am passionate about getting involved and spreading the word about FLSA and all our events. I am a friendly person who loves socialising and meeting new people, travelling, shopping and eating.

As many of my friends know

I am also a really indecisive person hence my decision to do a combined degree. Deciding to attend law school was a late decision after working at the Law Courts in Alice Springs on my gap year.

But I hope to one day be a successful lawyer and earn lots of money to fund my Lorna Jane addiction.

I’m excited to be involved in FLSA’s events this year and hope to meet many new faces!

Activities Coordinator: Kelly Stephenson For those who do not know me – I am probably the greatest person you will ever meet.

Disclaimer - avoid speaking to people who have actually met me.

I am a fourth year student, studying a combined degree in law and international studies, with a passion for criminal law and American politics.

Recently, I had the fortunate experience of travelling to the US of A to intern in Congress.

This was a dream of mine for three years, and now that it is complete, I will probably join the rest of my law pals in trying to figure out what to do with my life.

Things to know about me – I am a burger and pie con-

noisseur, I enjoy bingeing on all things Netflix-related and I love drinking margaritas.

I am also probably the biggest Harry Potter fan to walk this planet.

If you are determined to The Jurist

challenge my knowledge of the wizarding world, I will destroy you.

I have been described on multiple occasions as a FOMO. For those who don’t know what this is, it means I have a Fear Of Missing Out on absolutely anything! So yes I would love to come to your dad’s 50th birthday, or your first date, and if you don’t invite me I will probably come anyway!

Fortunately, this has allowed me to attend so many events over the years that I have gained a world of experience in learning how best to coordinate activities.

Therefore, as one of your activities coordinators for this year, you can be rest assured that you are in good hands!

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Association 2016 team

Competitions Coordinator: Margaret Cusenza I AM in my third year of a law and psychology double degree.

I am currently on exchange for a semester in the United States. I am really bad at making any type of decision, and I hope that in my next two years of my degree I work out what I I also enjoy athletics and surf want to do with my life.

In between studying and life saving.

My favourite genre of movies sleeping, I like to go shopping.

is rom coms, but I have recently started binge-watching Suits.

My two favourite things are chocolate and RnB songs. I also like pub-crawls and Law Ball, and would highly recommend attending them.

I have competed in FLSA competitions previously, and believe it is a good way to develop practical legal skills and be involved at Law School.

Activities Coordinator: Erin Eustace I’M 19, and I’m a second year law and science student.

I decided at the end of school that since I still had no idea what I wanted to become, a general degree would be a good idea. I applied to a combined degree of a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Science at Flinders, thinking it was a good idea to cover all my bases, being interested in both science/maths and

English/arts.

I was given a puppy for my 18th birthday at the beginning of last year and he is extremely intelligent and my world. My life mainly revolves

around training him, studying, friends and singing.

I have started up the Flinders University Choral Society, and am the president of that this year. I have been in a choir or vocal ensemble for the past 11 years.

I also enjoy travelling. I’ve been all around Asia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and I plan to backpack across Europe sometime soon.

Activities Coordinator: Adam Hamilton I AM currently enrolled in my second year of a law and legal practice (hons) degree, combined with a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship).

I have recently combined a Bachelor of Letters (Chinese).

Outside of university I spend a lot of time cleaning and ing all my money on my car, I modifying my car, legally of like to travel. Recently I have course! When I’m not spend- been to Indonesia on a law The Jurist

school study tour which was one of the biggest learning experiences of my life.

Another non-legal interest of mine is playing sport - I have played soccer, tennis and NFL (i.e. American Football).

I am hoping to add boxing to that mixture in the near future as this is something Harvey Specter does and Suits is life.

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35

READY TO STUDY: Julia Wellner, Kathy Nguyen and Jessica Lena with their freebies they received at New in Law.

A whole new world

definitely a highlight for me over the two days. I was able to encounter a diverse range of people, from recent school leavers to mature age students embarking on their third or fourth tertiary degree. Despite these differences, everyone Scattered throughout the was welcoming, friendly, and program were numerous exhibited a clear passion for breakout sessions with our law and justice. assigned mentors.

I really had no idea what These gatherings featured to expect from the program several ‘break the ice’ games at first. But I founded new and mini debates about issues friendships, gained a better of facts arising from real life understanding of the law court cases. Many confronting curriculum and talked to and contentious issues were continuing law students about dealt with including IVF, murder, the exciting journey ahead. and cannibalism. It provoked I look forward to a future of interesting and constructive lifelong friendships, excessive discussion within our groups, caffeine consumption, long which made it one of the best nights, campus rivalry with parts of the program. fellow Adelaide law students, Meeting and interacting with and the experience of a other first year students was lifetime.

a former Supreme Court Judge,topic coordinators, and I RECENTLY had the pleasure lecturers. of attending the New in Law The first guest speaker who orientation session at Flinders spoke about her experiences University. with interviewing detained Being a first -year student and refugees especially moved me.

By Ben Krieg

fresh from high school, I was nervous and excited about my new life ahead.

From a young age, I have been interested in the legal and social structures of Australia and other countries. As I undertook Legal Studies throughout my schooling career, it cemented my desire to apply to study law at university. My aim throughout the degree is to assist underprivileged people in gaining better access to a legal system that too-often favours the rich and well-connected.

Over the two days I heard from a range of presenters: including

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‘‘

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Start making the transition from student to future employee by attending a WorkReady Drop-in to secure a workexperience/volunteer placement

Ready for work

By Laura Ward, WorkReady and Industry Liaison Officer, Careers and Employer Liaison Centre, Flinders University What is WorkReady?

THE WorkReady Internship Program assists currently-enrolled students who wish to undertake work experience to apply knowledge gained through academic studies and to develop employability skills.

To participate in WorkReady, students must obtain insurance from the University.

Only currently-enrolled students can obtain insurance cover for work-experience placements through the WorkReady Internship Program.

Students no longer enrolled can only gain experience

through volunteering opportunities.

WorkReady Internship Program placements are unpaid and are not vocational placements that come under the exemption of the Fair Work Act 2009.

For a WorkReady placement to be lawful the host organisation needs to ensure that work experience participants are not entitled to be paid, and must not contribute to the commercial viability of the organisation.

Further details about this area provided in the Fair Work Ombudsman’s ‘Unpaid Work Fact Sheet’ which can be downloaded at: www.fairwork.gov. au/ArticleDocuments/723/ Unpaid-work.pdf.aspx.

Participation in a work exThe Jurist

perience placement can be secured in two ways: by browsing through the currently available work-experience opportunities or by approaching organisations directly to source a placement.

The WorkReady Officers at the university can assist in identifying organisations and by providing support in the students’ initial contact with organisations.

Students benefit from a WorkReady placement by gaining valuable experience, developing employability skills and building networks at the host organisation.

Students will be able to reflect the experience in their résumé and in addressing selection criteria in employment applications.

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Ready for work Some of the currently relevant legal opportunities available include: • Pro Bono - Legal

Student Assistant • Caseworker Assistant • Community Media tion • Community Advisory Service • Community Grant Writer • E-Volunteers Pro-Bono To get involved in the WorkReady Internship Program, simply: 1. Enrol in the Careers Centre topic on FLO (enrolment instruction available at http://www.flinders. edu.au/careers/students/) 2. Select the ‘Get Experience’ button and register for the WorkReady Internship Program 3. View advertised placements under the ‘find an advertised placement’ heading. Note the reference numbers (e.g.

WRVAC111) for opportunities of interest.

4. Attend a WorkReady Drop-In (with the reference numbers you have noted).

The WorkReady Officer will provide further details on the placement and appli-

cation process.

You will also receive assistance should you wish to source your own placement.

Volunteering opportunities are available to both current students and graduates. Some of the volunteer organisations that may be relevant to law students include: ● WestSide Lawyers

(Hindmarsh); ● Women’s Legal Ser vice ● JusticeNet • Australian Refugee Association • Young Worker’s Legal Service • Aboriginal Legal rights Movement • Victim Support Ser vice • Amnesty International SA/NT To view currently listed volunteering opportunities students can refer to the Volunteering link by selecting the ‘Get Experience’ button in the Careers Centre FLO site.

Follow the application instructions to apply directly to the Volunteer Organisation.

For volunteering opportunities there is no need to attend a WorkReady drop-in session.

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Students need to register as a volunteer with the organisation to obtain their volunteer insurance.

Time commitment requirements for work experience/volunteering opportunities vary for each placement.

As a general guide students volunteer one day per week during semester or one to two weeks full-time during university breaks.

Feedback from students indicates a boost in confidence after a work experience or volunteering placement.

They have made new contacts in the industry, undertaken new tasks and learnt new skills.

Start making your transition from student to future employee by attending a WorkReady Drop-in to secure a work-experience/ volunteer placement.

Details for the Drop-in sessions are available on the Careers Centre FLO site, ‘Get Experience’ button – WorkReady Internship Program page.

If you are unable to attend at the times indicated or have any questions, please contact us on 8201 2832 or workready@flinders. edu.au.