Introduction to Deakin Law

DLSS

2026

INTRODUCTION TO DEAKIN LAW A Complete Guide to Law School for First Year and JD Students

FORWARD This publication is provided free of charge from the Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) on the understanding that the editors, all contributors, and any other persons related to this publication are not responsible for the actions of the readers based on the information, errors or omissions in the publication. The views given in the publication do not necessarily represent the views of the editors, DLSS, or Deakin Law School.

This publication is subject to Copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act; no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronically or otherwise) be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any person without special written consent of the Deakin Law Students’ Society.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the DLSS is founded, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We recognise their continued connection to the land and waters. We pay our respects to Wurundjeri Elders past and present and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders and people from other communities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Design & Editor: Editor-in-Chief:

Grace Rooney Diya Matthew

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CONTENTS President’s Welcome Introducing the DLSS Join the DLSS! Competitions AGLC-4 Writing Workshop College of Law Travelling to Deakin Navigating Your Campus Law Institute Victoria Study Resources Useful Apps Assignment Tips Exam Strategies Health and Wellbeing Centre for Legal Studies Legal Experience Careers Corporate Wear Leo Cussen Admission to Practice Your Guide to Success DLSS Events What I Wish I’d Known

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Samantha Pauliuk President of the Deakin Law Students’ Society Welcome to Deakin Law, and to the very beginning of your law school journey.

Beginning a law degree is a remarkable achievement, and while the road ahead may feel daunting, it is also filled with opportunity, growth, and connection. You are about to develop new ways of thinking, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and become part of a community that will support and challenge you in equal measure. The Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) is here to walk alongside you from day one - to advocate for you, support you, and help you make the most of your time at Deakin. This Guide is one of the many ways we welcome you into that community.

Starting university - particularly straight out of secondary school - can feel like being dropped into an entirely new world. New classes, new expectations, new people, and a new way of learning can be overwhelming at first. Law school is unlike anything you may have studied before; it asks you to think critically, question assumptions, and engage deeply with complex ideas. It is normal to feel uncertain as you adjust to this shift. Everyone around you is learning how to navigate it too, even if it doesn’t always look that way.

For our JD students, your journey is equally, if not more, demanding. Through my time with the DLSS, I have had the privilege of working closely with many JD students and seeing firsthand the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to balance intensive study with work, family, and other responsibilities. While your pathway may look different, the challenges are just as real, and your place within the Deakin Law community is just as valued.

The Deakin Law Students’ Society exists to represent, support, and empower all Deakin law students from their very first trimester. As a student-run organisation, we understand the realities of starting law school because we have lived them ourselves.

Whether through guides like this, skills and careers initiatives, competitions, wellbeing programs, or social events, the DLSS is here to ensure you feel informed, supported, and connected. You never have to navigate law school on your own.

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Your first year will have highs and lows - moments of confidence and moments of doubt. There will be times when things click, and times when they don’t. That is part of the process. It is important to look after yourself along the way. Prioritise sleep, it does more for your learning and wellbeing than you might expect. Make space for quiet time and activities that allow you to switch off, whether that is sport, music, reading, or a hobby you are yet to discover. You may need to try many things before you find what works for you, and that is completely okay.

You may make close friends early on, or it may take time. Either experience is normal.

Over the course of your degree, you will meet people from countless walks of life, each bringing different perspectives and strengths. Law school is not a competition, it is a community. Supporting one another, sharing experiences, and learning together will shape your journey in ways far beyond academic results.

This Guide has been designed as your go-to resource for navigating your first year and beyond. It brings together essential information, practical guidance, and reassurance to help you manage your studies and adjust to law school life. Return to it when you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or simply need a reminder that what you are experiencing is part of the journey.

I, myself, am continually inspired by the resilience and determination of students starting their law journey. Developing strong habits, foundational skills, and a sense of belonging early on will shape not only your academic success, but your confidence throughout your degree.

I encourage you to approach your first year with curiosity, kindness toward yourself, and openness to community. Take things one step at a time. You will get through the challenges, you will grow more than you expect, and you do not have to navigate this alone. Most importantly, take the time to truly enjoy this experience - whether it be finding the best coffee spot on campus, attending some of our DLSS events (such as our First Year Law Camp and Skills Session!), or simply rewarding yourself after submitting an assignment.

On behalf of the DLSS, welcome to Deakin Law. We can't wait to work alongside you, from your very first class to your final graduation.

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INTRODUCING THE DLSS The Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) is a student-run organisation, operating on behalf of all Deakin University Law Students. The DLSS is one of Deakin’s biggest and longest-standing societies, with the primary goal of maximising the university experience for all law students.

The DLSS consists of eleven portfolios, and runs various activities, events and competitions to help law students enjoy their university experience beyond academics. University is more than just studying, and the DLSS is here to help you enjoy your time at university.

It is our hope that you can make the most out of your experience in Law School and make long-lasting memories and friendships you can take with you beyond the completion of your degree.

You can find us at deakinlss.org, or Deakin Law Students’ Society (DLSS) on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Linkedin.

Becoming a DLSS Member A Deakin Law Students’ Society membership costs just $10 per year and can be renewed annually.

Being a DLSS member comes with great benefits!

Discounted tickets for DLSS events; Our new careers page which has exclusive member-only access to external opportunities to further your legal career An exclusive DLSS email subscription keeping you updated on upcoming events, legal networking opportunities, and helpful career resources; Valuable advice for acing your law exams; Voting rights at the DLSS Annual General Meeting; and Much, much more!

The Memo Curious about the people and portfolios that make up the DLSS committee for 2026? Find our publication ‘The Memo’ on the DLSS website by scanning the QR code on this page!

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JOIN THE DLSS! First Year Representatives Every year, the DLSS appoints two law students for the position of First Year Representatives. This role involves advocating for your fellow First Year students and organising events for your year level while reporting to the DLSS Vice President, Ava Conway. This position is open to all first year law students, with the two representatives to be chosen by their cohort during the first trimester.

Follow our socials to stay informed on when and how to apply!

Juris Doctor Representative The Juris Doctor Representative is responsible for advocating for all JD students, addressing any questions or concerns, and also organising events to help students connect and decrease stress. Along with the First Year Representatives, the JD Representative reports to the DLSS Vice President to ensure their cohort feels supported and confident in their legal studies.

Follow our socials to stay informed on when and how to apply!

Joining a Portfolio Joining one of the DLSS portfolios is an excellent way to become more involved in the DLSS and its opportunities! Being a committee member provides an opportunity to personally contribute to all of the events, publications, competitions, and other activities arranged by the DLSS, and also to participate in many valuable networking events and make long-lasting friendships.

Portfolio applications open towards the end of each year, so stay updated on the applications process via our social media pages!

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COMPETITIONS Junior Moot Junior Moot is a fantastic way for First Year students to become involved in DLSS competitions!

This competition is open to both first and second year students and focuses on Contract Law. Mooting is designed to develop your advocacy skills, but also to test and hone your legal interpretation and application skills in a practical session.

However, even if competing isn’t something that interests you, attending the Junior Moot Grand Final held at Clayton Utz is a great introduction to DLSS competitions and networking!

Client Interview Another competition highly recommended for First Year students is Client Interview.

This competition needs minimal preparation and does not involve competing against another team or answering questions from the bench.

It simply requires your team to gather as much key information as you can from the client within the allotted time while the judge observes!

The DLSS Competitions Portfolio also runs a number of other competitions throughout the year which are open to all students, including the Bail Application and Witness Examination competitions.

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AGLC-4 WRITING WORKSHOP AGLC-4 Writing Workshop If there's one thing you'll definitely use in every law unit, it's referencing in the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC-4) style.

While all of the referencing rules might feel never-ending, especially just before an assessment due date, we've got you covered.

Our AGLC-4 and Legal Writing Workshop is designed to help you grasp the complexities of proper AGLC-4 legal citation and set you up for referencing success.

Follow our social media pages for updates on when the workshop will be held.

So Much More!

This guide might seem like a lot to take in, but don’t stress!

The DLSS hosts some highly anticipated events throughout the year to help you relax.

Check out the DLSS events page at the end of this guide to learn about how you can get involved, meet new people, and take a break from all of the exam stress.

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TRAVELLING TO DEAKIN Public Transport Trains Box Hill Station (Lilydale and Belgrave Lines) Burwood Station (Alamein Line) Jordanville Station (Glen Waverley Line)

Buses Bus 201- Box Hill to Deakin University (this runs every 20 minutes from Box Hill Station) Bus 281- Templestowe to Deakin University Bus 732- Box Hill to Upper Ferntree Gully Bus 767- Southland Shopping Centre to Box Hill Bus 903 - Altona to Mordialloc

Trams

75 Tram- City to Vermont (Stop 63)

Concession Card If you are a full-time student (enrolled in three or more units), you are eligible for a Concession Myki, offering a 50% discounted fare on public transport.

Simply fill out the online application form and visit a train station service desk to obtain your Concession ID. Make sure to carry this ID whenever using your Concession Myki on PTV to avoid fines!

Campus Parking Parking is available on campus at multiple locations, including the multi-level car park off Elgar Road and another multi-level car park off Holland Avenue.

Parking on campus is managed through the app ‘OPark’, with an hourly parking rate of $1.6 that is capped at a maximum of $6.4 per day. Don’t forget to start your OPark before leaving your car to avoid a parking fine!

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NAVIGATING YOUR CAMPUS Room Numbers It can be quite confusing to fully understand the campus room numbers!

Here’s an example: LC2.105= • Building LC • Floor 2 • Room 105

Printing and Wifi Printing on campus is easier than you might think! There are many printers scattered around campus, including in building LC and the Library.

You can also download software to print at Deakin from your own device! Deakin also has a wifi connection accessible oncampus for student use. For more information on both printing and campus wifi, visit the QR code here:

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STUDY RESOURCES Textbooks Nearly all of your units at Deakin will have either a prescribed or recommended textbook. To find your textbooks, simply visit the Deakin Library online ‘Find textbooks’ page, which can be found through the QR code here. Then, simply input your unit code and the prescribed and recommended textbooks for the unit will appear.

Tip: Avoid rushing to buy expensive textbooks before the trimester begins, as many textbooks are available to borrow for free from the Deakin Library. However, as there are limited copies of each book, be mindful that textbooks are often in high demand during exam periods, so it’s a good idea to check availability early if you are going to rely on library copies.

University Handbooks Every course at Deakin has a University Handbook that outlines the core and elective units for your course and, most importantly, your course rules! Here, you can also find your course map, which shows your units by each trimester of your degree.

If you are ever unsure about your units or the course rules, Student Central can assist you by providing you with information and helping you to adjust or complete your course map.

You can find your university handbook through the QR code here.

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Deakin Skills Resources & Planner Unistart is a forum of resources that is located online on Cloud Deakin or DeakinSync (this is also where to find your unit pages). Here you can discover welcome information, learning modules, discussion boards, checklists, general unit information, assessment tips and upcoming orientation sessions.

Deakin has also made workload, study, and assessment planners available for students to help make organising university easier for you! You can check them out by scanning this QR code:

DLSS Skills Guide The DLSS Skills Guide is your go-to resource for mastering the fundamental skills you need to succeed at law school! You can find everything you need to support your studies in this comprehensive guide, including legal research tips and referencing strategies, and numerous academic and professional resources for students.

Whether you're looking to hone your legal writing, work on your analytical skills, or learn to easily navigate common legal databases, our Skills Guide has you covered.

Scan the QR code here to access the entire guide and upgrade your legal skills!

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STUDY RESOURCES Library The Deakin library website is a great resource that gives you access to books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and many other useful documents which can be helpful when completing your studies.

You’ll also be able to discover useful resource guides that can help you improve your research, referencing and study skills, by following the ‘resource guides’ tab on the library home page.

You can also reserve booths and study spaces in the library through the library website if you’re looking for a quiet place to study or have group assignments you need to complete.

Begin browsing through the QR code below!

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Note-taking Law school often means a huge pile of notes by the end of each unit, and it's vital that your notes are clear and reliable for you to use when you've got tricky assignments and exams.

Using Word’s heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) allows you to create an inbuilt table of contents, making it simple to navigate within your notes with hyperlinks, so you can skip straight to the sections you need without spending time searching.

For case law, you might consider using a table on Word to efficiently organise information into an IRAC format, including the case name, citation, and key points, to make it simpler for you to review and reference cases during studying.

Tip: Colour-coding your notes can be a gamechanger! You may want to allocate one colour for case law, another for legislation, and maybe a third for other key materials or important commentary.

Business and Law Peer Mentors The Law Peer Mentorship program is another great resource to help ensure you have a smooth transition into Deakin Law. This program matches you with experienced law students who will be there to assist you in your journey during your first year. Your program mentor is not your tutor, however, so they can only provide you with information on how to study, and cannot help you with the unit content itself.

This program involves the opportunity for you to have weekly meetings with your mentor and a small group of new students to get study support, meet new people, and ask questions to help you become familiar with university life.

This mentoring program runs every trimester during weeks one to five, both on-campus and online. It is open to all business and law students, and is a fun and easy way to start your journey at Deakin!

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STUDY RESOURCES Other Resources Law Institute of Victoria The LIV have a library where you can access journal articles that can assist you in your studies.

StudentVIP StudentVIP is a website where students can access cheap textbooks, notes, and helpful tutors once signing up for a free membership! Just ensure you are aware of your student obligations under the current Deakin Academic Integrity policy, so you don’t accidentally engage in any academic misconduct.

Judicial College of Victoria The resources page on the Judicial College of Victoria website is great for overviews of legal principles, processes and laws, as well as interesting discussions on different areas of law to get you thinking!

Exam Revision Sessions The DLSS organise exam revision sessions each trimester for certain law units. Be sure to follow us on social media to find out the dates and which units will have revision sessions each trimester!

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USEFUL APPS Lost on Campus ‘Lost on Campus’ is an app that helps direct you to any building or room number on campus! It can also help you find bathrooms, food places, bars, university services, parking, labs, sport facilities and study spaces on campus.

Fun fact: LT means ‘Lecture Theatre’ and is not a building name. If you need directions on finding a Lecture Theatre, on the ‘Lost On Campus’ app, click on the category labelled 'Lecture Theatres' and select the one you need.

Safezone ‘SafeZone’ is a free app that connects you with security services 24/7. You can send your name and location to security in an emergency, ask for assistance or first aid, request for security to escort you, receive important updates and more!

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ASSIGNMENT TIPS UNDERSTAND THE CONTENT Attend lectures and seminars and ask questions. Make sure you take note on how lecturers answer questions or how they want you to approach questions, and attempt to replicate this in your assessments. Completing the seminar questions is another good way to practise answering the style of questions you may face in an assessment or exam.

MAKE A PLAN Don’t wait until the due date to complete your assignments!

Producing a good piece of legal writing takes both time and drafting. Plan to start your assessments as early as possible ahead of the due date and take it step-by-step to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

IRAC: ISSUE, RULE, APPLICATION, CONCLUSION. The IRAC format is a requirement for almost all law assessments and tasks throughout your degree. Make sure you can understand and utilise this format well in your writing. Practising writing in IRAC is a great way to set yourself up for legal writing success!

REFERENCING Make sure you reference while you work on your assessment. Leaving it to the end can make it complicated and risk mixing up your references. Marks for referencing in assessments can either be easy to achieve or can result in a worse mark than expected if referencing isn’t done correctly. Referencing in law assessments requires the use of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation Fourth edition (AGLC-4) referencing style, so familiarise yourself with those rules and keep a copy of the AGLC-4 close by when working on assessments!

To download a free copy of the AGLC-4 scan the QR Code here: All of the referencing rules can feel overwhelming, especially when you're ready to submit your assessment, but don’t stress. Join our AGLC-4 and Legal Writing Workshop, where we guide you through key citation rules and help you enhance your referencing skills for the future.

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EXAM STRATEGIES PRACTICE QUESTIONS & EXAMS For exam success, the most important tip of all is to work through all of the practice exams and questions that are available. Ensure you know how you would approach general questions from a range of topics that you may face, and prepare question structures so you can review them during the exam.

TIME YOURSELF As law students, the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), requires you to complete your core 11 law unit exams (the ‘Priestly 11 Units’) under supervised, timed conditions. Before your exam date, read your exam instructions to find out your time constraints and mark allocations. Determine how long you should allocate to each question and stick to that time limit to avoid running out of time to finish the exam. Time yourself when completing practice exams to get a sense of how you should approach your exam on the day.

KNOW YOUR NOTES Although heavily detailed notes may help you during the trimester with assessments, concise and readily accessible notes are crucial for exams. Make sure you know the layout of topics covered in your notes and where to find the specific legal principles, cases and legislation you will need to mention in the exam.

REVISION SESSIONS Revision lectures and DLSS Revision Sessions are packed full of helpful tips about undertaking exams and end-of-unit assessments.

It is just as important to know how to answer an exam question succinctly and accurately as it is to understand the unit content to ensure you achieve the highest marks possible.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING University can be difficult and overwhelming. The most important thing to know is that you are not alone and help is always available to you.

No matter what issues you are going through, Deakin has many support systems available to help, so please make the most of them!

Here are some general tips that may help you take care of your wellbeing needs:

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE BOOKS

Take time away from studying and assessments, and do something for yourself! Go for a walk, go to the gym, catch up with friends or do an activity you enjoy. Taking a break will help you feel refreshed and avoid burn out.

BALANCE LIFE OUTSIDE OF UNIVERSITY Ensure you focus on your life outside of university as well as your studies.

Staying active, maintaining your social life and taking time for yourself are all important aspects of taking care of your mental health. Participate in a sport, music, acting, etc. as a healthy break from studying.

As well as allocating time for classes, studying and assessments in your calendar, make sure you leave space for ‘me-time’! This will ensure you’re spending time relaxing so you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing your life for studying.

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DEAKIN’S WELLBEING SERVICES Deakin’s Law Building (Building LC) is home to a Wellbeing Centre. This includes a psychologist and physiotherapy services, and provides students with access to doctors, vaccinations and medical certificates. Deakin also has gym facilities you can access to stay on top of your fitness needs.

STAYING HEALTHY Simple things like getting enough sleep nightly, keeping physically active and prioritising eating healthy can make a world of difference to your mental and physical wellbeing. Sleep is especially important for your brain, so make it a priority!

SEE FRIENDS OFTEN It can be tough to get through university alone, so make sure you have people you trust in your corner. Speaking to friends, family and other trusted people in your life can help make sure your mental, social and emotional wellbeing is as healthy as possible.

For more wellbeing resources, check out the DLSS Wellbeing page through the QR code here:

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LEGAL EXPERIENCE Networking During Law School, networking provides an opportunity for you to meet legal professionals and develop professional connections. It’s a good idea to create a LinkedIn profile and use it throughout your degree and career to keep in contact with professional connections who can assist you during university and in your future.

Contact firms on LinkedIn, introduce yourself, ask questions and offer to buy individuals a coffee to talk about their work and your interests.

The DLSS hosts a career-ready workshop where we cover key skills like creating your Linkedin, networking and what corporate wear looks like. Keep an eye on our socials for more details on when this will happen.

The DLSS also hosts events throughout the year including ‘Meet the Professionals’, where you have the opportunity to connect socially and learn from people who are already in the legal field. Stay updated on when these events are held via the DLSS website and social media pages.

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Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to gain both improved legal skills and practical experience. Community Legal Centres rely on volunteer contributions and are often looking for law students.

Check out the websites of your local CLC’s for volunteering positions and offer to become a general volunteer, which can strengthen your skills for future employment while making a positive difference in your community!

WIL Units Every student must undertake at least one ‘WIL’ unit during their law degree.

Students in these units take on ‘Work Integrated Learning’, where they work under legal professionals and become an active member of the legal field.

WIL units allow students to have the opportunity to work with law firms, Community Legal Centres or Research Assistants to get a taste of real-world legal work while still at university.

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CAREERS You may know exactly what you want to do with your law degree after your graduation. However, to those who are not sure, or are questioning which pathway you want to take after university, you are not alone!

Whether you are simply curious or want to learn more about potential careers that may interest you, there are many resources available to you.

Deakin Talent Deakin Talent is a wonderful careers and employment service for Deakin students during their degrees and beyond.

On the Deakin Talent website you can discover amazing resources like resume and cover letter templates and writing guides, online workshops and development programs, as well as job and internship position boards so you can keep up-to-date on opportunities available to you.

DLSS Commercial Careers Portfolio The DLSS’ Commercial Careers portfolio hosts a wide range of events throughout the year to provide information and opportunities to law students interested in pursuing a career in commercial law.

Keep an eye out on our website and social pages for events including panels with professionals, information sessions, career fairs and ‘Meet the Professionals’.

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DLSS Industry Careers Portfolio The DLSS’ Industry Careers portfolio aims to give students opportunities to learn about the legal fields outside of Commercial Law. If you are interested in other areas of law such as Criminal, Family, Sports or Personal Injury Law, keep up with the DLSS socials during the year for information about relevant events!

Law Institute Victoria The LIV offers students access to a collection of helpful legal career resources including job boards, newsletters and information about various legal careers. To access those great resources, you can join the LIV for free!

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CORPORATE WEAR Often, first year law students have never stepped foot into a law firm before. It can be daunting trying to determine what is appropriate to wear and what is classified as formal enough for certain legal workplaces. We’re here to help!

Smart Casual This refers to a type of clothing that is between jeans and a suit.

This can include button-down shirts without ties, blouses, neat pants and mid-length skirts.

Brighter colours, simple patterns and bolder jewellery are also allowed.

Shoes are usually dark-coloured and must be somewhat professional.

Business Casual This is the mid-point between smart-casual and formal corporate clothing.

Shirts should be neutral coloured and present neatly.

Jumpers and blouses should also be kept neat and clean. Chinos, trousers, and mid-length skirts can all still be worn.

Shoes must be workplace appropriate and professional-looking.

Jeans are generally off-limits.

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Corporate Wear This is appropriate for highly professional workplaces and going to Court.

For women, a suit, a light-coloured shirt or blouse, blazer, knee-length skirt, pants and closed-toe dress shoes are appropriate.

For men, suits with light-coloured shirts, ties, belts and dress shoes are suitable.

Finding Corporate Clothing You can find smart and business casual clothing at shops such as Target, Kmart or Big W. You can also find clothes online for cheaper, however, for corporate wear, you might have to spend a little more money.

You can always check out op-shops, or places such as Forever New or Portmans. Department stores such as David Jones, Myer, Gazman etc. can often also be good places to look!

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ADMISSION TO PRACTICE Sadly, you don’t become a lawyer immediately once you graduate with your LLB or JD. Law graduates must be ‘admitted’ to the Supreme Court Roll before entering the profession as a lawyer. You will learn more about the admissions process during your studies, however, here is a brief overview:

LLB OR JD The first step to being admitted to practice is to finish your Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctorate.

Whilst completing these, you will undertake 11 units known as the ‘Priestley 11’. The Priestly 11 units are the same across all universities and courses in Australia, and must all be passed in order to become a lawyer. You will also need to study a number of law electives of your choice to finish your degree.

COMPLETION OF PLT PLT stands for Practical Legal Training. After you graduate with your LLB or JD, this is the next step before you can be admitted to legal practice. PLT requirements can be satisfied through a traineeship with a legal firm, Public System or Community Legal Centre, or through a specialist institute such as ACAP, Leo Cussen or the College of Law.

GAIN ADMISSION The last step is to apply to gain admission to practice. You will be admitted to practice by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). They require you to provide evidence that you are a ‘fit and proper’ person suitable for admission to the legal profession. For this, you must disclose any past conduct that might make you considered unfit for practice, including any criminal history, driving fines, Myki fines and parking tickets.

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YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS STEP ONE - ORGANISE AND BREATHE The first step is all about preparation in order to set yourself up for success. Take time to absorb everything, plan out your trimester, determine your units, and get organised. Establish which study methods work best for you, make a timetable and ensure you’re comfortable with your workload. Remember to breathe: a law degree is a marathon, not a sprint!

STEP TWO - ENGAGE WITH DEAKIN OPPORTUNITIES Deakin has so many great opportunities on offer, so make sure you take full advantage of them. Join clubs, like the DLSS! It’s a great way to meet people, stay informed, and access a range of helpful student resources.

Attend networking events to further expand your professional connections, you never know when a new opportunity might appear!

STEP THREE - EXPLORE JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS IN LAW Gain legal experience early by exploring job and internship positions through Deakin Talent. While the completion of a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit is required for all Deakin law students, undertaking additional legal experience during your university years will help you stand out and also develop essential skills for practice. It's never too early to work on building your career!

STEP 4: PREPARE FOR CLERKSHIPS Clerkships are an important step in your legal career journey. The DLSS hosts clerkship preparation sessions each year prepared to set you up for clerkship success. Be sure to attend these workshops, as they provide useful insights and advice for navigating the clerkship application process and excelling in interviews.

STEP 5: APPLY FOR YOUR PLT Once you're reaching the end of your degree, it’s time to start considering your Practical Legal Training (PLT). Typically, PLT programs take 10-12 weeks to finish, and there are several different PLT programs available for you to attend. Completing PLT will give you the last practical skills required to begin your legal career with confidence.

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DLSS EVENTS At the DLSS, we believe it is just as important to build connections and have fun as it is to hit the books. Throughout the university year, we host a range of social events to help you relax, meet new people, and create lasting memories. From casual nights out to iconic annual traditions, there’s an event for everyone.

Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated DLSS events to keep on your radar this year!

Bar Hop The best opportunity to meet new people before the year starts is during the first DLSS social event of the year, our annual Bar Hop! This year our theme is Colour Run, so come decked out in either red, green or blue and get ready to connect with your fellow students before starting the Uni Year. Locations are revealed the day before the event & tickets, which are available to purchase on our website, will Date: 27th February 2026 sell fast, so get yours quick!

First Year Law Camp Our iconic First Year Law Camp is a great way to bond with your cohort and make friends with your fellow first years.

In your first year, FYLC is an absolute must for countless reasons! An all-expenses included weekend away with an itinerary full of fun activities, the FYLC is a fan favourite to relax, have fun, and escape the busy city. You’ll meet lots of DLSS Committee members, and make sure you’re prepared to get competitive!

Date: 17th-19th April 2026

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Law Ball The DLSS Law Ball is the most highly anticipated and biggest evening of the year! Dress to the nines, and dance the night away.

Your all-inclusive ticket promises a wonderful night of indulgence, with a delicious two-course meal prepared by Crown’s world-class chefs.

No good meal is complete without the perfect pairing, so enjoy flowing champagne, wine, or beer all night.

Date: 2nd September 2026

*Stay tuned on our socials for more details and ticket information!

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WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN Starting law school is a massive leap, and we all wish we had a heads-up on certain things before jumping in the deep end. Your DLSS Directors have come together to share their personal reflections and advice on what they wish they'd known at the start of their law degree.

Whether it’s study advice, managing the workload, or finding balance, we hope their experiences can help you feel more prepared as you begin to embark on your own legal path.

Your results do not define you! Law school study and assignments are so different to what you have experienced before and it is okay if you do not get HDs, Ds (and even Cs!) straight away. Take time, pace yourself, and know you will still come out of this experience the best version of yourself, if you give everything your absolute best effort. Be proud of yourself and you will make it through!

Sami Pauliuk, President A brain break takes you so, so far!

Law content can be incredibly confusing so when you can seem to grasp it, going for a walk, a coffee with a friend or even 5 mins of doomscrolling (you better stop after 5mins!!!) really does help to regulate your state of mind and to see things from a different angle.

Whether it be an assignment or an exam you must prioritise your wellbeing and the results will definitely show!

Priyanka Sharma, Treasurer

Starting law school can feel overwhelming, so be sure to take time at the beginning of each trimester to plan!! Use a planner or digital calendar to track classes, deadlines and commitments early - it will make your life so much easier! Break tasks into manageable steps and start assignments sooner than you think you need to. However, more importantly schedule time to rest!!

Taking regular breaks isn’t laziness, it helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused, motivated and at your best!

Ava Conway, Vice President

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Spending the time to make your notes before your lectures and seminars can make such a difference! Keep them concise, colour coded and clearly subhead each topic so they’re ready to use for exams. Staying organised early makes it much easier to balance study, going out, and not feeling like you’re constantly trying to catch up!

Rebecca Austin, Director of Sponsorship

Doing a little bit of study each day really does add up! Try to build good habits early and make friends who keep you accountable (and make classes more fun).

Showing up, staying engaged, and getting involved can make such a difference to your confidence and your overall uni experience!

Diya Matthew, Director of Communications

Start all of your assignments at least two weeks before the due date. Even if you just create a plan or jot down ideas or cases you think might be relevant.

That way, you won’t be rushed to complete things and can take your time to understand the concepts you're writing about!

Amy Schulz, Director of Activities

Being confused is normal and not a sign you don’t belong. Law school rewards consistency more than anything else; show up prepared, outline what you need to work on early, and ask questions. Also, relationships matter; classmates, professors, and mentors will shape your experience as much as grades. Ultimately, what you put in is what you get out of it.

Joshua Millar, Director of Social Justice and Equity

Find a routine that works best for you and stick to it! Even if you don’t feel like doing a big study session, just reading over your notes or talking the content through with a friend goes further than you think!

Alice Dunne, Director of Competitions

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WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN Having a calendar will be your best friend! It’s super easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be completed in such a short timeframe. Planning out your weeks to ensure you make the most of the time you have can help ensure that you stay on top of your uni work and don’t fall behind!!

Alice Hillyer, Director of Education

While showing up to classes and taking notes is important, what matters even more is that your notes are actually usable during exams. It’s essential to take notes in a way that you understand, and this can look different for everyone. Try experimenting with different note-taking layouts and strategies to find what works best for you!

Fatima Ibrahimi, Director of Commercial Careers

Law school is a learning curve for everyone! You may show up to your first class and it seems as though everyone else (especially the loudest person in the room) knows it all - they don’t (no one does)! These skills and knowledge are something you build over time, and are not expected to be mastered on your first day! Don’t forget to ask questions, start work early and ultimately that learning and progress matter more than perfection!

Georgia Ward, Director of Industry Careers

Be consistent, keep it simple and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. The jump from high school to uni is already massive, so try and keep the same systems and routines that you know have worked in the past, and carry them on into your uni life. These could be things such as your morning routine, calendar, note taking etc.

Luke Dimopoulos, Director of Sponsorship

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As you start your law school journey, please understand that each challenge you’ll encounter along the way is a valuable opportunity for developing both professionally and personally.

Embrace and reflect on these challenges as stepping stones on your path toward your goals.

Make sure to prioritise self-care and be patient with yourself throughout this demanding time. Remember that your peers and the DLSS are there to support and guide you. Don't hesitate to reach out to them or us, when needed.

Best of luck as you begin your law school studies, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve!

CONTACT US

Email: secretary@deakinlss.org Website: deakinlss.org

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