From the ALSA President
Paul Gordon, President, ALSA
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Melbourne University Law Students’
Society, and commend them on their efforts to bring ALSA to your attention. ALSA is an amazing organization, but it is an organization you can only get benefits from if you actively seek out those benefits.
The first obvious question – What is ALSA?
ALSA is the peak national body representing Law Students in Australia. ALSA represents over 28,000 Australian law students, and is comprised of 32 law student society (LSS) members – in fact, Melbourne University LSS is an affiliated member of ALSA. We are instrumental in lobbying on issues facing Law Students, providing support to individual university law students’ associations, and allowing a forum for law students to meet, network and brainstorm ideas to tackle issues facing law students across the country.
Annual Conference: Hobart 2008
Since 1979 ALSA has conducted a national Conference in July on an annual basis. Conference is an incredible experience for all involved and culminates the national competition championship finals, the Australian Legal Education Forum (ALEF), the July Council meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), a broad range of topical seminars and spectacular social events to cap each incredibly busy day. In addition to running this pinnacle event of every law students’ calendar, ALSA also provides a range of worthwhile products and services that assist law students with their career and university experience. Non-believers, read on.
Your legal education
ALSA is distinguished from on-campus LSS’s in that it represents a national demographic. Over the past 28 years ALSA’s submissions have often achieved results on a federal level including influencing senate amendments to the Higher Education Support Act 2003 with respect to the mandatory HECS repayment threshold. Close to home for Melbourne University students, after much discussion, ALSA has written an extensive discussion paper regarding
the ‘Growing Esteem’ program here at Melbourne University. Together with groups like AMSA and NUS, ALSA has been instrumental for lobbying on educational issues to parliament.
Your legal career
Most students commence a law degree with a clear objective upon completion – getting a job. ALSA is committed to serving law students by disseminating useful information about career applications and opportunities. www.MyLegalCareer.com.au is the unique – free – job search website for both law students and legal employers. This website is a depository of paralegal, pro-bono, support and related legal jobs from around the country.
www.MyLegalCareer.com.au was launched in August 2005 and I encourage you to register as a student the next time you’re online: http://www.MyLegalCareer.com.au
That’s ALSA for now
If you haven’t done so already, why not make 2008 the year that you challenged your comfort zones, met new people and learned something inspiring about yourself. You can pursue this by becoming involved in Melbourne University LSS, signing up for a competition or even attending an ALSA Conference if you have the chance. Like so many before you, you may even find yourself enjoying all facets of studying a law degree.
All the best!
|
