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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)

    Information about the Victorian Council of Law Students’ Societies, the peak state representative body for law students in Victoria.

  • Organisations of Interest

    International Law Students’ Society The Melbourne University International Law Students’ Society 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 ILSS, visit the ILSS 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

    If you’re into LA, you do the Oscars.If Spain is your thing, you get all over Carnival.If you are studying law at Melbourne Uni, you law ball. No exaggeration. Law Ball is the biggest event on the Activities Calendar. Fine clothes. Fine company. At a fine venue. Dinner. Drinks. And a dance. It is enough to make any man feel like Bond, and any woman Cinderella. With changes in the first year intake, the ball has shrunk in recent years, though as last year’s ball proved, compromise in size has not meant compromise in class or enjoyment. The ball was just as successful as those before it. This year the ball will be held on Thursday 9th April at The Sebel at Albert Park. We are both busy planning for a ball that will outdo the hype. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 16 March 2009.

    • Get Your Law Ball Tickets!

      Tickets for the 2009 Corrs Chambers Westgarth Law Ball will go on sale at the following times: Monday 16 March, 10am–3pm. Tuesday 17 March to Thursday 19 March, 1pm–2pm Tickets will be sold on Level 2. The Ball itself will take place on Thursday 9 April, the day before Good Friday, at The Sebel on Albert Park [see map]. Law Ball tickets can only be purchased in tables of 10 via EFTPOS (Savings/Cheque is preferred). Tickets are $97 per head. Deposits can be made for a total of $200 per table. Otherwise, if desired, full payment can be made at a total of $970.

    • Apology to Jewish and Christian students

      The Melbourne University Law Students’ Society formally apologises to the Jewish & Christian Student Community for its oversight with regards to the chosen date of the 2009 Corrs Chambers Westgarth Law Ball.  It was never the LSS’ intention to exclude the Jewish or Christian student community from enjoying Law Ball, and it deeply regrets organising the event on a night with such significant religious implications. By no means was there ever any malice intended. It was due to a lack of awareness with regards to the specifics of the Jewish Holiday of Passover, and the competitive nature of locking in dates for University Balls early in Semester One, that Thursday April 9 2009 was chosen.

  • Law Revue

    2009 Cast Announced! We are delighted to announce that auditions for this year’s Revue were a roaring success, and we now have a final cast for 2009. Congragulations to the following new cast-members: Zoe “Joe” Murdoch Olivia “Liv” Bramwell Nick “why not throw random letters in?” Modrzewski Maxwell “J” Smith Joshua “James” Ladgrove Alice “Al” Fraser Aaron “Awal” Walton And a big thank you to everyone who auditioned. We wish you all the best!

  • 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       2009 Semester 1 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

    • 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.

    • 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 The Witness Examination competition is a simulated civil or criminal trial. Teams consist of two students: there is one barrister and one non-competitive witness. The competition takes place before a judge and the essence of your task is to ascertain the facts of the case through the examination and cross-examination of witnesses. You will receive your brief (including facts, police statements etc.) via email approximately 24 hours prior to the trial and you must act in accordance with your brief. The competition improves your public speaking skills, is lots of fun interrogating your friends and generally does not require any legal research.

  • Client Interview

    Client Interview focuses on understanding and addressing client needs in an effective and professional manner. Client Interview involves teams of two interviewing a client—usually another student selected by the coordinator—to ascertain all of the necessary information to allow you to represent your client effectively and to reflect on the main issues after the consultation. The best part about this competition is that preparation is unnecessary! Just like in real life, a client comes to a solicitor explaining her or his issues; the solicitor often knows very little about the situation beforehand. A memo is emailed to the participants with a very brief summary (usually just a short paragraph) of the key issues approximately 24 hours prior to the competition. The solicitors (i.e. you) enter the room and the client knocks on the door: this is where you must show 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

    Paper and Oral Presentation   Overview  

  • 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

    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 present the Melbourne Law School Art Competition 2009. First prize wins $500, and second prize wins $400! The competition invites all current law students to submit artworks for an acquisitive exhibition in the Melbourne Law School. After the huge success of last year’s competition, the Law School will once again be hosting an Art Competition. This year works must engage with the theme of ‘colours’, and must also have been produced during 2008 or 2009.

• 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.

  • Careers Guidebook

    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, or who want to know what career paths are open to them. Enjoy the Guidebook folks!

  • 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. The Seasonal Clerkship Guide will be released again in 2010. Getting It The Guide is no longer available in hard copy, however you can still download an online version: Download LSS Seasonal Clerkship Guide 2009 (PDF, 8MB). This file has been optimised for online viewing.

  • Work Experience Program

    For those who would like to follow a different route to those offered by clerkships, the Work Experience Program is available to open doors into a vast array of careers, by allowing students to work at institutions such as: Legal Aid, community legal centres, in chambers (with barristers), smaller law firms and government departments. Such placements can offer an insider view into fantastic non-corporate legal opportunities and as such are invaluable to all students trying to choose a career path. In 2009 there were over 50 spots in the program for both the June and December placements, and in 2010 we want to ensure these spots are available again. The work experience normally goes for 2 weeks, but of course can be negotiated with the employer. More information and application forms will be distributed as the year progresses, so watch out for it and apply early!

    • LSS Work Experience Program Applications

      Coming soon for 2010!

  • Seasonal Clerkship Seminars

    As a follow up to the release of the Seasonal Clerkship Guide, 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. Dates for the 2010 seminars TBC. Mock Interviews The LSS is working together with law firms to give students an opportunity to attend a mock interview with your potential employers. Following an excellent response in 2009, we are looking to run these interviews again in 2010. They will be advertised once confirmed.

    • Powerpoint Slides from Minter Ellison

      Minter Ellison have kindly provided the slides from their Seasonal Clerkship Application Seminar. You can choose your preferred format below: PDF (710KB). PowerPoint (1.44MB).

  • Meet The Profession Cocktail Evening

    The MTP cocktail party is one of the most popular events run in the law school. The evening will provide an invaluable opportunity for students to ask questions and talk to firm HRs, partners and articled clerks before seasonal clerkship applications close. Come and chat to major law firms and organisations in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and enjoy a night of fine food and wine!

  • 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.

  • Student Tutorial Service

    STS Timetable Semester 2 2009 Please note that room allocations/days vary for some subjects so please observe timetable carefully.   SUBJECT DAY/TIME LOCATION JD and LLB Contracts Monday 1–2 Except week 7 - Thursday 1-2 Room G14 Room G29 (week 7) LLB Remedies Tuesday 1–2 Room G14    LLB Criminal Law and Procedure Wednesday 1–2 Room 222

  • 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)

• Equality

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

  • Equality Overview

    ‘What is Equality?’ While we cannot provide an answer to this age-old question, the LSS believes that the Equality portfolio is founded upon and guided by three key principles:  Awareness, Access and Opportunity. This year, in addition to providing new activities and opportunities, we will continue to provide services that have proven to be highly valuable to law students in the past. These key services include: Beyond Collins Street, Living Book Scheme and the Equality Handbook.

    • 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:

    • 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:

  • Equality Handbook

    The Equality Handbook is provocative and insightful annual publication which enable our student readers to share their alternative legal experiences. The handbook gives students an opportunity to express their opinions and observations about contemporary issues affecting the equality of our legal landscape. It is also the medium by which all the officers under the Equality Portfolio (Women's, Queer, Environment, Mature Age and Social Justice) reflect upon their main activities throughout the year. This year, our launch is taking place on October 28th between 1-2pm, so keep an eye out on level 1 that day. There will be delicious food, wine and great company!

    • Equality Handbook - Still Calling for submissions

      Students be advised that we have extended the submission deadline for the Equality Handbook  (500-1000 words). Please forward your opinion and work experience articles to lss-equality@unimelb.edu.au by October 2. Readership for the previous Handbook edition was well over 400, so this is your chance to be heard! For more information about the publication, click here.

  • 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.

  • Melbourne Law School Public Interest Law Fair

    The Law School Careers Office is excited to announce that this year it will be holding the inaugural 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 on Level 1 of the Melbourne Law School on 13 October 2009 from 5.30-7.30pm.  Organisations that are participating in the Fair include the Australian Conversation Foundation, Environmental Defenders' Office Victoria, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, the Welfare Rights Unit, the Office of Police Integrity and Liberty Victoria.  A full list of participating organisations will be available on the Melbourne Law School Careers Office website shortly.

  • Queer

    General Information for Queer and Queer-friendly Students at Melbourne Law School Welcome to the LSS Queer page - you found it! We are your friendly queer reps for '10: Chris Summers is a Creative Arts/Law student passionate about queer rights, activism and the arts. Lee Carnie is a JD with a BA in Anthropology/Social Theory who is always eager for lively discussion. We're hoping to make 2010 a year for an inclusive, fun, supportive and visible queer collective.  We're dedicated to building a queer community in the Melbourne Law School, and are 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

    • 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. Lee Carnie is a JD and wants to change the world. Lee Carnie and Chris Summers  in Seven Seeds

  • 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

      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

    2010 will be an exciting and new year for the Melbourne Law School. It will be the first year that the JD program has three years of students running simultaneously. With the JD program at 'full capacity' I am sure there will be many new exciting new opportunities for cohesion between the year groups and the LLB's as well as many challenges to develop and tailor the JD program to students needs. With the evolution of the law school to a fully graduate programme, both the LLB and JD representative positions of the LSS will eventually become obsolete. In the interim, my duty is to facilitate integration of the student body. It is important that LSS events are tailored to suit graduate and undergraduate students. The JD representative is a conduit between students, lecturers and the administration staff. If you have any queries or enquiries, I am the person to ask.

  • 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.