LSMlaw school manual

YOUR UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO UTS LAW SCHOOL 2014

LSM 2014law school manual

EDITORSFrancesca Elias ArciuliTaryn PriadkoJonathan KoukoumasJosh Sukkar

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TOAshleigh Barnes, Vice President (Education), and Lloyd Wood,

President of the UTS LSS, for their help and support throughout

the publication process.

WITH FURTHER THANKS TODaniel Mckenzie and co.

Kwik Kopy Printing Centre Neutral Bay

121 Military Road, (cnr. Bydown Street), Neutral Bay, NSW 2089

Tel 02 9953 3077 Fax 9953 0530

www.neutralbay.kwikkopy.com.au

Law School Manual (LSM)

is published in Sydney annually by:

UTS Law Students’ Society

PO Box 123, Broadway NSW, 2007

Room CM5A.01.08, City Markets Campus,

Cnr of Quay Street & Ultimo Road

Ph (02) 9514 3448 Fax (02) 9514 3427

www.utslss.com

* Where unspecified, all photos and images have been contribut-

ed by the UTS Law Students’ Society.

© 2014 UTS Law Students’ Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process without specific written consent of the UTS Law Students’ Society. Enquiries are to be addressed to the publishers.

Disclaimer All expressions of opinion published in the LSM are not the official opinion of the UTS Law Students’ Society unless expressly stated. The UTS Law Students’ Society accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any opinions or information contained herein and readers should rely on their own enquiries to make decisions in their own interest.

CONTENTS:

4 Dean’s Address

5 President’s Welcome

6 Distraction or Inspiration – the Ultimate Procrastination Guide

8 Navigating the Slopes

9 From one JD to another

11 What is the UTS Law Students’ Society?

12 Meet the Council

14 Welcome from Activate UTS

15 Student Liaison Welcome

16 Education

20 Careers

22 Social Justice

24 Competitions

26 Socials

28 Sport

29 ALSA and July Conference

30 Foodie Awards UTS

32 Your Study Plan of Attack

34 Dear Firstie…

36 UTS LSS 2014 Calendar

37 Activate UTS 2014 Calendar

38 9 tips to being an HD law student

DEAN’S ADDRESS

PRES

I-DEN

T’S

WEL

CO

METo our new students, a very warm welcome to UTS:

Law. I hope 2014 will be a rewarding year for each of you.

By the time you receive this handbook, I will have com-pleted my first year as Dean of this Law Faculty. I feel very privileged to have this role and am constantly amazed by the dedication of the academic and professional staff and their ongoing commitment to improving your learning expe-rience. A highlight for me in 2013 was also the opportunity to work closely with the UTS LSS executive and to become involved in some UTS LSS activities, such as judging com-petitions. Many of the activities undertaken by the UTS LSS complement what we are trying to achieve in the Faculty: the competitions promote the skills which are embedded in each of our subjects through the Graduate Attributes; the social justice activities and events such as the Speaker Series encourage you to think beyond the technical law and to con-sider law in its broader social and political context; and, the social events are a good reminder that you need to take time away from study and work and relax.

During 2013 I have valued the way in which staff and stu-dents work together. One of the most important aspects of that partnership is the joint responsibility we have for the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program. This volun-tary program is unique amongst law schools, and although only started in 2011 it already has over half the student body signed on. One of the reasons I believe it has been success-ful is because it is run through a true partnership of Faculty and student. I encourage you to find out more about the Brennan Program and to get involved with it and the other activities offered by the UTS LSS. These activities can be as important as what happens within the formal classroom for your understanding of law and your future career.

As I have come to know better many of our current stu-dents, I’ve been inspired by their leadership and service. I was also able to witness those same qualities in some of our alumni during the 2013 UTS Alumni Awards. Three UTS: Law alumni were singled out.

Theodora Ahilas, a 1991 graduate and partner with Maurice Blackburn, was awarded the Law Alumni Award for Excel-lence for her work representing asbestos victims and seeking compensation for them. Reynato Reodica who graduated in 2003 was awarded the Young Alumni Award for his work promoting justice and social change for young people. An-drew Penfold, a graduate from 1995, won the Community Alumni Award, as well as the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Andrew gave up an international career in law and banking to establish the Australian Indigenous Ed-ucation Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships to support the education of indigenous children. The three alumni spoke about the importance of their time at UTS in shaping their career path.

During 2014, one of my priorities will be reconnecting with our alumni. I want to build a life-long partnership with our alumni, one which supports them and allows them to continue to engage with the Faculty. I believe that UTS: Law offers an excellent legal education, one that is unique amongst law schools, but we need still to make that better known. Our alumni can be our champions. This may seem remote to those of you who are only just commencing your legal studies, but a vibrant alumni community will also offer benefits for current students through professional links and support.

Another priority for me in 2014 will be to continue to find ways to engage with the existing student body. With the support of the UTS LSS and Faculty student reps, I will be organising some community meetings (at least one per semester). These meetings will provide an opportunity to talk directly to you about the work and priorities of the Fac-ulty and to respond to questions. I hope you will take the opportunity to attend.

I look forward to meeting many of you during the year and I wish you all the best for 2014 at UTS.

Lesley Hitchens (@lesleyhitchens)Dean, Faculty of Law

DEAN’SADDRESS

4

DEAN’S ADDRESSPR

ESI-

DEN

T’S

WEL

CO

MECongratulations and welcome to UTS: Law.

You are about to begin a journey where you will meet lifelong friends, inspirational academics and future colleagues. The next few years of your tertiary studies will involve long hours cramming, a lot of partying, balancing multiple commitments and ultimately, a highly demanding yet rewarding legal education.

The discipline of law is fascinating in that it governs everything in the world around us. It will not only arm you with a much sought after degree, but also a wealth of knowledge applicable to everyday life. A legal education cultivates unique analytical skills that enable students to distil complex information into relatively simple language. Whether you wish to become the next Harvey Specter, go to the Bar, become an academic or involve yourself with international humanitarian law, consultancy, criminal law, or the government (to name a few); the skills you learn at law school will certainly result in varied opportunities both throughout your degree and beyond graduation.

You are well placed at UTS to be among the top graduates and to take full advantage of these opportunities. This is an institution with a reputation for producing academically gifted and forward-thinking students, as well as having a tight-knit and vibrant student community.

The UTS Law Students’ Society (UTS LSS) is the largest student society on campus and is your primary association as law students. It is the “other half” of your law degree. Through your involvement, the UTS LSS aims to enrich the law student experience by providing the law student community with a variety of social events, legal skills competitions, careers networking events, sporting functions, publications and social justice initiatives.

As a new commitment this year the Faculty of Law has covered your membership fee, allowing you all to be automatic members once you activate your membership on the UTS Union website.

My role as President has two fairly distinct arms. Externally, I represent the UTS LSS in meetings with firms, discuss student initiatives with Faculty and liaise with Law Students’ Societies at other universities. Internally, I manage your brilliant UTS LSS Council, the members of which are some of the most

talented, creative and caring people I’ve ever met. The Council meets monthly to discuss and refine initiatives to maintain our historically high standards in delivering these initiatives to our peers. There are 29 Councillors (31 after Law Camp), found in the proceeding pages, who will work tirelessly to help make 2014 as interesting, entertaining and rewarding as possible. I encourage you to engage with them whenever you feel the need, either by email or by taking advantage of our ‘open door policy’ and visiting us at room CM5A.01.08 (in the green area of Haymarket campus).

Whether you are commencing your legal studies at UTS as a Juris Doctor, a Post-Graduate or an Undergraduate student, the UTS LSS endeavours to provide for all students and seeks your involvement in a variety of capacities. This may be through participating in the Peer Mentoring or Buddy Programs, engaging with our quarterly academic journal The Full Bench, attending a Speaker Series, competing in our legal skills competitions, participating in the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program, attending a careers seminar, workshop or networking event, competing at the Intervarsity Sports Day, or attending one or more of our social events, which have the reputation for being the biggest and best on offer at UTS (including Law Camp, First Year Law Drinks, Law Cruise and Law Ball, among many others).

Personally, involving myself with as many UTS LSS initiatives as I possibly could has been the highlight of my degree and time at UTS, without which I wouldn’t be writing this welcome or have the fantastic network of friends I have today. My key advice to all new students reading this is to get involved with the UTS LSS whether it be through one or two initiatives or as many as you can fit into a day. I can assure you it will be something you will never regret. In fact, you will regret it if you don’t.

On that note, explore the pages of the LSM to your heart’s content, where you will find a breakdown of the UTS LSS portfolios, opportunities and many useful tips to get you through your degree. Please contact me, at president@utslss.com, or any of my Councillors if you need anything – we are always happy to help. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you around campus and, on behalf of the UTS LSS, welcome you once more to the UTS Law School.

Lloyd WoodUTS LSS President 2014

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

5

DISTRACTION OR INSPIRATION? THE ULTIMATE PROCRASTINATION GUIDE

B Y K I Z Z Y B A G G A

I will be the first to admit that I am completely guilty of all of the above. There is something so satisfyingly productive about highlighters. If this sounds like you, then there is a good chance that you might also suffer from the deadly disease that is procrastination.

The reality is that having five or six week’s notice on an assignment is almost pointless when you suffer from this particular disease. It is long-term, malignant, and incurable. Yet don’t feel too disheartened, for you are definitely not alone! Law students have long been acknowledging, and embracing, their unique ability to self-distract and delay. After all, what is to say that your chosen method of procrastination isn’t equally distracting and inspiring?

Watching Suits, for example, might not turn you into Mike Ross, but it can inspire you to work harder so that you might join the well-groomed corps of Corporate Law one day. I would even argue that without procrastinating, I wouldn’t have been able to ramble my way through a ‘Foundations on Law’ exam essay, using Judge Judy as my star witness – take that law faculty!

So as you find your determination starting to stray in the face of a mammoth workload, don’t start trolling Youtube for last year’s funniest stacks. You’re a law student now. Follow this ultimate guide to procrastination, with my top-fivers on how to waste your time wisely.

You are now starting a new chapter of your life by securing your spot as a law student in 2014 at UTS. You have shiny new textbooks ready to go. You have even sussed out the best coffee on campus. You must be feeling pretty good right?

Wait for the horrible realisation that all of your assignments are due in the same week, and it closely coincides with your mid-semester exams. Oh, and you only have about six weeks to learn everything. If you weren’t freaking out, you really should start to!

In such circumstances do you:

A: Write the dates in your diary in your neon pink highlighter, with doodles around it?

B: Go and purchase a ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ mug?

C: Hope that somehow your brain will become like Mike Ross’ overnight?

D: Do all of the above.

6

TV SHOWS

If you need a break from studying the law, at least learn to walk the walk from TV’s best-loved lawyers. Just don’t get sucked into a vortex of back-to-back viewing. 1. Rake – Cleaver Greene reaches new highs and lows

with every episode. If you’re thinking of becoming a barrister, then here is a compilation of the things that you should probably not do.

2. Suits – Welcome to the corporate law scene in Manhattan, where original thinking trumps dusty old legal education, and even the need for a law degree. This show reveals where inspiration might just take you, and how hard (or awesome) life can be once you get there.

3. Crownies – If you want to know what life is like in the Office of the DPP then this is the show for you.

4. Boston Legal – Another study in Comparative Law, Boston Legal gives us a fictional snapshot into life at a civil law firm in the US. An oldie but a goodie.

5. Silk – This UK show takes you higher up the legal ladder, and reveals just what a Barrister might do to ‘take silk’. If you don’t yet know what QC (now SC) stands for, I’d recommend this for you.

MOVIES

Each of us has probably felt inspired by at least one of these movies. In the face of a bleak reality, turn to fiction.1. Legally Blonde – If Elle Woods can do it, so can you.2. The Lincoln Lawyer – Matthew McConaughey

discovers the nasty truth about his client, and gets stuck in a crisis of conscience. A lesson in legal ethics? I’ll let you decide.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird – No question, this is a movie about legal ethics, and it is a classic. If you’ve neither seen it, nor read the book, do so before anybody finds out.

4. Erin Brockovich – This film is great because it is biographical, and it shows us what we can actually achieve with the law if we have a little bit of gumption. Ladies, I’m talking to you especially.

5. Philadelphia – Tom Hanks is a senior associate at a major US corporate law firm, until the firm discovers that he has AIDS. Unfortunately inspired by true events, watching this film is a must. Just don’t do it when you need a pick-me-up.

BOOKS

From fiction to reality, at least reading will make your procrastination more study-like.1. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) – see bottom left.2. How Law Works (Gary Slapper) – Firsties, this is one for

you.3. Appealing to the Future: Michael Kirby and his Legacy

(Michael Kirby) – This is a collection of essays that track the contributions of Justice Kirby to the Australian legal system. A good read because it traverses a number of subject areas, including constitutional law, law reform and judicial values.

4. Eugenia (Mark Tedeschi QC) – What can’t this man do? In this book, Tedeschi gives a captivating true account of the 1920’s murder trial of Harry Crawford (or Eugenia), in Sydney. Time spent reading this book is certainly not time wasted.

5. The Baby Farmers (Anna Cossins) - Another Sydney-based, book, ‘The Baby Farmers’ details one of Australia’s most notorious murder trials, against the cultural background that facilitated the baby trade.

WEBSITES/SOCIAL MEDIA

Some of these websites provide short, sweet comic relief. Others are seriously useful. As for social media, it’s time to stop stalking selfies, and read some inspired law-related discussions.1. Law School Memes – They are relatable and just downright

hilarious. For other law-related funnies, be sure to check out ‘Look Mum I’m a Lawyer’ and ‘#whatshouldwecallme’.

2. Oats and Sugar – This blog is by one of our own UTS students. Check it out if you need some inspiration on how to format your own amazing notes (he provides his own too)!

3. Survive Law – A must-read for all law students, it has articles on everything from study, to careers, to procrastination (hint hint).

4. @MsLods is the Twitter account of Australian lawyer Leanne O’Donnell who blogs about a variety of legal things. For another super-law student, check out

@corinne_grant. 5. If you follow the above accounts, you can reward yourself

and stray to @ShitJudgesSay for some quirky High Court quotes. @garyslapper is a lawyer and columnist who keeps a similarly interesting account of bizarre cases and funny courtroom quotes.

Finally, it is important to note that procrastination can only be inspiring and useful when you are in the right frame of mind. So change up your routine, get off your butt and go for a run, go to the shop to restock your study supplies (wine inclusive), or even just walk to the fridge (snack break every 5 minutes? No one is judging you here). Exercise is scientifically proven to be a useful form of procrastination, and you will be amazed what happens when oxygen starts flowing to your brain.

WITH THAT PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT, I WISH YOU GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR STUDIES, AND A HAPPY PROCRASTA-GREATING!

7

N AV I G AT I N G T H E S L O P E S A R E F L E C T I O N O N M Y F I R S T Y E A R AT L A W S C H O O L

B Y B I A N C A N E W T O N

There is a moment of bliss, anticipation and orderly silence before one decides to dive off the side of a mountain. Snow is falling, skis are set parallel, and anything is possible. Well, as a second year law student and avid skier, I can tell you that

beginning law at UTS fueled that same delicious anticipation.

But as any skier would know, what comes next is the inevitable jump. For a moment it feels like flying, but in order to keep from falling and hitting those trees (also known as late assign-ments) and to successfully scale the mountains of readings and exams, one should prepare for the trials, tribulations and teamwork of law school. Using these easy steps will help you navigate the challenging but always exhilarating ski slopes of UTS: Law.

S– Start out prepared with your ‘protective gear’ and ‘ski lesson’When caught in a blizzard you need protective gear and to know your stuff! Whether your blizzard consists of learning how

to correctly format a problem question or manage your time effectively, you will get through by laying good foundations early and making friends with others in a similar situation. You’ll find them socializing at LSS events like First Year Law Drinks, the LSS Speaker Series and First Year Law Camp. Think snowball fights – fun, energetic and messy – and you get the picture. This ski lesson of sorts delivers plenty of laughs and easy friendships, along with the advice of tackling readings early and studying throughout the semester for yearly exams. So before deciding to go black diamond, start with this lesson and I can promise that you won’t be disappointed!

K – Know the climate and your own abilitySkiers should be confident of their own abilities before attempting harsher climates. These harsh climates don’t just stop

at the snowfields, and everyone studying law has faced them at some point. For many, the workload will be heavier than ever before, with studying and exams on top.

But don’t fear! You can cope with these conditions by preparing and attending Peer Mentoring, for both supplementary materials and a confidence boost. Keep checking your personal ‘weather report’ by making a semester calendar, and be prepared by keeping on top of the readings and making notes throughout the semester to protect yourself against sleet and ice! Remember, rain, hail or shine skiers are still boarding lifts and racing each other down the mountain. So stay determined and be aware of your surroundings and commitments and seek to hone your skills.

I – It’s time to kick back!If you often ski in Australia, you will know the importance of treasuring the fleeting snow season while it lasts. You will also

know that the best part is often kicking off those boots and enjoying time with friends at bars and restaurants! Similarly, you should take a breather and explore UTS for its convenience and underrated beauty. Release yourself from the shackles of the library cubicles by taking a walk to Broadway, or simply grabbing lunch from Chinatown with friends to ease the pressure.

You’ve worked hard - you deserve a break from time to time!

People warned me that my first year of law would be a mighty avalanche. It wasn’t. Rather, I went in armed with tools from my participation in LSS activities, a determination to keep up with the workload, and an ability to find both solace and excitement whilst on campus. While there have certainly been days of wondering when this snow, fluffy and bright, will begin to melt and brown, studying law at UTS has been nothing but an incredible experience to date. I would encourage all of you to strap on yours skis and start shredding the slopes!

8

F R O M O N E J D T O A N O T H E RB Y L A R A M E E R S

Back to Uni for round two? Congratulations and welcome to one of Australia’s best law schools!

I am a second year JD student and the current postgraduate representative on the LSS. Having come from a Commerce degree at Sydney University, UTS has been a completely different experience. I could not be more pleased and proud to say that this is where my postgraduate degree will be coming from. During my time at UTS I have made some fabulous friends and had a blast. Now 18 months down the track and into my degree, I have a few handy tips to impart to ensure that you survive your first year of law unscathed.

As a JD, you have the benefit of already having a degree and, some would say, the life experience that many undergrads do not. Many of your tutors and lecturers will love talking to you about what you have done previously and finding out about your previous studies and experiences. In saying this, whether undergrad or postgrad, every new law student is in the same boat. You and the vast majority of incoming students will spend your first week looking for classes and getting lost in the vertical and vast UTS jungle. As a postgrad you will need to hunt down the postgrad lounge, where you will find fellow JDs and couches to nap on after that first tute (go into the Law faculty foyer and walk up five flights of stairs and look for the signs. You may even find free coffee – win!).

Whether in class or around campus, always remember that it is a lot easier to meet people at the start of semester than at the end when everyone goes into hibernation mode. It is really good to go to everything and give everything a go, especially in the first couple of weeks. Whether that be attending uni run events or hitting up coffee sessions in the common room – get involved and get amongst it. You will never turn back.

You have signed up to do law – so chances are you love talking. But in all seriousness, keep talking…to everyone! Talk to the girl studying next to you or the undergraduate boy who always takes a different point of view to your own. That girl or boy you sit next to in your first class might end up becoming the best study partner you’ve ever had. Your study partners and mates will get you through this degree and will ensure that your experience at UTS is one to remember in all the right ways.

Make sure you go to the UTS LSS events (no – you are not too old to party). Even if you just go to one, chances are you will meet someone who you can either share a coffee, wine or do past exam papers with. These events are fantastic to attend, as you will not only meet fellow postgrads but also undergrads especially in the later years. As both LLB and JDs do the same subjects, meeting older students is a really great way to get advice as they will know exactly what the subject was like and what to watch out for in exams!

Last of all, I really encourage you as a new student to sign up for the Peer Mentoring sessions offered at UTS. It is a great way to adjust to law school as you get assigned two buddies who are there specifically to answer any questions, including where the closest bathroom is (seriously, it can be a battle).

Good luck in your first semester! Make sure you join the Facebook page called ‘UTS JD Postgrad Law’ to keep up to date with all things Postgrad at UTS for 2014. If you have any questions you can contact me at postgrad@utslss.com. I hope to see you around campus soon!

9

First Year

Law Drinks So you’ve survived your first two weeks of law?

Join your fellow

first year for CANAPES AND DRINKS

FREE FOR FIRST YEAR UTS LSS MEMBERS 21 March 2014 5:00pm – 9:00pm

followed by the uts lss start of semester party PLEASE REGISTER YOUR NAME ON THE EVENT PAGE AT WWW.UTSLSS.COM

UNDERGRADUATE & JURIS DOCTOR LAW STUDENTS

Hope to see you there!

W H AT I S T H E U T S L AW S T U D E N T S ’ S O C I E T Y ?

B Y VA N E S S A J I A N G

K E E P I N F O R M E D :M E M B E R S H I P

The UTS Law Students’ Society, more commonly known as the ‘UTS LSS’, is the largest student society at UTS, with over 1000 members and even more followers online. As a not-for-profit organisation designed to cater to the needs of law students, the UTS LSS provides a plethora of initiatives that operate primarily for your benefit. From Peer Mentoring to Boot Camp, smashing social events to the Speaker Series, fun legal competitions to large-scale events like City2Surf and the Colour Run, there is something to appeal to everyone. And that’s not even half of it.

The UTS LSS Council is made up of six profiles, being Activities, Competitions, Education, Marketing, Sponsorship & Careers, and Social Justice. Thirty-one students ranging from first year to fifth year will make up the 2014 Council, with this number ever expanding as more opportunities and initiatives are created.

If you are a commencing law student, membership to the UTS UTS LSS is free. Simply approach one of our Councillors at our stall during Orientation and we will take down your details to be loaded into the system. You will then be emailed a validation link to confirm and that’s it – you’re a member for the life of your degree.

If you miss Orientation, please email secretary@utslss.com for further directions, or keep an eye out for the first edition of the faculty newsletter InBrief, which will detail how to redeem your free membership.

Signing up to the UTS LSS means you’ll be able to attend all UTS LSS events, including Law Cruise and Law Ball, as well as be eligible to participate in internal competitions. You will also be given access to all communications and e-newsletters distributed by the UTS LSS (namely ‘The Buzz’). This fortnightly distribution keeps you up to date with UTS LSS initiatives, programs, and information regarding competitions, careers and educational opportunities and other activities.

It is highly recommended that you sign up for UTS LSS Membership, so that you can benefit from initiatives, including those explained within this manual, throughout your degree.

To stay in the loop about all career opportunities, social events, competitions, publications, seminars and programs:

1. Become a member of the UTS LSS through www.utsunion.com.au/social/clubs2. ‘Like’ our Facebook Page – “UTS Law Students’ Society”; and

3. Follow us on Twitter – search “utslss”.

11

LLOYD WOODPresident

Business (Finance)/ Law4th Year

president@utslss.com

KATHERINE AGAPITOSImmediate Past President

Business (International Business)/Law5th year

ipp@utslss.com

CINDY LAM Secretary

Law/Arts (International Studies)3rd year

secretary@utslss.com

HARAN DELILLOTreasurer

Engineering Science (Civil)/Law4th Year

treasurer@utslss.com

CATIE MOORE Vice President (Activities)

Business (Financial Services)/Law4th Year

vpa@utslss.com

KATHERINE NEJAIMSocials Director 1

Communications/Law2nd Year

socials1@utslss.com

JIM KOUKOURASSocials Director 2

Business/Law2nd Year

socials2@utslss.com

MIKAELA ELDRIDGESports Director

Communications (Social Inquiry)/Law4th Year

sports@utslss.com

STEPHANIE PURCELLVice President (Competitions)Business (International Business)/Law4th Yearvpc@utslss.com

JACK LITTLEClient Interviewing DirectorBusiness/Law2nd yearci@utslss.com

ANDREW WILLIAMSMooting DirectorJuris Doctor4th Yearmooting@utslss.com

STEPHANIE WEEKSSubject Mooting DirectorJuris Doctor3rd Yearsubject.mooting@utslss.com

JACK FOGLNegotiation Director Law/Arts (International Studies)2nd Yearnegotiation@utslss.com

SAAD KHANWitness Examination DirectorBusiness (Accounting)/Law4th Yearwitex@utslss.com

KEIFER VELOSOIntervarsity Competitions DirectorScience (Applied Physics)/Law5th Yearintervarsity.competitions@utslss.com

ASHLEIGH BARNESVice President (Education)Law / Arts (International Studies)3rd year vpe@utslss.com M

EE

T T

HE

UT

S L

SS

CO

UN

CIL

12

VANESSA JIANGEducation (Internal Engagement)

DirectorCommunications (Public Communication)/

Law3rd Year

edu.internal@utslss.com

SAMANTHA WILLIAMSEducation Director (External)

Juris Doctor3rd Year

edu.external@utslss.com

FRANCESCA ELIAS ARCIULIPublications Director

Communications (Social Inquiry)/Law3rd Year

publications@utslss.com

BIANCA BALZERVice President (Marketing)

Communications (Public Communications)/Law

3rd Yearvpm@utslss.com

BRENDAN HANCOCKIT Director

Law/Arts (International Studies)3rd year

it@utslss.com

ANGUS WYLLIEMarketing Director

Communications (Media Arts and Production)/Law

2nd Yearmarketing@utslss.com

ROJDA DAGVice President (Social Justice)

Business (Finance)/Law3rd year

vpsj@utslss.com

CECILIA NGUBrennan Program Director

Law/Arts (International Studies)2nd Year

brennan.program@utslss.com

SCOTT PRESWICKEquity DirectorBusiness/Law2nd Yearequity@utslss.com

IAN HEDBERGVice-President (Sponsorship & Careers)Engineering Science (Civil and Environmental)/Law4th Yearvpsc@utslss.com

SAGE NEMRACareers (Activities) DirectorBusiness (Financial Services)/Law4th yearcareers.activities@utslss.com

SUZANA LIVAJACareers Publications DirectorBusiness (Accounting)/Law4rd Yearcareers.publications@utslss.com

KISMIT BAGGAStudent Liaison OfficerLaw4thYearstudent.liaison.officer@utslss.com

LARA MEERS Postgraduate Representative Juris Doctor 2nd Yearpostgrad@utslss.com

FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATIVES?First Year Representative 1, to be elected

?First Year Representative 2, to be elected

?? First Year Representatives are elected at Law Camp, so

apply to secure your spot today!

For more information about what it is like to be on the

UTS LSS, come and speak to one of our friendly council

members at Orientation Day or on Camp, or email

student.liaison.officer@utslss.com with your inquiries.13

Welcome to 2014 and to the Activate UTS family.

Your University life is what you make it and at Activate UTS, we are all about providing you with opportunities to engage, interact and have fun. Ultimately we want to help you experience everything University life has to offer. Activate Clubs (and Societies) also offer you the opportunity to enhance key graduate skills that are complementary to the education you’re receiving at UTS.

Activate UTS is all about you, so PUSH the PLAY Button!You may know it as the bars, the food, the shops, the events, the clubs, the sport and recreation. We call it – Activate UTS. We’re all about enhancing your experience while studying at UTS. We’re the place to come to when you’re looking to make new friends, meet like-minded people at one of our sporting and social clubs, enjoy an event or day-trip, pump some iron in the gym, or simply chill in one of our cafes or bars. Just for being a UTS student you can enjoy a range of great benefits just by flashing your student card. We’ll give you discounts on food and beverages, shopping and even at Activate Fit on Harris (gym).

With our friendly faces, great venues, cool clubs and events for everybody, we’re here to make sure your campus experience is the best it can be. Some of our great activities and events include:

Make sure you pick up your Activate UTS Diary during Orientation or your first week to keep track of your busy campus life!

• Activate Marketplace (Level 3, Building 1) – for when the munchies strike or you’re looking for that shopping hit, it’s all at Activate Marketplace

• Activate HQ (Activate Marketplace, Level 3, Building 1) – the place to come to for all the right answers. Also the home of Activate Social, Activate Clubs and Activate Events

• Towers Marketplace (Activate Marketplace, Level 3, Building 1) - your go-to shop for everything from stationery, snacks, general supplies and all UTS merchandise

• Bites (Activate Marketplace, Level 3, Building 1) – for something fresh and tasty when you’re on the go

• The Underground (Level 3, Building 1) – the best uni bar in town!

• The Loft UTS – for chilling sounds, live music and hanging out under the oak tree with your mates

• Towers Café (Concourse Level, Building 1) – the place to meet up and revive

• Nourish (Ground Floor, Building 4, Harris Street) – for your healthy treat, fresh juices and salads

• Activate Sport (Ground Floor, Building 4, Harris Street) – for all of your information to do with sports on campus. Also the home of Activate Recreation, Activate Social Sports and UTS Sport

• Activate Fit on Harris (Ground Floor, Building 4, Harris Street) – the best inner city gym and right here on your campus!

• News + Art on Harris (Street Level, Building 6, Harris Street) – for your general newsagency, gifts and art supplies

• The Hub Haymarket (Ground Floor, Building 5, Haymarket) your go-to shop for everything from stationery, snacks, general supplies, all UTS merchandise and the best coffee in Haymarket

• Aerial UTS Function Centre (Level 7, Building 10, Jones Street)

• UTS Haberfield Club (Dobroyd Parade, Haberfield)

Keep up with all our news and events at utsunion.com.au.

Be part of the conversation facebook.com/union.uts.

Enjoy your time at UTS!Liz BrettCEO Activate UTS

S T U D E N T L I A I S O N O F F I C E R W E L C O M ECongratulations and welcome to UTS: Law. Before you embark on the most exciting yet perhaps daunting rollercoaster ride that is the next three, four or five years of your law school life, I thought I would introduce myself. My name is Kizzy Bagga and I am the Student Liaison Officer on the UTS Law Students’ Society for 2014.

As Student Liaison Officer, it is my role to ensure that your experience at law school is as stress free and smooth as possible (aside from all the assignments and late nights that is). To achieve this, I have a number of responsibilities that include:

1. To act as your primary port of call for any concerns or questions that may arise during your time at law school. These concerns should relate predominantly to aspects of the UTS LSS and can include general enquiries or issues relating to a specific activity, publication or event;

2. To be the first contact for UTS Law students to voice any complaints that relate to the UTS Law Students’ Society or any council members in their capacity as an elected councillors;

3. To actively involve all students, particularly first years, in order to provide feedback on the running of the UTS LSS and their associated activities to all law students and the law faculty.

4. To speedily resolve any disputes that might arise should you feel like you have been misjudged in a competition or unfairly treated by a UTS LSS Councillor.

This role is not limited to specific concerns that you might have. In fact, if you are unsure who the right person to ask is to find out certain information, I am more than willing to be of assistance to you. The goal of this role is to foster and encourage an increased communication between law students and their representative society as well as to guarantee that all law students have a voice within the UTS Law Faculty.

I should note that anything that is raised with me as the Student Liaison Officer will be dealt with in a professional manner, upholding privacy, discretion and fairness.

H O W C A N Y O U C O N TA C T M E ?

Please feel free to contact me should you have anything you wish to ask or discuss, or simply just to say hi…I promise I am a nice person…really I am!

I can generally be found in the UTS LSS office located in room 5A.01.08 City Markets Campus (in the green space). If not I can be contacted by email at student.liaison.officer@utslss.com.

I look forward to seeing you all around campus and wish you the best of luck for the start of your time at UTS: Law.

Kizzy BaggaStudent Liaison Officer

H O W C A N I H E L P Y O U ?

15

E D U C AT I O NB Y T H E E D U C AT I O N P O R T F O L I O

The ever-expanding Education portfolio aims to inform and enrich the academic lives of UTS law students through providing opportunities for students to interact with professionals, peers, mentors and buddies and engage with a diverse range of legal issues in a supportive and stimulating environment. We aim to go far beyond the confines of the classroom to provide you with a practical understanding of where the bigger issues fit into your law degree, and vice versa.

Our initiatives will help to ensure that your academic support needs are met, whether you need help with your studies or a foot in the door in the legal world, want to learn more about the nitty gritty of real life legal issues, desire a mentor to guide your path or just need a friend to rid you of your stress.

Never fear – the Education team are here!

PROFESSIONAL MENTORING PROGRAMS

1. King & Wood Mallesons Professional Mentoring Program

The King & Wood Mallesons Professional Mentoring Program offers talented students interested in a career in commercial law the opportunity to be paired with a mentor in a leading commercial law firm.

Students are matched with mentors based on their interests and experiences and through their mentor gain first-hand insight into the world of commercial law, invaluable advice in preparing for interviews and a wealth of insider knowledge.

2. Advocates Professional Mentoring Program

If commercial law isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! The Advocates Professional Mentoring Program might be just up your alley.

The Advocates Professional Mentoring Program offers an opportunity for high achieving law students to develop a mentoring relationship with a leading legal professional in the advocacy field.

The selection requirements Both programs run from April to November and are offered to high-achieving first or second year LLB students and JD students and third or fourth year LLB combined degree students. For more information visit: http://utslss.com/education.

U:PASS

Exams fast approaching? Tabulated colour-coded notes not doing the trick? Sleep deprivation kicking in? It’s time for U:PASS (UTS Peer Assisted Study Success).

U:PASS is a series of voluntary group study sessions led by a student who has previously achieved a distinction or higher in the focus subject. It’s a great way to meet new people and guarantees at least one hour of study per week.

Be sure to sign up for U:PASS sessions via My Student Admin (‘onestopadmin.uts.edu.au’) from Week 1 onwards. U:PASS currently runs for Criminal Law and Real Property.

PEER MENTORING

Twice a year, once a semester, first years studying UTS: Law are able to participate in a six-week peer mentoring program, a joint initiative by the UTS LSS and the Faculty of Law. Having been run for years, there is little to contest the fact that first years who join the program reap great benefits. This includes how to make efficient notes, dig deep into law databases, write the perfect answer to a problem question, gather tips for exams and so much more. Find out more on page 18 or at utslss.com/education/mentoring-program.

16

THE SMILE PROJECT

Ever get that feeling as exams roll in that you may not make it to the holidays, hoping for a beam of light to rejuvenate your spirits, dreaming for a field of daisies to run through, a puppy to cuddle, a sugar hit? UTS LSS to the rescue! We’ve got some fresh plans for 2014 to help you get through those hard weeks of law school. The Smile Project will consist of sporadic cheery events such as having puppies or massage angels on campus. Be gone, stress. Good vibes are here to stay.

THE BUDDY PROJECT

Whether you’re a newbie to law school and university or a wiser, more experienced student, this project will be in your interests. Settle into UTS: Law under the friendly guidance of a student with two, three or even four extra years of experience up their sleeve. Meet up for coffees or even some cheeky Satang Thai. Quite simply, the project means that someone is there if you have any questions or need any help. The transition into university life is smooth sailing when you’re part of the Buddy Project. Email edu.internal@utslss.com with your name and contact details to let us know that you’re interested!

HONOURS

It’s never too early to start thinking about Honours! Completing Honours sets you apart from your peers and future work colleagues, and allows you to focus on an area of law that you’re passionate about.

You are eligible to apply to do Honours once you enter your penultimate or final year of study. Achieving Honours involves completing an 8000-12000 word thesis on a specific topic area under the supervision of one of UTS’ academics. There are strict eligibility requirements so be sure to find out more information at http://utslss.com/education/research-and-honours-at-uts.

SPEAKER SERIES

Does the recent spate of king hits warrant a new offence? Should gay marriage be legalised? What is international criminal law and how can I get involved? Contentious legal issues and questions such as these are addressed in our UTS LSS Speaker Series.

The Speaker Series consists of a series of legal educational seminars run throughout the year that focus on a range of topical and often controversial legal issues. Each Speaker Series provides students with the opportunity to ask prominent figures within the legal industry questions on a given topic. All UTS law students are invited to attend, and who could say no to a night of vigorous debate, networking opportunities and canapés?

In addition, attendance at the event and participation in discussion forums afterwards will earn you points towards the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program (see page 21). For more information, watch http://utslss.com/education/speaker-series.

PUBLICATIONS

Why not contribute to one of our awesome and informative publications? As well as the Law School Manual, Law Camp Survival Guide and the brand spanking new 2014 Electives Guide, the education portfolio publishes The Full Bench - a quarterly law journal dedicated to topical legal issues revolving around specific themes. With the majority of articles written by law students, and some new additions in 2014 by alumni, professionals and PhD students, there is no better time to engage in the debate and let your voice be heard! Like The Full Bench on Facebook to keep updated on calls for contributors and topical news stories, and keep an eye on the LSS website.

ALSA

The Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) is the national peak representative body for law students. Be sure to check out all the services and opportunities associated with ALSA at http://utslss.com-education/alsa and on page 29 of this manual.

17

PEER MENTORING WHAT IS PEER MENTORING?

Peer Mentoring is a joint initiative of the UTS LSS and the UTS: Law Faculty created to provide new students with insight and guidance on how to best approach their legal studies. Classes are run by older students who achieve impressive marks, having already conquered their early years in law. First years are able to meet other students in a similar mindset, completing the same subjects. The opportunity thus arises to not only form study groups, but social networks as well.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

The Program is highly recommended as you begin your study of law, as it covers topics such as exam preparation, answering problem questions, writing case notes, and how to do legal research. In a friendly, learning environment, there are no stupid questions, hence no risk of getting shut down. This is a time and space provided to first years that are interested in getting a kick-start on the rollercoaster ride that is a law degree.

“Starting law school is an exciting but often daunting experience. Peer Mentoring is designed to assist first year law students to have a smooth transition into university life. From meeting your fellow peers to learning how to excel in your exams, Peer Mentoring will equip you with the tools you need.” Aya Lewiih, 2013 Mentor

“Why do law school the hard way, when you can simply suss out tips and what there is to know from someone who has already completed your subjects?” Stephanie Purcell, 2011 Mentee and 2013 Mentor

WHEN DOES IT RUN?

Weeks 3-9 of first or second semester, depending on when you commence your first law subjects. You are able to attend any session you choose.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Correct structure for problem questions – IRAC• The strengths and weaknesses of different databases, and when to use them• Time management skills• How to read and analyse a court authority• Study skills and note taking

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Visit: www.utslss.com/education/mentoring-program or contact: Vanessa Jiang, UTS LSS Education (Internal Engagement) Director at edu.internal@utslss.com

The Brennan Justice and Leadership Program is a unique initiative, the only of its kind, and is available only to UTS: Law students. This

voluntary program seeks to fire student idealism and lay the foundations for future professional leadership. With over 1,300 students registered (almost half of the law student cohort at UTS), the Program is indicative of UTS: Law students’ interest in social justice and their desire to go beyond the academic curriculum. It is an opportunity to develop intellectual, volunteer and leadership capabilities. The two main components of the program are:

1. Reflections on Justice in which students engage with the themes of justice and its social contexts through events, personal reflection and discussion groups.

2. Leadership through Service where students contribute voluntary service (both legal and non-legal in nature) over the course of their studies.

The Brennan Program was introduced in 2011 as a joint initiative of the UTS Faculty of Law and the UTS Law Students’ Society. It is named for Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and Former UTS Chancellor (1999-2005).

This year Sir Gerard Brennan presented 21 outstanding UTS: Law students with their Brennan Award. So join up today and stand out from the crowd with this altruistic accolade to your name.

Further Information and social media: www.law.uts.edu.au/brennan/ www.facebook.com/UTSBrennanProgram/www.twitter.com/BrennanProgram/

19

C A R E E R SB Y I A N H E D B E R G A N D S U Z A N A L I VA J A

O H , T H E P L A C E S Y O U ’ L L G O !

A L L R O A D S L E A D T O A L E G A L J O B

The best advice that I have received since starting law school has been to find a job that will give me exposure and experience within law, and to do it ASAP. A job in law whilst studying is truly invaluable. Not only does it help you by seeing the law in action, it also teaches you to think and work under pressure and balance university commitments with work life; all of which make you a more attractive candidate for a graduate position. But landing that first job is easier said than done, right? Thankfully, there are a number of things to help get your foot in the door.

START NETWORKINGNetworking is the absolute most effective way to find any job you like, and in an industry where the candidates largely outnumber the positions available, it is important to start building those contacts early.

That’s not to say that you should expect your contact to get you a job. I landed my first job with no help from any contacts. However, I was lucky enough to have a mentor who has over 30 years experience working in some of the top law firms in Australia. I was able to get answers to all my silly questions about what it is like actually being a lawyer; as well as feedback about my resume, tips for interviews and what I can do now to stand out of the pack.

BE PERSISTENTWhen I had decided it was time to land my first law job, I applied for every casual legal job that appeared on job seeking websites. Many applications and cover letters later, I had finally received a call! Although I started out in an entry level role, within a few short months my hard work and long hours had paid off and I was slowly taking on more responsibility.

There are many ways to get that all-important legal experience; even if they are voluntary. I assisted a solicitor whom I work with at a legal centre each week and was surprised when he had actually approached another student assisting at the centre to apply for a job in a newly opened position at our firm. Once again, legal centres can be great networking atmospheres and the perfect opportunity for you to impress!

Don’t be discouraged to apply for a position that may not exactly be what you expected or feature the kind of office as seen on ‘Suits’. Small suburban firms are a great way to get exposure to a range of areas of law and a variety of tasks. You should also consider applying for a secretarial or receptionist role, which gives you exposure to a legal environment, and may lead to a paralegal role in the near future.

THE BOTTOM LINEIf you experience rejection it may be tough, but don’t be discouraged. Apply everywhere, build your contacts, volunteer, and in the meantime showcase your talents by getting involved in competitions and other UTS LSS initiatives. Don’t forget that there are many ways to get involved with the law, and as they say, all roads lead to Rome.

The Careers portfolio aims to provide the best opportunities for UTS law students to take the first steps in their legal careers. Through the release of

publications, holding of events and updating the careers page on the UTS LSS website, the Careers team hopes to guide you towards your first legal job and highlight the varied places that a law degree can take you. We’re heavily involved with leading older students through the clerkship process, but if you want to get in early and learn the ropes (and we strongly suggest you do) then please come along to some of the Careers events.

For those not planning to undertake a clerkship, we want to keep you informed about other numerous career opportunities through our publications – the Careers Guide and our new guide, Pro Bono, which will look at volunteer legal work and all things social justice. We also hold careers events throughout the year, including the Careers Networking Evening and the new Graduate Seminar Series.

If you have any questions, please contact the careers team at careers@utslss.com.

20

O H , T H E P L A C E S Y O U ’ L L G O !

C A R E E R S I N I T I AT I V E S

WHERE CAN YOUR LAW DEGREE TAKE YOU?If you thought that the only option available to someone with a law degree was to become a lawyer you’d be wrong. The analytical, writing and problem solving skills you learn during your law degree are highly sought after and can translate to a diverse range of fields and professions. If you’re one of those people (and trust me, you’re not alone) who’s part way through their degree and asking the questions “What have I gotten myself into?” and “What career options do I have?”, then this is the article for you!

WHAT IF I DO WANT TO BE A SOLICITOR?That’s great! You have lots of options, which means that you also have lots of decisions ahead of you. Will you go through the clerkship process, or sign up as a graduate? The clerkship process is run over summer each year by the larger law firms. While clerkship spots are highly competitive, they offer the surest way of getting a foot in the door with the big firms. If you don’t want to be a clerk or you miss out, you can always seek to become a lawyer as a graduate, and smaller or boutique firms offer graduate positions. The decision whether to do a clerkship or not essentially boils down to the size of the firm you want to work in, and that’s completely up to you.

From here, the exciting decisions start - what area of law will you practice in? Maybe you’ll work in mergers and acquisitions, handling the affairs of large companies, or maybe you’d prefer a more personal area like family law. The possibilities are enormous and expanding so there’s sure to be something you love. Just think, in ten years time, you could be the next Harvey Specter!

WHAT IF I WANT TO GO TO COURT?If you want to represent your client in Court and love the excitement of the courtroom, then being a barrister may just be the job for you. Any solicitor can become a barrister by passing the bar exams and being admitted to the bar. From there, it is your job to network with firms and find clients, subsequently providing them with advice, or representing them in front of a judge or jury if the matter proceeds to court.

IN-HOUSE COUNSELDon’t like lawyers? Let’s be honest, who does? Maybe being an in-house lawyer will appeal to you. In-house lawyers are employed by their client, which is generally a corporation, to help the company navigate towards its goals by providing legal assistance. This job includes acting for the company in any disputes, managing legal risks and overseeing business and employment contracts.

HOW ABOUT IF I WANT TO DO SOMETHING COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO LAW?

Many of analytical, social and communication skills you learn as a law student will be very useful in other fields. Lawyers pop up in everything from banking, non-government organisations, real estate and accounting firms, to engineering firms, mining companies, the media, HR and the government.. Law degrees are always a huge asset and they can take you any number of places.

PUBLICATIONS• The Careers Guide (March)• The Summer Clerkship Guide (May)• Pro Bono (September)

ACTIVITIES• Clerkship Seminar Series • Clerkship Networking Evening • Graduate Seminar Series • Careers Network Evening• Networking Skills Workshop• CV/Cover Letter Skills Workshop• Interviewing Skills Workshop

21

S O C I A L J U S T I C EB Y R O J D A D A G

UTS believes that Social Justice and Law go hand-in-hand. Here is a taste taste of some of the UTS LSS initiatives that will put you well on your way towards connecting with your community and helping others in a fun-filled and supportive environment.

Do popcorn movie nights, invigorating lunch time debates, inspirational evening seminars and a 100km trek over 48 hours interest you? If so, then the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program is the missing part of your life. To qualify for the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program Award, you must accrue 100 Reflections on Justice points and complete 200 Leadership Through Service hours throughout your degree. Volunteer work you already participate in outside of uni, such as coaching the local soccer team, baking for fundraisers or helping out at a Legal Centre may be credited towards the hours you complete – not everything must be done on campus! See page 19 of this manual for more info.

Fancy a 14km run* from the Sydney CBD to beautiful Bondi Beach? What if I told you there will be free food, drinks and massages available at the end? Yep, you’re definitely interested now. Don’t miss your spot on the UTS LSS City2Surf team! Join the largest team in the world’s largest run (yes, we were the largest team in the world’s largest run. Two years in a row). Registration opens around May, so keep your eyes peeled on the UTS LSS website and in your inboxes for more info.

*run is a very flexible verb. You may also skip, crawl, or walk. I’m a walker. Come walk with me!

No, I did not spell Color wrong. This event is the much loved Color Run, not ColoUr run. American copyright laws do not allow correct Aussie spelling. Regardless, this event is one not to be missed. Throwing paint on people, having paint thrown on you and enjoying a good laugh sounds great. Throwing paint on people, having paint thrown on you and enjoying a good laugh for the sake of charity sounds even better. This event runs twice a year, once in February and once in August.

CITY2SURFBRENNANPROGRAM

COLOR RUN

Thay

vian

22

Love is eternal. Money is not. Our bank accounts run dry. Especially during birthday season. It’s tough being a student. Especially if you have added responsibilities or worries on your plate. The Textbook Equity Scheme and Summer School Textbook Equity Scheme provide semester long textbook loans for students on Centrelink benefits, or who qualify under other criteria. All information remains private and confidential.

Donate your so-last-season and too-small-they-no-longer-fit clothes to the UTS LSS Clothes Drive. All used clothing is passed on to Clothes Line Inc, an organisation that distributes your donation direct to Sydney’s homeless and disadvantaged.

1 in 3 Australians will need blood one day. 1 in 30 donates. You don’t need to be Einstein to realise the maths is bad. Donate your tasty and much needed blood with UTS and the Red Cross. A free way to help save a life.

Community Ambassadors are a group of students who organise fundraisers, raise awareness, lobby on issues that matter and do whatever else they can to help make the world a better place. Our new projects for 2014 include a charity trivia night, as well as writing a Parliamentary Submission. Community Ambassadors meet roughly once a month and must submit an expression of interest. If accepted, you will be rewarded with Brennan Program hours and sit on an officially recognised UTS LSS Sub-Committee.

In 2014, the LSS also wants to organise our first ever Outback Volunteering Trip, so keep your eyes peeled for updates. Other short-term excursions already in the works include a Play Day at Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Have any other ideas? Here at the UTS LSS, we’re open to new ideas and suggestions.

If you have an initiative, fundraiser or organisation you’d like us to get on board with, send me an email at vpsj@utslss.com.

CLOTHES DONATION SCHEME

EXTERNAL VOLUNTEERING/JUSTICE JOURNEY

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

TEXTBOOK EQUITY SCHEME

COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

23

C O M P E T I T I O N SB Y T H E C O M P E T I T I O N S P O R T F O L I O

WHY GET INVOLVED IN COMPETITIONS?

Law competitions are a practical opportunity to develop your legal knowledge and professional skills outside the classroom. In essence, they offer you the opportunity to pretend you already are a lawyer, living out your day-to-day lawyerly activities and life.

Students are encouraged to participate in the competitions from their very first year of law school, and to continue to compete up until graduation. In addition to enhancing skills, they are a fantastic way for students to build upon their CV qualifications, meet other law students and faculty members, progress on to intervarsity competitions, and enjoy their degree - they are super fun!

WHEN ARE THE UTS LSS INTERNAL COMPETITIONS?

The Autumn semester of the academic year holds the senior competitions, where competitors will often have previous comps experience. The Spring semester hosts numerous junior competitions for students who have no prior experience and are trying out a competition for the first time. There are also subject mooting, paper presentation and advice writing comps that run throughout the year, that are neither senior or junior, and are open to all.

Mooting, Negotiation, Witness Examination and Client Interviewing:• Senior Competitions - Autumn Semester – registration opens 17th Feb 2014.• Junior Competition - Spring Semester - registration opens 21st July 2014.

Subject Moots:Offered at different times throughout the year, across both semesters. Keep an eye on the UTS LSS website (www.utslss.com) for registration and specific details.

Other Comps:Paper Presentation Comp - Autumn Semester – info session 12th March 2014, paper due 27th of April 2014.Advice Writing Comp - Spring Semester – registration opens 21st July 2014, advice due 5th October 2014.

Competition VolunteersNot ready to compete yet, but want to learn tips and tricks before competing? Students can assist and also learn the ins and outs of UTS LSS competitions by signing up to the Student Volunteer Committee. The Witness Examination Director and the Client Interviewing Director will be sourcing clients and witness volunteers for their respective competitions from this

committee. For further information about the Committee and how to sign up check out the UTS LSS Website.

MOOTING

If we’re being honest, mooting is the top dog law competition. It allows you to take the skills you learn at law school and apply them in a practical courtroom environment. Through mooting you will learn the fundamental skills of researching and forming a legal argument, how to back up that argument with cases and authorities, and how to advocate in front of a judge who, unlike debating, will question your argument. No other competition will teach you about the law more than mooting. Watch out throughout the year for other mooting related events and opportunities to learn about the competition, such as the oral and written submission information sessions, and even a mooting afternoon tea – cupcakes provided!

SUBJECT MOOTING

Do you have a passion for a particular area of law, and like arguing? If so, subject mooting is for you! Subject moots allow students to challenge and develop the advocacy skills of general mooting, but focuses on one specialised area of the law, reducing prep time and the scope of your research. Subject moots are also lessor time commitments, being run across one weekend in the semester. In 2014 the Contract Law Moot will also be run as a development moot for students without any prior mooting experience – a great opportunity to get involved! A Media Law Moot, Torts Moot, Constitutional Law Moot, International Humanitarian Law Moot, Commercial Law Moot and Equity Moot will also be offered this year.

24

CLIENT INTERVIEWING (CI)

Your ability to effectively represent a client hinges on the quality of your working relationship. Your first meeting with a client can make or break this rapport, so why not master it at law school? You will work in a team of two as solicitors that are meeting a potential client. The client has come to you with a legal issue and is seeking advice. The problem? You have no information! In order to provide any advice, you need to learn the client’s story, and what information they may be hiding from you. CI requires the least preparation time of any competition, and does not hinge on legal knowledge or analysis. Of course, the task itself is made more complicated (and fun!) when your client suddenly bursts into tears, is a 19 year-old suffering ADHD that can’t sit still, or is an elderly farmer who is obsessed with flowers.

NEGOTIATION

Neg involves a simulated negotiation of a legal dispute. Teams of two face off, each representing different parties to the matter. Each team aims to reach an outcome that advantageously satisfies the goals of their individual client, but that also reflects consideration for the interests of the other side. Of course, the outcome that each team desires may conflict, but subtle persuasion and strategising can go a long way in finding a mutually acceptable solution. As clients of law firms increasingly want to settle disputes without the time and expense involved in court litigation, skills in negotiation and dispute resolution are increasingly essential in all practice areas, and great for students to hone!

WITNESS EXAMINATION (WIT-EX)

If you like the idea of engaging in a real life Law-and-Order-esque examination of witnesses, then Wit-Ex is the way to go. Acting as either the Prosecution or Defense barrister in court for a criminal matter, competitors must lead their witness in an examination in chief, followed by a brutal (yet polite) cross-examination of the opponent’s witness. The overall objective is to prove that the fact situation of your witness is more plausible than that of your opponent. Whilst not essential, knowledge of evidence law can also help you outwit your opponent through objections (yes, just like TV!).

PAPER PRESENTATION

Paper Presentation involves the submission of an essay relating to any legal subject or issue (3000-5000 words). You will then present the paper orally to a panel of judges, who will also engage with the topic and ask questions. The competition aims to promote legal scholarship and oratory skills. It is a chance to present controversial or interesting issues in an informative manner, while showcasing your writing skills. The top competitor will also win the right to represent UTS at the ALSA Conference (see page 29), and

may even have their paper published.

ADVICE WRITING COMPETITION

This competition asks you to submit a written advice to a client answering their legal problem. The ability to write an advice is a skill all lawyers require - the earlier students learn how to write an advice, the better they become. Answering legal problem questions is also an element of nearly all law subjects, and practice makes perfect! This competition is one of the most practical on offer, and all students seeking employment within the legal industry are encouraged to take part.

INTERVARSITY COMPETITIONS

Want law school to pay for your trip to Europe? Then look no further! The UTS LSS encourages students to participate in a number of prestigious Sydney based, national and international competitions over the course of their degree. These intervarsity competitions offer students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain experience by going up against the best young legal advocates around. It’s also an excellent chance to meet students from other top law schools and learn from some of the sharpest legal minds in the industry.

Participation in these competitions is based on merit and success in internal UTS competitions, which is why it’s ideal to get involved in comps from the very start of your degree! Intervarsity competitions are run throughout the year, so keep an eye out on the UTS LSS website for key dates and opportunities.

25

ORIENTATION CAMP Attending Law Camp is a fantastic way to kick-start your life at UTS. The many

relationships that you will form within such a short timeframe will take the pressure off

during those often overwhelming first weeks on campus. It is a weekend away packed with

fun activities, great tips for when you start university and, of course, partying!

When? 21-23 February

S O C I A L SB Y T H E A C T I V I T I E S P O R T F O L I O

FIRST YEAR LAW DRINKS AND START OF SEMESTER PARTY

Can’t attend Law Camp? Fear not! First Year Law Drinks is not only FREE, but a golden

opportunity to have a few drinks and mingle. You can also board complimentary buses

from here to the Start of Semester Party, and continue celebrating with law students from all years. You never know when you might

need their guidance (or their notes).When? 21 March

Tickets for the Law Ball and Law Cruise often sell out on the morning that they are released.

Like the UTS LSS on Facebook (www.facebook.com/utslawss) to stay in the loop with regular updates, ticket discounts and more!

LAW BALLLaw Ball is perhaps the most anticipated

night of the year where students celebrate with a three course dinner and black-tie event. We invite students in all

year groups to attend and to put on their best and most beautiful attire to party in style! Of course there are complimentary buses to cart the (extremely well behaved and sober) law students to an after party

venue, where the party continues.When? 17 October

VALEDICTORY DINNERValedictory Dinner is held for our graduating class in the May and is

a chance for those (extremely lucky) students to enjoy a last hurrah with

their fellow classmates! They are invited to a beautiful formal dinner and

cocktail evening where there will be a few speeches, and more than a few

celebratory champagnes! When? 9 May

OPEN AIR CINEMA Upon your return to Uni life after a

(hopefully) relaxing Autumn OR Spring mid-semester break, you cannot miss gathering with your friends to watch a

movie outside on a big screen, while you binge on popcorn and hotdogs.

When? 6 May, 2 September

LAW CRUISE One of the knockout events of the socials

calendar, Law Cruise never fails to be a night of outrageous costumes, amazing harbour views and copious amounts of food and

drinks. Law Cruise is a boat bash that isn’t to be missed – with an after party to match!

When? 16 May

END OF SEMESTER PARTY To end the Autumn semester, the UTS LSS is

throwing a Party which will be held somewhere near Uni or in the inner city. Tickets will be cheap and a bar tab will be flowing! After

exams, the End of Semester Party is always a great night to celebrate with friends.

When? 27 June

U T S L S S S P O R TB Y T H E A C T I V I T I E S P O R T F O L I O

The UTS LSS is all about ensuring that we each have the healthy bodies and minds that we need to succeed at law school! Our aim in 2014 is to make UTS one of the most physically active law schools in the country. So this year we have planned sporting activities for the competitive, the active and the social to get everyone involved and fit.

SEMESTER ONE (AUTUMN)

BOOT CAMP – COMMENCES IN MARCH

The fitness camp will run two mornings a week on Monday and Wednesday and is a fantastic opportunity to improve your cardio fitness, as well as make new friends from within the law faculty. You (along with your friends) will have access to a personal trainer who will make getting fit fun! At the beginning and end of the semester we also host a BOOT CAMP BREAKFAST, which is a great chance to celebrate your impending, or newfound, fitness with your friends.

INTER-FACULTY SPORTS COMPETITION – COMMENCES IN

MARCH

Each semester, the Law faculty challenges all other faculties to a sporting tournament, ranging from mixed netball to soccer. Get involved and challenge those engineering and business students to an inevitably nail-biting match!

BAREFOOT BOWLS: FIRST SESSION IN APRIL

A monthly initiative that will involve a little less physical exertion and a bit more social interaction… Think a couple of ciders and hanging with your friends whilst (attempting) to learn how to play bowls.

SEMESTER TWO (SPRING)

INTER-VARSITY SPORTS DAY: SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER

For the competitive, patriotic UTS loving types, this competition is how the UTS LSS demonstrates its dominance. A variety of sports are played from Mixed Netball, Soccer and Touch Football. An opportunity to make new friends from lots of other universities, and get back at those Sydney Law Students!

LAW SCHOOL TRIBAL WARS: SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER

Law students are always competitive, so it is time to go up against your peers in a day of weird and wacky challenges. Bizarre costumes are, of course, essential.

UTS LSS LEARN TO SURF AFTERNOON: OCTOBER

Bring in the better-weathered months with sun (fingers crossed), sand and surf! A great day to show off your co-ordination, get some killer instagram pics and hang out with your fellow law friends!

NB: Sign-Ups for most competitions will commence in either week 2 or 3 of each Semester. Be sure to visit utslss.com to keep updated.

For any more information about playing sport with Law, at UTS in general, about going to UNI GAMES, or about the UTS gym, feel free to contact Mikaela at sport@utslss.com or visit the sports office on fudge.atshan@uts.edu.au.

28

P R E S I D E N T ’ S W E L C O M E

Welcome to the UTS LSS Law School Manual, and congratulations on becoming a law student!

My name is Charlotte Thomas and I am the 2013/2014 President of the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA). I am a law student at the University of Adelaide and am in my fourth year of studies.

As a law student, you are part of a broad network of people from all corners of the country. All 28,000 Australian law students are automatically members of ALSA and during your time at university you will hopefully have the opportunity to meet many of your fellow students.

ALSA is the peak national representative body for Australian law students. ALSA’s membership is comprised of both law students as well as the Law Student Societies, such as the UTSLSS, that operate at each Australian law school.ALSA has a number of functions relevant to students, including:1. Facilitating an information-sharing forum

for Law Student Societies from around the country;

2. Representing and advocating for Law students’ interests on a national platform; and

3. Providing services for Australian law students as well as the opportunity to attend and compete at ALSA’s national annual conference.

In 2014 ALSA is working to further enhance its relevance to and engagement with Australian law students. In particular we are hoping to:• Expand our support for newer

and smaller Law Student Societies and their initiatives;

• Respond to issues facing law students across Australia, such as the changing requirements in for ‘Honours’;

• Foster strong relationships between ALSA and Law Student Societies; and

• Promote ALSA on both a national and international stage, including in New Zealand and throughout Asia.

On our website (www.alsa.net.au) you will find a range of information about ALSA’s publications, competitions, and commentary on national issues. If there is ever anything with which we can assist, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the ALSA Executive or Committee.

I wish you all the best for 2014!

Charlotte Thomas2013/2014 President

Australian Law Students’ Association

(ALSA)

president@alsa.asn.au

In a nutshell:What: ALSA Conference When: 7-14 JulyWhere: Brisbane

Every year, the ALSA July Conference is hosted in a different State or Territory in Australia by a law school. In 2014 the July conference will be held in Brisbane from 7-14 July. The Conference brings together over 500 law students from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK and will showcase student talent in legal competitions alongside education seminars, opening and closing galas and cocktail nights. This is the largest law student event in Australia and is well recognised as a methods of building social, intellectual and competitive initiatives for students at a national level. It is also a lot of fun!

A U S T R A L I A L AW S T U D E N T S ’ S O C I E T Y ( A L S A )

Do you want to come to the July ALSA Conference in 2014? 1. Be a competitor

A cohort of UTS’ highest ranked individuals and teams are selected to compete at ALSA in Mooting, Witness Examination, Paper Presentation, Negotiation and Client Interviewing.

2. Be a General DelegateAlternatively, if you are super eager to come along

(and why wouldn’t you be?) but are not involved in competitions, General Delegate applications are open to all UTS LSS members. Delegates are included in all social events and education seminars and also assist UTS competitors throughout the conference. Keep an eye on the UTS LSS website and Facebook page for more information about application dates and requirements.

A L S A J U LY C O N F E R E N C E

29

U T S F O O D I E AWA R D S – T H E L S M E D I T I O NB Y F R A N C E S C A E L I A S A R C I U L I

SWEETEST SPOT

N2 Extreme Gelato43/1 Dixon St, Haymarket

If you have a sweet tooth and love experiments, this is the place for you. Tell the science fairies at N2 gelato what crazy combination of flavours you want, and stand back as they work their magic. In N2 terms, working magic means pouring liquid nitrogen into your future gelato, to make it all gelato-y and what-not (look, I obviously don’t know how this works but I accept that science and fairy dust can make such amazing things happen), and voila! Before you know it, you will be stuffing your face with an icy combination of Strawberries and Champagne gelato, or perhaps Ribena and Logan sorbet. When I went, I tried the Marshmallow flavour. I was on Cloud-9 until I tried my friend’s Popcorn gelato. Then I got gelato-envy and bought a scoop of popcorn right after. A trip to N2 has enough adventure to brighten up even the most boring of days, and I highly recommend it.

BEST PLACE FOR FESTIVITIES

El Loco64 Foveaux St, Surry Hills (attached to the Excelsior Hotel)

If the plastic red and white chequered tablecloths, mismatched chairs, and giant cacti don’t scream ‘FIESTA’ loud enough for you, then please know this - El Loco has a Tequila Bar. Hola amigos, let’s party! Only a short walk from the Surry Hills side of Central station, El Loco has fun, relatively cheap and cheerful Mexican cuisine. Its small menu includes tacos, fish or meat of the day, pork tortas and Mexican hot dogs. Churros are often on the ‘specials’ menu as a dessert, and are a must to top off your Mexican feast. The music is good and the vibe unpretentious, which is a nice contrast to some of Mr Hemmes other venues. However, be warned that it is usually pumping on a Friday night with young suits, so depending on what you’re into, this may or may not be the best night to check it out. That being said, make sure you do. After all, who doesn’t like a Tequila party?

Dim

itrid

f 200

7

30

BEST PUBS AND BARS FOR CELEBRATION

AND COMMISERATION

As you enter the pressure cooker otherwise known as “university”, there will of course be times that you need to take a break and unwind. Despite causing a lot of this pressure, UTS actually steps up and answers this need in the form of the UTS Uni Bars. The Loft (15 Broadway, Ultimo) and Glasshouse (the Tower) are watering holes for students, and often the site of UTS events. Keep to The Loft if you want to experience fresh air coupled with a pretense of class, given that the Glasshouse is located off the Tower Food Court and you may be left smelling of sweat and fried food.

However, there may just be some times that you need to get off campus. For that, I would have suggested The Clare or The Abercrombie, but they are sadly both now deceased. Let us remember them for the seedy, yet cheap comfort they provided. The numerous pubs littering Haymarket and George St, including Covent Garden Hotel (102-108 Hay St, Haymarket), may go some way to filling that void. If you want something closer to a gastro-pub, try Clock Hotel (470 Crown St, Surry Hills) or The White Horse (381 Crown St, Surry Hills). For bars and restaurants, walk through the Entertainment Centre car park to Darling Harbour.

BEST BANG (FOR YOUR BUCK)

What kind of student doesn’t love a bargain? Given that UTS is located in China Town, rest assured that bargains are plentiful if you know where to look. The most renowned bargain in town is fortunately for one of the vital student food groups – dumplings. With a serve of 12 dumplings coming in around $10 a pop (they do half serves too), you will see many students sitting, crowding the fake-grape adorned ceiling of Dodgy Dumplings (aka Chinese Noodle Restaurant) (8 Quay St, Haymarket), getting their fill. The pork and chive dumplings come highly recommended, and the vegetarian egg and chive dumplings are also a hit. Also, don’t try to be healthy here – the pan-fried dumplings taste so much better than the steamed. Get your dumplings with a side of braised eggplant, and you are all set for an inevitable food coma.

For accessible Thai Food try Satang Thai, which has both a sit down restaurant at 204/107-121 Quay St with a take-away restaurant across the road, and a new Tuckshop at 710 George St. Satang is always packed with students due to its cheap lunch specials, quick service, huge portion sizes and BYO status. From spicy fried rice to crispy pork belly, Satang has all of your old favourites and some new ones too. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra veggies or multiple meats (tofu, chicken AND vegetable you say?).

Finally, The Soda Factory (16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills) has $1 gourmet hot dogs on Tuesday nights, among its other weekly deals. I think I have said enough.

BEST CHOICE FOR THE UNDECIDED

What is the best choice for the undecided eater? An abundance of places to choose from of course! You may think this a recipe for disaster, but this allows our undecided eater to determine what they really feel like from the range of cuisines on offer.

Firstly, Regent Place (501 George St, Sydney) is the ultimate go to spot if you feel like Asian food, but don’t know what kind. With Yebisu boasting the ability to order your food on IPads (such novelty) and Miss Chu serving up healthy Vietnamese Pho and rice paper rolls, you will be delighted by these restaurants and more, whose choice will keep you coming back for more.

Secondly, Central Park Sydney, or “The Living Mall”, which is right across from UTS, has opened up a world of choices right on the door-step of our beloved Crap Stack (aka the Tower). Some of the options include Guzman y Gomez, Cuba Cubano, Top Juice, Din Thai Fung and Sushizilla AND Sushizilla Express. If this isn’t enough, the subterranean Woolworths just made forgetting your lunch a whole lot cheaper, and even houses a sushi bar and deli.

BEST COFFEE

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a student in the midst of assignments and exams has an insatiable thirst for coffee. Now, those of you who believe that any coffee is good coffee have no business reading this recommendation (although I do believe you may need it the most.) Coffee hot spots near the Tower include My Cuppa (Harris St Ultimo, next to the Bon Marche Building) or its rival Pausa (across the road next to the DAB Building). If you are closer to Haymarket, Mecca (646 Harris St, Ultimo) is a good choice. For those who are a little cash-strapped, The Hub (Building 5, Haymarket) provides a student discount on its teas and coffees, as well as its stationary and other items.

Want to know where I get my hot foodie tips off? Check out http://www.utsfoodguide.com.au/. He may have graduated whilst you are just starting out, but learn from his food misadventures. Happy wining and dining folks!

31

1 2TOP 5 APPS FOR LAW STUDENTS

DROPBOX - FREE

Create an account and save your files to your Dropbox folder, and they will automatically save to all other devices, and websites, linked to your account. Backing up is a serious business so get on board. It can also be great for study groups and group assignments. Available for iPhones, iPads, laptops and home computers.

BLACKBOARD LEARN - FREE

This app puts your UTS Online site at your fingertips. Manage your courses by getting announcements, lecture slides, and tutorial questions in an instant. Available for iPhone and Android.

Studying law for the first time can feel like you’re being initiated into the army. The boot camp is intellectual, but it is challenging and competitive.

If you’re ready for it, though, it can also be a lot of fun.

So first years, get ready! We are here to prep you with a study plan of attack. Armed with the following tips, you will have everything you need to begin your degree with

guns blazing.

OBJECTIVE 1. PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

Achieving this objective means getting organised early, and coming to class prepped and ready to work.

• Start by buying the required text. Avoid unnecessary expense by sussing out the UTS Union Second Hand Bookstore at the bottom of the Tower Building, or jumping on textbookexchange.com.au. If you want or need to buy a brand new text, becoming a member of the co-op bookshop will save you some money.

• There are also ‘hornbooks’ or ‘essentials’ that are available for purchase. These can be handy for subjects that are particularly content-dense, or that you are finding tough to navigate. However, remember that they are a study aid, not a substitute for the text, or your own study notes.

• Next, attend class. You are required to go to tutorials, and believe me you will not want to miss them. They are where the problem-solving magic happens, and where moments of triumphant clarity are reached. Lectures are often recorded, but lecturers and students alike will tell you that skipping them, and telling yourself that you will listen to the recording later, is a common and dangerous pitfall. Recordings are a godsend if you come down with a deathly flu, but otherwise don’t rely on them.

• Now that you have the books you need, and are attending class, start piping up straight away! Participation points are often a portion of your grade, but even if they aren’t, being ready and willing to contribute will enhance your learning and endear you to the tutor. Just keep it relevant.

OBJECTIVE 2. WHIP YOUR NOTES INTO SHAPE

Good notes are 100% necessary for both closed and open book exams. Don’t be fooled into thinking that open book means easy. The time constraints are fierce and you will not want to waste time flipping through pages. Trust me.

• A good place to start is to look at previous students’ notes. You should use these to get an idea of format, but they are in no way a substitute for making your own. The law is constantly changing, and writing out notes is an important stage of getting information from paper to brain.

• You can also form a study group early in the semester, and divide the topics amongst yourselves. This can help you manage your workload, because you will only have to make detailed notes for your assigned topics. I would recommend creating a group Dropbox, where you can simply deposit your notes, and have access to everyone else’s. Just make sure that everyone is willing to contribute equally, and adhere to any timelines that you agree upon.

• If you choose to make your own set of notes, don’t leave it until the last minute. It’s worth getting into the habit in the first weeks, before mid-semester assignments take hold. You won’t want to be re-reading the text and making notes when you should be doing practice questions to prepare for the exam.

• Be obsessive compulsive with your notes. Organise them into topics, and use headings and sub-headings within a topic. I would even suggest colour-coding and using mind-maps to piece everything together. At the same time, be sparing. Only include in your notes what you will have time in the exam to read (or remember for closed book) and write down, or create an additional scaffold for each topic that can be referred to quickly. Finally, include a contents page, number your pages, and flag your notes with post-its. You can have your

notes bound in the Union Shop, for about $4.

Y O U R S T U D Y P L A N O F AT TA C K B Y TA R Y N P R I A D K O

3 4 5

OBJECTIVE 3. ACE YOUR EXAMS

When it comes to law exams, most will consist predominately of problem questions. The secret to doing well in a problem-based exam is practice. IRAC, people. You will learn to love it.

• Begin your exam preparation a few weeks in advance, so that you can go through each topic. Catch up any unfinished notes, re-familiarise yourself with the key cases, and make sure your notes are concise, clean and exam friendly. Print them off, order them and learn them well.

• Then practice, practice, practice. Go through the problems that you dealt with in tutorials (see, it pays to go to class!), and when you have done this, print off past papers from the UTS Library website. Form a study group of 2-4 people and you can tackle some problem questions together, or go through ones that you were finding difficult. There are group study rooms available in the library, but make sure you book! In your own time, and as the exam draws closer, do some practice questions under exam conditions. The quiet sections of the library are an ideal environment to do this. File your answers into your study notes, to take into the exam, as they can be referred to if a question addresses a similar issue.

• Take advantage of Peer Mentoring and U:PASS classes. Peer Mentoring gives you a chance to find your feet, both generally and academically. U:PASS classes are great for revision, extra practice, and to ask any questions that may not have come up in the tutorial. They also provide you with a ready-made study group! U:PASS classes are usually available for Real Property and Criminal Law.

OBJECTIVE 4. BE A TEAM PLAYER Or as former High Court Justice Michael Kirby says, ‘be a joiner!’ While it may seem like a strange study tip, participation in law school activities can actually greatly enhance your academic experience in a number of ways.

• Become a member of the UTS LSS. All year round they offer a number of activities that are social, academic and professional in nature. Take it from somebody who didn’t, and attend as much as you can! Forming social networks can help you to make study buddies, as well as important industry connections.

• Participate in competitions, or other academic activities. They can enhance your study, by giving you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you are gaining, and to develop your professional skills.

• The Brennan Social Justice and Leadership Program, as well as other programs such as ‘Build’, look great on a resume and give you access to intellectual and service opportunities. Experiences as a volunteer can be translated to your studies, and are great to do regardless.

Lastly, and most importantly, don’t be overwhelmed by all of this! If you remember nothing else, then remember the simpler and more profound words of a much wiser human than I:“If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already.” –Abraham Lincoln

AUSTLII - FREE

A quick link to cases and legislation, so that you can do your legal research anywhere (or look up that case that you were supposed to read for class, during class). It’s available for Android and iPhone.

ISTUDIEZ PRO - FREE

Use this app to get organised! Immediate access to planners and calendars, it also tracks your GPA and grades. Available for iPhone. Check out Everstudent Student Planner for Android.

PHRASE BUSTER – FREE

For a productive study break, check out this game created by law firm Allens. It tests your knowledge of famous quotes and concepts and includes, predictably, a legal phrases category. Available for iPhones and iPads.

Dear students,Welcome to UTS: Law and congratulations on your excellent choice! A letter of advice

should come from a wise, mature and knowledgeable person. I may not match that

description but I hope this letter offers you some ‘tools, tips & techniques’ to successfully

kick-start your study.

Tools - the following may be useful:

1. An interest, passion or curiosity about the law, society and justice.

2. A note-taking device, either a laptop or writing materials.

3. Solid organisational skills - time management, storing of information, backing up of

work, finding misplaced textbooks, locating the best coffee in the law school vicinity.

Tips - the following are essential:1. Turn up - attend class and ‘have a go’ – introduce yourself to the colleagues sitting

next to you, join a study group.

2. Ask when you do not understand – your tutors, lecturers and subject coordinators are

real people. Introduce yourself and, if the road gets bumpy, let them know.

3. Contribute when and where you can – UTS LSS, Peer Mentoring, the Brennan

Program, and any free food opportunities.

Techniques - the following can keep you on track:

1. Work out how to best keep fit, both physically and mentally, and how to nurture a

sense of wellbeing.2. Practise and perfect an approach to study – note-taking, assignment and exam

preparation, and seeking and using feedback.

3. Ask for help, guidance and support if needed at any time during your study –

academic, career, or health-related.

All the best for your first year of law – enjoy, embrace and engage!

I look forward to meeting you around campus.

Regards,Maxine Evers,Director of Students

34

To the advice-craving law student,

Hi, my name is Jonathan. I am a 2nd year JD student, and loving every minute

of it! Hopefully when you finish reading this letter you will come away with

insights that will foster your curiosity and aid you in your years future studies. I

have set out a couple of steps to succeed in law school that I wish someone had

told me before my first year.

1. GET ORGANISED

Try to organise different topics within a subject in a separate folder and write

weekly notes. That way, when it comes time to do a little midnight cramming

before an exam, you can be cool, calm and collected. Having a calendar with

the due dates of your assignments and exams is also beneficial when you are

trying to balance your other commitments, and extra-curricular activities.

2. GET FOUND

A great idea is to download the ‘Lost on Campus’ app for your smart phone,

which gives students directions to their desired lecture halls. It’s also a good

idea to sign up to the campus tour offered during the orientation period.

3. IF YOU WANT TO PASS GET TO U:PASS

Certain subjects can be difficult from the start of the course and I recommend

that you establish good study habits. Attending U:PASS sessions is a great way

to do this. They give you an opportunity to discuss problems from class with

peers, and to ask your U:PASS leader, who has only recently been in your place,

those awkward questions (that you don’t want to ask your Tutor).

From,Jonathan Koukoumas

Dear First Year Student,

My name is Josh, and I’m currently in the 2nd year of an undergraduate, straight-law degree

at UTS. I hope that my hindsight can help you to make informed decisions about your

academic life, and inspire you to remain positive in a very new and exciting environment.

First and foremost: Always stay one step ahead

The most important lesson I have learnt is how crucial it is to prepare for every lecture and

tutorial in advance. There is a lot of material that is unfamiliar at first-glance, so use your

own time to make sense of it. Your mind and body will thank you when the exam period

looms.

Get involvedThere are so many opportunities for both social and academic development outside the

classroom. Consider Client Interviewing, Witness Examination, Negotiation and Mooting

competitions to challenge yourself and to develop practical legal skills. There are also

heaps of UTS LSS events and parties where you can meet other enthusiastic students.

You’re never a nerd at law school

Enjoy the prospect of studying with your friends! Everyone learns differently, and you will

find that your friend’s “hypothetical” scenario can suddenly make a frustrating concept a

whole lot easier to understand.

Enjoy the rideLaw school is, truly, an amazing time. You will feel stressed, relieved and accomplished.

The trick is to tackle the experience head-on. Implement the valuable study tips that the

tutor drills into you. Write notes that make sense to you. Keep pro-active. Finally, take a

well-deserved break now and then. That beer is going to taste sweet.

From,Josh Sukkar

U T S L S S C A L E N D E R

P E N C I L U S I N !

Every year the UTS LSS organises a range of events and activities for students. From outrageous O-Day antics and show-stopping social events, to fun legal

competitions and networking nights for all you go-getters, there is always a fun way for you to get involved. So pencil us in to your schedule, and we’ll see you there!

FEBRUARY

9 Colour Run10 Textbook Equity Scheme applications open17 Senior Competitions & Autumn Subject Mooting Registration open18 Law Faculty Orientation 19 Law Faculty Orientation & UTS O’Day21-23 Law Orientation Camp

MARCH

7 Textbook Equity Scheme Applications close10 Brennan Program Speaker Event21 First Year Law Drinks & Start of Semester Party27 Speaker Series IEnd Careers Networking EveningMarch

APRIL

5 SCLSS Equity Brunch 29 Social Justice Trivia Night30 Smile Project Launch

MAY

6 UTS LSS Outdoor Cinema7 Clerkship Seminar Series begins9 Valedictory Dinner16 Law Cruise

JUNE

27 End of Semester Party

JULY

Justice Journey3 Competitions Awards Evening7-14 ALSA Conference21 Junior Competitions & Spring Subject Mooting Registration open

AUGUST

7 Speaker Series II10 UTS LSS runs the City2Surf24 Intervarsity Sports Day

SEPTEMBER

2 UTS LSS Outdoor Cinema13 SCLSS Equity Afternoon Tea

OCTOBER

7 Speaker Series III17 Law Ball

For updates about events and other

activities, follow us at the UTS Law Students’ Society on Facebook,

and watch our website: www.utslss.com.au.

36

A C T I VAT E U T S C A L E N D E R

M A I N E V E N T S AT U T S

B R O A D WAY

FEBRUARY10 Orientation19 O-Week – Clubs Day20 O-Week – Activities Day21 O-Week – O’Fest26 Quay Markets27 Thursday Night Live Comedy

MARCH6 Post Grad Cocktail Affair13 UTS Careers Fair Thursday Night Live Comedy14 St Paddy’s Day17 Book Club at the Loft Harmony Week begins21 Harmony Day – Welcome Lunch Project Pride Party26 Quay Markets27 Job Truth

APRIL10 Thursday Night Live Comedy28 Book Club at the Loft30 Quay Markets

MAY2 DJ Comp9 Greek Trivia14 UTS Amazing Race15 Thursday Night Live Comedy16 Coco Chanel Ball19 Health & Happiness Week begins Book Club at the Loft28 Quay Markets

JUNE2 UTS Green Week begins12 World Cup Begins

JULY6 AUGs begin30 Quay Markets31 Clubs Day Thursday Night Live Comedy

AUGUST5 Vacation, Internship & Volunteer Fair, Kuring-Gai6 UTS Sports Championships8 Winterfest 14 Thursday Night Live Comedy15 Ping Pong Comp18 Almost Famous Music Expo begins Book Club at the Loft21 Bank Comp27 Infusion begins Quay Markets World Fiesta29 UTS Prom30 UTS City Open Day

SEPTEMBER2 Job Truth8 UTS Art Expo Begins11 Thursday Night Live Comedy12 Animation Fixation15 Book Club at the Loft24 Quay Markets26 Project Pitch begins28 AUGs begin

OCTOBER9 Oktoberfest at City16 National Ride to Work Day Thursday Night Live Comedy17 Greek Trivia18 U Ball20 Book Club at the Loft22 Quay Markets30 Body, Mind & Soul Day31 UTS End of Semester Halloween Party

NOVEMEBER4 Melbourne Cup13 Thursday Night Live Comedy

DECEMBER1 EAP Applications Open

37

9 T I P S T O B E I N G A N H D L AW

S T U D E N T B Y E M I LY M E L L E R

In the world of obsessive Type A personality law students, getting top marks on paper is not enough. You have to be what we

colloquially refer to as “an all around HD-er.” As in “Tom is just such an HD” and “on a scale of Lionel Hutz to Justice Kirby, how HD am I?” Luckily, with the help of the nine tips below, you will be well on your way to entering this elusive and coveted category. Socially, I mean. I have no idea about how to get an HD in, like, law or anything.

Moan about how much work you have to do.

This is especially important in first year. Most of your non law friends doing their hippie Communications and Science degrees with a major in ‘future unemployment’ will try and complain about their workload. Laugh in their face. You just did Perspectives on Law at the same time as Legal Method and Research. That is no joke. Last night, you had to read fifty pages. Actually it was more like a hundred. Actually it was like, a thousand pages, and you have to read that much every night and if you don’t your tutor literally breathes fire in your face and you get burned and your skin falls off in a puddle at your feet. That’s the price you pay for a real degree, after all.

Talk about how you never do any work.The flipside to being an all around great law guy or gal is to never actually let anyone see you doing any work. Go to the library and talk to everyone you see. Lounge around after class for hours over a strong cappuccino because you can. When people ask you how you manage to pass, let alone do well in, any subject, simply talk about how you are naturally gifted. Don’t let them know that you have not actually slept for three months. Or that you got notes and past assignments from your older brother who was dux as Usyd. The point is to make it all look effortless, just like real lawyers. May as well stay for a second coffee, you’ll be up all night.

Win every argument.All HD law students are quick to give you their opinion on everything. Totally uninformed opinions are usually the most popular, and often made with sweeping hand gestures and a lot of yelling. The golden rule of argument is simple: you are always right, even if blatantly wrong. The aim is not intellectual conversation and a mutual widening of perspectives; it is to make sure your opponent knows you are right. This can be done in a number of ways. You can, for instance, simply continue talking at them long after their eyes glaze over and they begin texting their friend about the weirdo they just met in the law cafe. If they start nodding out of boredom, you win. If they walk away first, you win. If they punch you in the face after you follow them down the hall, still yelling that Abbott’s immigration policy was basically written by the United Nations you win and get a chance to sue them in real court. Double win.

38

Keep on top of current affairs. Like who got with WHO at law cruise? Law students love to gossip. The more info you collect about people who are likely to be successful, the more leverage you will have in the future. How likely is a judge to rule against you when you have photographic evidence of them doing a nudie run at law camp? Of course, that will just be the tip of the ‘law school experience’ iceberg. Law students work hard and play harder. So, make sure you always bring a camera.

Make new law friends and tell your old friends how great your new law

friends are (no offence). It’s not that you are replacing your ‘old’ friends. It’s just that between study, mooting, coffee dates and schmoozing partners at the Big Three (law firms, that is), you really don’t have any time left. Plus, really, what are you actually getting out of their friendship? Laughter? Companionship? A warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of your stomach that is kind of like love, but you can’t be sure because since exams you’ve just kind of been numb to emotions?

Exactly. Future lawyers don’t need any of those things. Plus your new law friends are super nice. And really smart. They just kind of, get you, you know? You can discuss things like the future without the lame “I don’t really know what I want to do yet, maybe I’ll just wait and see/pursue my dreams.” Pathetic. You have already picked out your future office chair. Your late teens and early twenties are the time to really focus on your career, after all. But even you have only planned out the next ten years. What about the next thirty? Or the next fifty? Once that is all worked out, then, maybe, you will have spare time for a “catch up” drink.

Buddy up with the lecturers, whether they want your friendship or not.

Lingering at the end of every lecture to “ask a question” is a great segue into what topics will be in the exam. If the usual friendly banter doesn’t do the trick, baked goods often work a charm. Especially if they contain subliminal messages. Like baking a giant cake in the shape of an HD with your face on it. You sly Freudian dog.

Post the Marshall “Studyin’ Law” video to all your friends, every exam

period.Because no one else has seen it yet. You are the first one. If anyone asks what you are singing, just say it’s a “personal joke.” This is despite the fact that How I Met Your Mother quite possibly has the broadest humour on paid television. You are right, remember? They probably wouldn’t understand. Don’t even bother saying anything to non-law students. This is way above their intellectual capacity.

Never stop being yourself.Even if people tell you to your face that

you are a bad person. Haters gonna hate. And there are a lot of law student haters, trust me. Well, to them I say: enjoy your Jenga Block tower. Meanwhile, we will be busy pretending to frolick in the lawn and/or have invaded a new green planet in our special law building. Jealous, much? We get TVs down here too.

...Unless it’s to get a good internship, of course.

Being an all-round HD-er means that your GPA, no matter what the score, will just not be enough to secure you a job as the future Harvey Specter or Jessica Pearson. A good internship is the key to your success, so if the powers that be don’t like you…change. Hate sports? You are now in training to run a marathon. Never played golf? It’s time to upgrade from putput and break that green ceiling. If you are a teetotaller, you may as well give up – internships are a parade of canapés and wine, and never for the weak-stomached.

Want to hear more from Emily? Add her on Twitter at @EmMeller

39

LAW SCHOOL MANUAL, CAMP SURVIVAL GUIDE, THE FULL BENCH, ELECTIVES GUIDE, PRE-PENULTIMATE GUIDE, CAREERS GUIDE, CLERKSHIP GUIDE, PRO BONO

Like what you see? Contribute to an UTS LSS publication this

year! For more information, keep an eye on our website for calls for contributors or email

publications@utslss.com.