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  • About LSS

    The Melbourne University Law Students’ Society is the main student body in Melbourne Law School. We help you with all aspects of student life, from revision classes to getting a career and having fun.
    • 2010 Committee

      2010 committee list.
      • 2009 Committee

        Elected Members President Jonathan Augustus Secretary Romy Faulkner Treasurers David Yang Julia Wang Activities Vice Presidents Harry Hookey Nudge Perera Careers Vice Presidents Rebecca Clarke Alexis Fong Competitions Vice Presidents Thomas Ickeringill Courtney McLennan Education Vice Presidents Laura Johnston Charlotte Newbold Equality Vice Presidents Belinda Huang Arlene Wu Careers Officer Alex Zolotarsky Environment Officer Harrison Hilt Mature Age Officer Christian Wood Women’s Officers Monica Lillas Hannah Pham Queer Officer Bruce Hardy
      • 2008 Committee

        President Phil Barker Secretary Ben Zanatta Treasurers Lei Jie Li Pei Wen Chen Activities Vice Presidents Jonathan Augustus Ronny Chieng Careers Vice Presidents Fiona Borrelli Shirmaine Koh Education Vice Presidents Hadi Mazloum Arani Satgunaseelan Equality Vice Presidents Jessica Rae Jenny Jiang Women’s Officer Courtney McLellan Careers Officer Bob Hu Mature Age Representative Konstantin Rotarou Directors of Competitions Ben Teo Alex Zolatarsky Purely Dicta Editors Phillipa Noakes Lily Fordyce
      • 2007 Committee

        PresidentChristine LuiSecretaryRich HewettTreasurers Ellen Liang Brinsley Saw Activities Vice Presidents James Bull Lachie Slattery Careers Vice Presidents Pei Wen Chen Megan Trethowan Education Vice Presidents Michael Ng Niva Sivakumai Equality Vice Presidents Joshua Tee Benjamin Zanatta Women’s Officers Fadzai Jaravaza Julienne Hortle Careers OfficerMarie De Stefano ALSA RepresentativeMeng-Xi HuMature Age RepresentativeTom Bevan Queer Officer Freyja Tobin Purely Dicta Editors Angus Christophersen Taboka Finn
      • 2006 Committee

        PresidentJonathan JiSecretaryPeter GauntTreasurers Taboka Finn Gareth Redenbach Activities Vice Presidents Cat O’Dea Chris Settle Careers Vice Presidents Ashwin Rajan Brinsley Saw Education Vice Presidents Cameron Sim Tim Wright Equality Vice Presidents Niva Sivakumar Patrice Galatis Women’s Officers Stella Gold Agata Wierzbowski
      • 2005 Executive Committee

        PresidentPhilip TangSecretaryKristian ImbesiTreasurers Jason Pobjoy Sarah Rogers Activities Vice Presidents Anthony Cherny Gareth Redenbach Careers Vice Presidents Jeremy Lee Niloshan Vijayalingam Education Vice Presidents Amber Chew Christine Huynh Equality Vice Presidents Jeremy Wade Tim Wright
      • 2004 Executive Committee

        PresidentPorscia LamSecretaryChristine HuynhTreasurers Garry Chu Susannah Macknay Activities Vice Presidents Georgie Coleman Andrew Rodger Careers Vice Presidents Dora Guslitser Philip Tang Education Vice Presidents Kristian Imbesi Ishaan Nangia Equality Vice Presidents Dalit Kaplan Evelyn Tadros
    • President’s Welcome

      An introduction to the LSS from the president.
    • Australian Law Students' Association (ALSA)

      Information about the Australian Law Students’ Association, the peak representative body for law students across Australia.
    • Locker Hire

      Lockers can be rented in Mezzanine and Level 1 of the Law School for $20. The locker will be in your possession until January 2011. Just come by the office in order to pay and receive your locker number.
    • Sponsors

      All sponsors of this web site.
    • Victorian Council of Law Students’ Societies (VCLSS)

      The Victorian Council of Law Students’ Societies (VCLSS) represents the peak body for Victorian law students. All Victorian law students are members of this organization. The executive of the VCLSS consists of the Presidents of the Victorian law schools, being; Deakin Law Students’  Society La Trobe University Law Students’ Association Melbourne University Law Students’ Society
    • Organisations of Interest

      Global Law Students' Association The Melbourne University Global Law Students' Association specialises in helping law students access graduate opportunities beyond Australia’s shores. It aims to expose law students to the range of career opportunities available to them both here and abroad, and both within and outside the legal field. To find out more about the GLSA, visit the GLSA website.
    • Contact Us

      Full contact details for LSS.
  • Events

    Information about LSS events. Show up, have fun and make contacts. LSS has events for everyone.
    • Activities Overview

      To those for whom Law School isn't just about the degree, we, as Activities Directors, guarantee 2010 to be the biggest, boldest, most ambitious year of social activities.  As law students ourselves, we appreciate the importance of study, but that doesn't mean we can't still have fun.  We're uni students after all! We have some big events planned for the coming year in addition to our staple events (such as Law Ball, Booze Cruise, Battle of the Bands, PTNs (pub nights), and regular BBQs). Law Camp is making a return, along with interfaculty sport.  And for those whose interests lie in more classy events, we will be organising an LSS Winery Tour, as well as some swanky cocktail nights!  There will be plenty of other events, including poker nights and paintball to name a couple.
    • Law Ball

      Ladies and gentlemen, The time has come to dust off your best suits and gowns. Law Ball 2010 is only 3 weeks away (Thurs 6 May)! Prepare yourself for the culinary and auditory experience of a lifetime - not to mention the open bar. Law Ball 2010 promises to be bigger and better than ever before!! Dressed in your fine attire, and accompanied by all those special people in your life (or perhaps just those you can be arsed talking to in lectures) you will find yourself dining and drinking at the stylish Atlantic Function Centre, overlooking the water at Central Pier. Thought that was AMAZING!? Well wait, there's more... Following this, you will be able to dance the night (and your law school blues) away to the tune of Feenixpawl DJs. These guys are NOT TO BE MISSED - they've appeared at Stereosonic, V Fest, We Love Sounds and Kiss My Grass, so their presence is a MASSIVE coup!!
    • Law Revue 2010

      Congratulations to the Cast of 2010!I am very excited to announce the cast for this year's revue and we're incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse and rich range of talent.Beau FitzpatrickSimone FrenchDamon HughesMarion SlatterWill VannElke Wakefield What is the Law Revue? The Melbourne Comedy Law Revue is annual show that showcases the best in student comedy talent and donates all its funds, every year, to a range of charities.  The Law Revue has a long and illustrious history including such graduates as Steve Vizard, Rob Sitch, Magda Szubanski and the entire Working Dog crew.
    • BBQs

      Throughout the year if you see a large crowd and hear some kickass music pumping from the University Square lawns, then you’ll know the LSS is hosting a BBQ. Free food (sausages, meat and vege burgers), free drinks (beer, pre-mixed spirits and soft drinks), good music and your hanging with your fellow law students on a sunny afternoon
    • Inaugural LSS Paper Scissors Rock Championship 2009

      Do people tell you that Paper Scissors Rock (or Rock Paper Scissors… whatever) is a game of luck? Do you believe that provided a decent amount of games you can gain a psychological hold over your opponent and claim a deserved and totally skill based victory? Well then you are ideally placed to volunteer yourself for a spot in the Inaugural LSS Paper Scissors Rock Championship 2009. Here’s how the format will work. Week 5’s Mallesons BBQ on Thursday 2 April will host the first two rounds of the tournament. 16 people in each round. (You can’t register for both rounds unless there are no other takers… which given the concept... is unlikely to say the least).
    • Calendar

      Calendar of upcoming events.
    • Event Pictures

      Law Ball Snaps Badabing Badaboom.  You guys certainly did bring the party to the Sebel, and here's the proof. B-R-A-V-O. Check out old skool media for more. .
    • More Events…

      • Law Cruise

        For those of you that are unsure, every year the LSS hosts a night where we pretty much party it up on a boat. There’s drinks, great music and often a cool theme which involves some fun (and hilarious) dress ups. You can dance on the poop deck, poop on the dance deck… just don’t fall into the water, it’s pretty cold… and you’d miss the AFTERPARTY! That’s right sailors, the night doesn’t just end when the boat docks… we keep on kickin’ it on land!
      • Pub Nights

        “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.If it's just coke, then mix it.” Two different ideologies there, and both relate to the good old fashioned MULSS PTN. For those that aren't familiar with the Activities portfolio, that must be a pretty daunting acronym. It literally stands for Melbourne University Law Students' Society Pleasant Thursday Night and it is code for a pub evening out with your friends-cum-colleagues. They have been a popular fixture in years past, and hopefully will remain so for years to come. Certainly not broke, we don't intend to fix them. As for the second ideology mentioned above, the LSS certainly does not condone binge drinking. What we do condone however, is a pleasant few beers in pleasant company. So come along and enjoy our bar tab, for a small entry fee of $10.
      • After Exams Parties

        Look out for our mid-year and end-of-year After Exams Parties. We generally co-host them with Law Student Societies from Monash, La Trobe, Deakin, Vic Uni etc. So if they rock, give all the credit to us, and if they suck, blame Monash like we always do.
  • Publications

    Information about various publications by the LSS.
    • Newsletters

      Every Monday the LSS emails its weekly newsletter to all Melbourne Law Students. Please find the .doc file archives of each newsletter below. 2010 Semester 1 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7   2009 Semester 1
      • Semester 1 - Pre-Semester Bulletin

        Welcome back everyone to Semester 1 2009! …. Well not yet, but the LSS will be trying a few things new this year, and one of those is a pre-semester newsletter to inform all students about the opportunities available in the early part of semester 1… before the semester actually begins! It should allow everyone a heads up whilst we all enjoy our last week of holidays.   You will also notice a new format to these newsletter emails, in order to allow for easier browsing.  
    • Purely Dicta

      Purely Dicta is a magazine written for law students by law students. It's that simple. As editors, we intend to make this year's editions stylish, clear and content-driven. Have you ever wondered what IKEA would look like if it were a magazine? That's our vision of Purely Dicta, less the flat-pack furniture, funny Swedish naming conventions and cheap meatballs. That said, we need YOUR submissions to bring our flat-pack magazine baby to life. We're looking for articles, comics, reviews, opinion pieces, even allen keys.
      • Edition One is Out Now!

        Purely Dicta Edition One is out now! Come by Level Two and grab a copy off the newsstands. Download a copy to your iPhone or computer by clicking here. Submissions are now open for Edition Two. To submit an article, email lss-purelydicta@unimelb.edu.au.
      • Purely Dicta Edition One 2010: Content Ideas

        Purely Dicta Edition One will be published during Semester 1, 2010. We're excited about it and think you should be too. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday April 14. For a list of article suggestions, click here. Visit our blog here.
  • Competitions

    Information about law competitions run by LSS. Test your skills outside of class by facing down fellow law students in these fun competitions.
    • Competitions Overview

      Welcome to LSS Competitions 2010! We’re Mel Lok & David Park, the Competitions Directors for 2010.  We look forward to making 2010 a great year for competitions in the Law School! For those new to the Law School, the LSS runs a variety of legal-style competitions for law students in all stages of their degrees. Even if you are in your final year and have never done a competition before, it is never too late to start! Why should I do a competition?
    • Rules of Participation

      2010 Rules of Participation   Application of the Rules   1. These rules of participation apply to The University of Melbourne Law Students’ Society (LSS) competitions.  
    • Mooting

      The LSS Mooting Competition, sponsored by Mallesons Stephens Jacques, is about to kick into gear for 2010 - this time with some new changes! For those who haven't heard, mooting is a competition in the form of a mock submission, usually an appeal, designed to develop skills in advocacy, oral argument, and legal research.  Two teams present a written argument, and then make oral submissions in front of a judge, the winners of each round advancing until the Grand Final, where a winner is ultimately chosen. This year, there have been some changes to the competition:
    • Witness Examination

      Overview Thank you for considering participating in the 2010 MULSS Witness Examination Competition. If you can think (reasonably) fast on your feet, enjoy interrogating your friends and don’t want to be buried under legal research, then this competition is for you!
    • Client Interview

      The Client Interview competition is a great opportunity for law students to develop their listening, client management and team skills. There is an increasing emphasis being placed on legal services being tailored for each client. After all, everybody is different, and what they will want to get out of a consultation with a legal professional is bound to vary. With this in mind, the client interview competition is perfect for anyone who would like to see how they would fare in a normal work environment. All students from all year levels participate each year. You will work in groups of two, with the setting of the competition being a client visiting two lawyers for a preliminary meeting. With only a short (and I mean short) memorandum briefly outlining the context of the meeting, you will begin to work your magic.
    • Letter of Advice

      For this competition, you are required to write a letter of advice to a client based on a hypothetical. The catch is that this time you're not striving for H1's but real-life prizes! You could win a prize! Who doesn't like winning prizes? The Competition will be made available to students on the LSS website from Wednesday 22nd July and responses will be due by 5pm on Thursday 30th July.
    • Paper & Oral Presentation

        Overview   The paper and oral presentation competition aims to promote legal scholarship, oratory skills and the chance to present controversial issues in an interesting and informative manner.  It is a great opportunity for law students to express themselves beyond the traditional formulaic writing required in class.   The competition is run in two stages.
    • ALSA National Competitions

      ALSA is proud to facilitate competition by the best of the best; the winners of each law school’s internal competitions. The national finals of legal competitions are held at the annual July Conference. In many competitions, the winners go on to compete at the international finals. Winners of the 2009 Melbourne LSS Competitions will receive the opportunity to compete in the 2010 ALSA Conference to be held in Adelaide!* The national finals of the following competitions are facilitated by ALSA:
    • Melbourne Law School Art Competition

      Presented by the Melbourne Law School, the Centre for Media and Communications Law, the Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia, and the Melbourne University LSS and ILSS, the competition invites all current law students to submit artworks for an acquisitive exhibition in the Melbourne Law School.
  • Careers

    Career-related information from the LSS.
    • Careers Overview

      As Careers Directors for the LSS, we are ready to help all law students realise the full potential of their law degrees. Studying law opens up a myriad of career pathways, and we are determined expose you to as many of these as possible. Throughout the coming term, we will be engaging in a three step process: 1. Helping law students choose what career they are most interested in and suited to;2. Providing advice on how to successfully apply for those chosen careers; and3. Training students on how to effectively perform in the workplace.
    • Beyond Law School

      Thank you to everyone who helped with, spoke at or attended Beyond Law School this year. It was a great success and we hope it will become a regular part of the Law Students' Society's calendar.   This year, the Careers Portfolio has teamed with the Equality Portfolio to run the inaugural Beyond Law School fortnight, two weeks of events between April 19 and 29. Each day features a specific area of legal practice with a variety of speakers giving an interesting and frank account of their work, career, opinions and experiences. Already lined up are panels, debates and cocktail parties, all held free for you at MLS. The days are:
    • Meet The Profession Cocktail Evening

      The Meet the Profession Cocktail Evening is one of the most popular events run in the law school. The evening provides an invaluable opportunity for students to chat with and ask questions of firm HRs, partners and graduates before seasonal clerkship applications close. Come and chat to major law firms and organisations in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and enjoy a night of gourmet food and wine!
    • Seasonal Clerkship Guide

      The Seasonal Clerkship Guide is a useful resource which contains all the information you need when applying for seasonal clerkships. From both firm and student perspectives, the guide contains information about writing a resume, cover letter and provides interviewing techniques as well as what to expect from your experience. It will also include an extensive directory providing application dates and contact details for a variety of firms and organisations. Download the 2010 Guide LSS Seasonal Clerkship Guide 2010 (PDF, 5MB). This has been optimised for online viewing. Turn on "bookmarks" on your PDF viewer. The 2010 Guide is available in hardcopy on level 2. Please note, the HR contact for Lander & Rogers is listed as Liza Pitts. Liza has recently changed her name to Liza Ryan. You will not be disadvantaged by using either.
    • Seasonal Clerkship Seminars

      Thank you to the firm representatives and students who attended the Seminars this year. We hope you got a lot out of them. In 2010, a series of seminars will be conducted featuring presentations by law firm representatives as to what they are looking for when they rummage through hundreds of applications. It will provide you with useful tips about the skills needed to maximise your chances of a successful application as well as insight into each firm’s focus areas and culture. We will also hold mock interviews between students and firm representatives to allow for constructive feedback and a feel for the type of questions asked in a real interview. These seminars are free and open to all law students and will be conducted during lunchtimes. We encourage anyone considering taking a seasonal clerkship to attend.
    • Careers Guidebook

      The annual LSS Careers Guidebook provides information on the many career paths a law degree opens up to you. It will be of special interest to those graduating at the end of this year, but also is an invaluable guide to those wanting to know what career paths are open to them. Enjoy the Guidebook!
    • Work Experience Program

      Please look at the Melbourne Law School Careers Office Internship Program.
    • ALSA Careers Related Publications

      International Careers Guidebook It's a global legal marketplace, and Australian lawyers are in hot demand all over the world. This publication seeks to collate information about opportunities available, particularly to law graduates, in international law firms, non-government organisations and other employers. It also records the experiences of those who have worked over the seas. Download the 2009 Malleson Stephen Jaques International Careers Guide (PDF, 1.5MiB). Judges’ Associate Guide The Judges Associateship is a pit-stop taken by many law graduates on their route to professional practice. An associate is essentially a judge’s personal assistant, helping with research and courtroom tasks.
    • Law School Careers Office & Melb. Uni Careers Online

      Careers services run by Melbourne University
  • Education

    Information about the LSS’ efforts to help you through your law degree.
    • Education Overview

      Mollie Tregillis and Brendan Fitzgerald   As Education Directors, we are primarily here to promote and protect the interests of all Melbourne Law students. Through our regular meetings with the Associate Deans of both the LLB and JD degrees we put students’ needs on the agenda and take issues to the law faculty that individuals may not feel comfortable doing themselves. We also, as official student representatives, have the ability to see real action taken on issues of concern.  Representation of students is our biggest (and most valued) role. We would strongly encourage students to approach us with any issues relating to their education at the law school and to consider us their first port of call in these matters. We can always be contacted on lss-education@unimelb.edu.au. There are however, a few other things we organise throughout the year including:
    • Sir Anthony Mason Lecture 2009

      15 October 2009 Guest Speaker: The Hon Justice Finkelstein of the Federal Court6.30pm lecture startRoom G08Topic: "The short man is always right: reforming the adversarial system"Food and drink provided Sir Anthony Mason Lecture Series Overview One of the highlights of the Education Portfolio calendar is the annual Sir Anthony Mason lecture. The Sir Anthony Mason Honorary lecture was inaugurated in 1995, the year of Sir Anthony Mason's retirement as Chief Justice of the Hight Court of Australia. The lecture serves to celebrate Sir Anthony Mason's outstanding contribution to the legal profession and the common law of Australia, as well as offering the opportunity for students of the Law School to meet and hear those who have helped to shape the law as we study it. It provides a substantial contribution to legal debate within the Law School, as well as inspiration and insight to many students.
    • Law Students’ Guidebook

      The Law Students’ Guidebook contains information about every aspect of being a law student including subjects, support services and societies that represent you. The 2009 Law Students’ Guidebook combines information for both LLB and JD students. Download Law Students’ Guidebook 2010 (PDF, 8.4MB). This file has been optimised for on-screen viewing. You might prefer a paper copy, since it is 126 pages long. Paper copies can be found on Level 2 of the Law School, or by knocking on the LSS office.
    • Health and Wellbeing Guidebook

      Have a look at the handy Health and Wellbeing Guidebook, for tips to maintain a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle.
    • Student Tutorial Service

      STS Timetable Semester 1 2010 Here are the room allocations for the STS tutes. Please note tutes start on 29/3/10 and all tutes run from 1 - 2 pm. MONDAY JD Torts  - Room 106 LLB Admin - Room 102   TUESDAY JD Admin - Room 106   WEDNESDAY
    • Health & Wellbeing Seminars

      A new initiative for 2009 is the introduction of a series of health and well being seminars. These seminars are designed to combat the high incidence of depression amongst law students. A number of issues will be tackled including providing information for students on work-life balance and stress management. Seminar Three: Principles of Happiness With end of semester fast approaching, the Melbourne University LawStudents' Society is here to provide assistance and support duringthis challenging time. Presenting our third and final seminar in our Health and Wellbeingseries, this lunchtime workshop will identify key elements andstrategies that contribute to a happier, fulfilling and moresatisfying life. Date: Wednesday 21st OctoberTime: 1pm - 2pmRoom: 224, Melbourne Law School Presenter: Orania Tokatlidis, Counselling Service Light lunch and refreshments will be provided.
    • Depression in Australian Law Schools - ALSA Handbook

      ALSA, in conjunction with beyondblue, has published a handbook for Law Student Societies dealing with depression amongst law students. Download Download ALSA Depression in Australian Law Schools Handbook (PDF, 1.4MB)   The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation is also a very good resource, helping to deal with the issue of Depression.
  • Equality

    Law students with a conscience. We help you to make a difference in the community around you.
    • Equality Overview

          “It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope.”
      • National Human Rights Consultation—LSS Submission

        In June, 2009 the Equality Portfolio in conjunction with the Social Justice officers submitted a formal submission to the National Human Rights Consultation Committee which is currently consulting the community regarding the public’s views on human rights protection and promotion in Australia. Our nine page submission reflected the views expressed by our law students, who completed an online survey compiled by the LSS. In particular, the survey focused on the terms of reference published by the National Human Rights Consultation Committee. The terms of reference are: Which human rights should be protected and promoted? Are these human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted? How could Australia better protect and promote human rights? A copy of the formal submission may be downloaded below:
      • 'RIGHT NOW'

        'RIGHT NOW' OPPORTUNITIES   Right Now is a volunteer, not-for-profit media organisation led by young people focused on human rights issues in Australia.  
      • The New Face of Equality

        "The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life"                                       —Jane Addams 1. The Equality Portfolio Welcome to the New Face of Equality! We hope that through our diverse events and publications—beginning with the Equality Launch—you will be better equipped to gain more:
    • Living Book Scheme

      The Living Book Scheme provides free legal textbooks and printed materials to law students facing financial difficulty. Under the scheme students can borrow the latest editions of their prescribed reading for the duration of the semester and are provided with the relevant printed course materials free of charge. The Living Book Scheme relies on the goodwill of its recipients. This means that we rely on students to return the books at the end of each semester in excellent condition, without permanent markings or damage to the books. Printed course materials need not be returned. Applications are assessed independently from the LSS by the university department of Student Financial Services. All students facing financial difficulty are encouraged to apply - please follow the instructions contained in the application form carefully. Applications Semester Two 2010 Applications for Semester Two 2010 are now OPEN.
    • Melbourne Law School Public Interest Law Fair 2010

      The Law School Careers Office is excited to announce that this year it will be holding the second Melbourne Law School Public Interest Law Fair.This will be a fabulous opportunity for students to speak directly with representatives from a variety of organisations working in public interest law - to demystify the sector and inform you of the many interesting career possibilities within the area, and how to best prepare and apply for such roles. The Fair will be held: Level 1 of the Melbourne Law School10 August 2010 5.30-7.30pm
    • Queer

      General Information for Queer and Queer-friendly Students at Melbourne Law School Welcome to the LSS Queer page - you found it! I am your friendly queer rep for '10: Chris Summers is a Creative Arts/Law student passionate about queer rights, activism and the arts. I'm hoping to make 2010 a year for an inclusive, fun, supportive and visible queer collective.  I'm dedicated to building a queer community in the Melbourne Law School, and am looking forward to meeting everyone and anyone interested. If you have any questions, you want to join the mailing list or you just want to have a chat, please do not hesitate to send us an email at: lss-queer@unimelb.edu.au There is also a facebook page at MLSQ - Melbourne Law School Queer where you can meet students concerned about queer issues and find out about events.    
      • MLSQ Film Night - 'Milk', Munchies and More...

        So, have you guys heard?Everyone's favourite muscle-man action figure and beefcake extraordinairre Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared an annual day of recognition for pioneering gay rights activist, Harvey Milk! http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/13/2712503.htmThose lucky Californians will be celebrating and remembering this amazing man on May 22. But we've decided to kick things off a little earlier - October 21st - with a screening of Gus Van Sant's 2008 biopic 'Milk'!It's the first of many exciting events we've got planned for MLSQ, and it'll also be an opportunity to meet your LSS Queer Officers for 2009/10 - Lee and Chris - as well as meeting and hanging out with your fellow Melbourne Law School queers.
      • Queer Contacts

        Law Faculty LSS Queer Officers Lee Carnie & Chris Summerslss-queer@unimelb.edu.au http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=103403098077&ref=ts Queer Students’ Equal Opportunities Liaison Officer Lisa Sarmas l.sarmas@unimelb.edu.au Student Union (UMSU) Queer Office BearersClaire Opperman & Ed Yapqueer@union.unimelb.edu.au8344 4817 Queer Department, UMSU IncFirst floor Union House, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010
      • Queer Networking

        Online Student Forum This year we are launching our online student chatroom for queer students. The forum is being hosted by Queer Uni Students Online—an independant website set up to facilitate networking between queer students across university campuses in Australia. The Queer Officer has a profile on the forum—MULSS_queer_officer. In addition there is a University of Melbourne forum and a Melbourne Law School forum on the same site. How to Join Register an account by following the supplied link, or go to Queer Uni Students Online home page and follow the links on the left hand side of the page.
      • Queer Newsletters

        Download the latest Queer Newsletter! Newsletter 06-08-09    
      • Queer Officer Profile

        Chris Summers is a Creative Arts/Law student passionate about queer rights, activism and the arts.
    • Social Justice

      Social Justice officers are here to get Melbourne Law School students thinking about how they can help build a society where people feel free and in control of their lives, connected to those around them, and hopeful for the future. The flagship Social Justice activity will be the series of regular discussions on a variety of social justice themes.
      • Memory, Trauma and Reconciliation in Post-War Bosnia & Herzegovina

        Tuesday 23rd March 2010 6pm – Welcome & Drinks6.30 pm – Forum Starts Room G08, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Parkville Ron Adams, ethno-historian at La Trobe University Maria Tumarkin, Research Fellow at the Institute of Social Research, Swinburne University Hariz Halilovich, Research Fellow at the Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne. This forum will explore the impact that memories of war and its associated trauma have on Bosnians. It will highlight the importance of reconciliation initiatives for the first post-war generations, who did not experience the conflict first-hand, but who live with its ongoing effects nonetheless. The forum will also consider the global resonance of the Bosnian conflict, in particular the way in which social and historical memory of the war impacts on the Bosnian diaspora.  A forum presented in support of Most Mira (Peace Bridge) Youth Festival, a UK-based charity aiding reconciliation in Northern Bosnia through work with young people 
      • Using International Treaties for Local Change

        Shadow Reporting under Human Rights Conventions Emily Chew of the YWCA, Project Coordinator of Australia’s NGO Shadow Report under CEDAW. Rachel Ball, Lawyer with the Human Rights Law Resource Centre (HRLRC). 1:00pm–2:00pm, Wednesday 6 May 2009Room 223, Melbourne Law School
      • An Australian Human Rights Act: Dispelling the Myths

        A public lecture featuring The Hon Catherine Branson QC, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. 6:00pm–7:00pm, Tuesday 19 May 2009Room G08, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton Vic 3053
        • Submission to the National Human Rights Consultation

          The LSS recently sent a formal submission to the National Human Rights Consultation Committee, which is currently  reviewing the public's perception of human rights protection and promotion in Australia. The purpose of the submission was to holistically represent the diverse spectrum of views and experiences expressed by our student body, which was facilitated by an online survey. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those students who participated in our survey during this extremely busy period of the year. Furthermore, the winners of our book voucher prizes will be contacted shortly via email. View the formal LSS submission (PDF, 94KB). For more information about the National Human Rights Consultation, please visit the official website.
      • Shakespeare in Carlton

        'Shakespeare in Carlton' began as a beautifully idealistic proposal by 4 students of the Melbourne Law School (Adora, Charlene, Gillian, Stella) to organise a Drama and Filmmaking Workshop cum Fundraising for a Weekly Drama Club for the African-Australian Community in Carlton.  
      • The NT Intervention: Coercion vs. Cooperation

        A free public lecture featuring the Hon Ron Merkel QC, former Judge of the Federal Court of Australia. Presented in conjunction with Engineers Without Borders. 6:30pm–8:30pm, Monday 5th October 2009Room G08, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham St, Carlton Vic 3053
    • Environment

      2010 will be a very important year for environmental issues, not only in Australia, but for the Law School. Recent bushfires, floods and drought have all highlighted the need to take climate change seriously. As students, we are in an excellent position to push for change and to make sure environmental issues are very much on the political and social agenda. As Environment Officer, my overall objective is to create a forum where environmental issues can be discussed and initiatives taken within the Law School. To this end, I aim:
    • Women’s

      The women's office is looking forward to an exciting 2010! With plenty planned for the year ahead and a focus on what you can get out of the Women's Office, we're here to ensure that important women's issues get discussed, female lawyers and law students build strong bonds, and we all have some fun along the way! Along with inspiring speakers, exciting breakfasts, lunches and desserts,  the women's office will also be focusing on what you want from the LSS this year. So if you have any ideas, shoot us an email at lss-womens@unimelb.edu.au. Activities to look out for in 2010... International Women's Day lunch - come kick off the academic year and celebrate a day of global importance with fascinating speakers and friends.
      • International Women’s Day

        International Women’s Day is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. The Law School will be hosting International Women’s Day on Wednesday 10 March, 2010. International Women’s Day aims to celebrate the achievements of women, while also recognising that obstacles in equality continue to exist. We believe this is an ideal platform from which to promote discussion and reflection on women’s issues. This year Justice Betty King from the Victorian Supreme Court will be discussing a successful career in the both the criminal law and judicial world, obstacles along the way, and facing off against Carl Williams in court. Food, drink, women’s issues and Underbelly: what more could you ask for? Wednesday 10th March, 1pm - 2pm, Room 102
      • Mentoring Program

        The Victorian Women Lawyers and The Women Barristers Association of Victoria proudly present the 2010 Law Student Mentoring Program. Current Victorian law students are invited to participate in the 2010 Mentoring Program. Please note students who have done seasonal clerkships and trainees are ineligible. Wherever possible, law students and mentors will be paired based on common professional interests and backgrounds. All pairs will be encouraged to meet on a monthly basis, especially at VWL and WBA functions throughout 2010. If interested please download student expression of interest form below and either return to the LSS office by Friday 19 March 2010 or email kate@kateashmor.com
      • Women in the Law—Reality Check

        NOTE: Apologies for the mix up everyone - this was the Women in the Law - Reality Check event of 2009. Stay tuned for more information for the Women in the Law - Reality Check event of 2010, involving expert career advice, opportunities to network, and muffins... 13 August 6:30pm We have noticed that while problems women face regarding women in the law are often acknowledged, we feel that there is not enough discussion about these problems and how to combat them in your career. Join us in an exclusive event for Melbourne law students to discuss these issues with three VWL executive members. The speakers come from a range of backgrounds and include a junior legal recruiter who started off working in-house for an international finance company, a senior federal government lawyer and a senior commercial private practice lawyer.
    • LLB Rep

      The LLB representative is someone LLB students can go to with any concerns they may have. Aside from that, they also provide helping hands to other portfolios when they need them—most notably helping run competitions and helping set up/clean up after events. This explains why such an important person has been elected to the job. One man is doing the job that 6 did last year...superhuman much? Meet Your One and Only LLB Rep Hi devoted readers,
    • JD Rep

      Melbourne Law School finally has a full complement of JD year groups, and as the numbers swell, the demands and expectations grow. Subjects are being tailored specifically for the new graduate cohort. Refinements are ongoing. It's exciting and challenging, but at the same time can be very confusing. LLB cohorts don't necessarily appreciate the range of concerns that affect JDs, while JDs may not stop to consider that they are not the only students to whom student organisations, like the LSS, must cater. The aim with the JD Representative is to present a unified 2nd and 3rd year JD message to the LSS, and to make sure an appropriately delicious number of events are held to celebrate, encourage and support the ultimate and penultimate year JDs. The role of the JD Representative on the Committee is to ensure that the JD voice is heard, and that both graduate and undergraduate concerns are taken into account at all points throughout the committee process.
    • E-Qual - Equality Journal and Volunteering Guide

      E-Qual (2010/2011) Now Accepting Submissions! E-qual now accepting submissions!E-qual is the new Equality LSS publication being launched in 2010!Things you should know: 1. The best submission this year will be rewarded with a $500 apple store gift voucher! (submissions will be shortlisted and judged by a panel including a representative from faculty and our sponsors Clayton Utz and the Leo Cussen Institute).2. This is a great opportunity to get published.
    • Reprieve Volunteer Talk – Monday 23 August, 1.00pm

      Reprieve is an Australian non-government organisation that fights the death penalty.  It seeks to provide effective legal representation and humanitarian assistance to those facing the death penalty, to advocate against the death penalty and to raise awareness about human rights. Reprieve conducts volunteer programs at home and abroad, including sending Australians to defend clients facing the death penalty.   
    • Beyond Collins Street Careers Seminars 2009

      Beyond Collins Street is a series of seminars aiming to bring to light career paths for law students outside of commercial law. We hope you will come along and find out about some of the less trodden paths to a legal career.
    • Opportunities at 'RIGHT NOW'

      Are you passionate about human rights? What to contribute your thoughts and experience to a new exciting publication? Then read on below.   Right Now is a volunteer, not-for-profit media organisation led by young people focused on human rights issues in Australia.  
    • First Year Reps

Stories on this site

Stories contain transitory information. They may fall off the front pages of our news feeds after some time. Below are all the stories on our site.

Nudge Perera

Hi devoted readers,

I'm a third year (going on fourth year in 2010) commerce/law student. My role as LLB rep will involve being a go between for llb students and the committee, as well as helping out with LSS Activities. I will also be running a yet to be determined competition.

Favourite quote (really just one I plucked from the internet): The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business - or almost anywhere else for that matter. Lee Iacocca

Look forward to seeing you all around the Law School

 

More Mooting Practice Round spots are available!

Due to the very high demand we are offering more mooting practice round spots! The new sign up form is next to the original forms on the Competitions Board (level 2, next to the toilets).  Sign up and get some experience before round 1!

New Queer Officer Assistant

Esther Bohmer is the new Queer Officer Assistant!

Both Esther and I are really excited about generating some excitement and visibility in the Queer Community!

Basically, we get it; there's not much of a queer community in the Law School and it's just not that fun right now. But we wanna change that.

Come meet Esther and Bruce at Queer Pizza and Nun's Revenge!!!

Welcome Esther!

 

Beyond Law School: International Careers

Wednesday 28th April, 1-2pm on room 102

Interested in a career in international law or politics but not sure where to start? Beyond Law School: International Law will give you fantastic insight into the amazing career opportunities available in the international sphere, and how to snag that elusive first job! So come along and hear about;

International Organisations: the International Criminal Court
The ever amazing Kevin Heller will give us insight into how to go about kickstarting a career within the ICC, and international organisations more generally.

The Red Cross
Find out about career opportunities within the one of the world's most well known and successful NGOs.

Sullivan & Cromwell
Renowned law firm Sullivan & Cromwell will open your eyes to the (often overlooked) possibilities of a career in private international law, as well as the exciting opportunities of practising in New York (concrete jungle where dreams are made of...)

See you there!

All LSS Events Suspended (April Fools)

It is my sad duty to inform Melbourne Law students that all LSS events have been suspended until further notice, pending a Consumer Affairs investigation. Details on the alleged incident cannot be disclosed at this stage.

Pursuant to section 4.1 of the LSS Constitution, full executive power has been vested in the Treasury and all LSS assets have been frozen for the duration of the investigation. Unfortunately, this means the LSS can no longer provide its extensive range of services to students, including Law Ball and this Thursday's BBQ.

That's right. The LSS regrets to inform you that the 2009 Law Ball will not be going ahead as a result of the investigation. Please note that tickets are not refundable (please see the terms and conditions on the back of the tickets). I know. I am just as pissed off as you are, I was really looking forward to it.

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Cancellation of Corporations Law Tute

Due to unforseen circumstances, the STS tute for Corporations Law has been cancelled on June 1 2009 (1–2, Room 106). We will reschedule the tute when possible and will advertise the new time ASAP.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

SWOT VAC CORORATIONS LAW TUTORIAL PREPARATION

Hi guys,

We will be going through the 2009 Semester 2 exam on Wednesday from 1pm (those parts we have not already discussed).

Please come having prepared answers and ideas.

Cheers

Hadi

Prosh Week 2009

For the first time ever in 2009, the law school will enter a team in Prosh week team. However, we need volunteers. 

Co-opt nominations - deadline extension

We want to make sure we're getting the best candidates for each co-opted position. So to give you a better chance at nominating, we're postponing the cut-off for getting your nomination forms in until Saturday at 5pm. You can find nomination forms here.

MLSW Film Night - 'Milk', Munchies and More...

Everyone's favourite muscle-man action figure and beefcake extraordinairre Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced an annual day of recognition for pioneering gay rights activist, Harvey Milk!

Those lucky Californians will be celebrating and remembering this amazing man on May 22. But Melbourne Law School Queer is celebrating early - Wednesday October 21st at 7pm in Rm 222- with a screening of Gus Van Sant's 2008 biopic 'Milk'!

It's the first of many exciting events we've got planned for MLSQ, and it'll also be an opportunity to meet your LSS Queer Officers for 2009/10 - Lee and Chris - as well as meeting and hanging out with your fellow Melbourne Law School queers.

So come along for the movie, some awesome nibbles, a drink and definite good company. Bring your friends - gay, straight, not-quite-sure, or whatever - and most importantly, your beautiful selves.

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