Posts Tagged ‘University of Newcastle Law School’
Monday, May 13th, 2013
National Law Week in Australia takes place throughout Australia in May each year. This year, it runs from May 13 – 1. Law Week provides Australians (and visitors) to get a closer look at how law and justice works in each Australian state.
Find out more about Australian Law Schools (photo credit: Gov't of QLD)
Law Week events in Australia are organized individually or by a group of organizations collaborating to share ideas and resources. Some examples of organizations who participate in and support Law Week include the Courts Administration Authority, law firms, Australian police departments, municipal libraries, community legal centres, legal aid, and the Attorney General’s Department. Usually, Law Week‘s major highlight is Courts Open Day, which provides a chance to explore the rich heritage of the courts. Tours, mock trials, sentencing exercises and meet-the-judge sessions give visitors an insight into court operations and personalities.
Law Week events are aimed at the whole community. These events provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to gain new perspectives on legal and justice issues. These events will be of interest to those who work in legal and justice agencies and students, especially students studying at Australian Law Schools.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree. It is designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Australian students, like those from virtually all other Commonwealth countries except Canada, can enter the LLB program directly from high school. This is modelled on the system in the U.K. Some Australian universities also offer graduate-entry LLB degrees for those who have already completed a bachelor degree.
Both the Juris Doctor (JD) and the postgraduate Bachelor of Laws are graduate law degrees. They are designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree to be eligible for entry into either one of these programs.
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For more information about law school entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, scholarships, please visit OzTREKK‘s Australian Law Schools page or contact OzTREKK Australian Law Schools Admissions Officer Shannon Tilston: Email Shannon at shannon@oztrekk.com or call (toll free in Canada) at 1 866-698-7355.
Contact OzTREKK for more information about how OzTREKK helps you to study in Australia and about law programs at Australian universities.
Tags: apply to law school, Australian Law Schools, Australian universities, Bachelor of Laws, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, JD, Juris Doctor, law, law degree, law program, law programs in Australia, law school, Law School in Australia, Law Week, LLB, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, National Law Week, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, Study Law in Australia, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, News Blog, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School | Comments Off
Monday, April 22nd, 2013
Once you have researched one law school in Australia, you have done some digging into them all, right? Not so fast. We found a unique aspect of each of the Australian law schools of our Australian university partners and came up with an intriguing list that forges everything from community connectivity to free legal advice. So sit back and prepare to be inspired!
University of Sydney Law School is all about helping its students succeed. In 2010, the Faculty of Law, with the support of the Sydney University Law Society and the Chinese Law Student Society, launched a Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program. The initiative is aimed at helping first-year students settle into university and feel included in the law faculty, while also providing networking opportunities. In addition, Sydney Law School includes a unique way to help qualify for MCLE/CPD points: attend conferences and seminars. Points may be awarded if the conference is relevant to a student’s goals and professional development.
The University of Newcastle’s Law on the Beach, which celebrated its 10th season this year, delivers legal advice in a casual setting.
Attending the University of Newcastle Law School means being involved in the community. The university’s law program prides itself on emphasizing community engagement. One of the ways in which it provides that connection is through Law on the Beach. Law on the Beach is held each January and February and is a free legal advice clinic staffed by professional program students and UNLC lawyers. Literally taking place under the sun and in the sand, the law clinics are directed towards young people, but also cater to community members who may be disadvantaged. Essentially, Law on the Beach assists with navigating the legal system, providing beachgoers with legal advice on everything from neighbourhood disputes to debt. Law on the Beach celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and University of Newcastle Law School reported that the law clinics see an average of 100 clients each summer – by the end of the 2013 session about 300 University of Newcastle law students had been a part of the program.
The University of Melbourne is also promoting community engagement, as it recently launched what is being dubbed Word on the Street Law. Word on the Street Law sees Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students teaching high school students about the law and the choices it provides. The University of Melbourne notes that in the 2013 pilot program, JD students prepared and delivered lessons about the legal consequences of sexting, unlawful discrimination in the workplace and human rights. The new program is focused on educating a young audience who may not otherwise have access to legal advice.
If it’s research that you’re into, the Monash University Faculty of Law boasts one of the largest law libraries in Australia. The Law Library provides scholarly resources, study facilities and research skills development programs specifically geared towards Monash law students. The Law Library even has an extensive online component, with the Law Resources Library guide assisting staff and students to locate key resources while developing their legal research and academic skills.
That would also tickle the fancy of staff and students at James Cook University Law School as JCU Law is known for its stringent focus on research. Both the JCU Law School and the JCU Law Society are one of a kind in terms of research culture. Staff and students engage in research, publishing and consulting specifically about people, economies and society in the tropics. JCU Law School even breaks down research interests by staff on its website, and it’s incredible to see the wide variety of topics which the university’s staff is focusing on.
Macquarie University Law School is also home to innovative research centres, namely one of the Australia’s first centres focusing on Environmental Law. The Centre for International and Environmental Law digs into issues stemming from climate change to heritage and even corporate social responsibility. The unique centre builds on the research strengths of its academic staff, making it a leader in areas surrounding international and environmental law, such as law of the sea and marine environmental law, water law and pollution regulation.
Bond University’s electronic courtroom is revered as one of the most technologically advanced moot courts at an Australian university.
What makes Bond University stand out is its world-class facilities. From state-of-the-art moot courts to dispute resolution rooms, Bond showcases that the university is all about teaching its law students practical skills – and has the environment to facilitate that. Bond University’s moot courts feature the latest in technology and its latest full-scale electronic courtroom is fully equipped with electronic evidence management systems, video conferencing, wireless networking and more. Bond states that the thought behind being so technologically advanced is the proper preparation of its law students, giving them confidence to walk into any modern courtroom and be up to speed on the systems used. In addition to the e-courtroom, Bond also showcases an additional moot court and two smaller moot courts which help students in their practice and preparation.
Law students at the University of Queensland are served by two representative bodies: the University of Queensland Law Society and the Women and the Law Society. The societies offer much-needed support for their students, as well as opportunities for further education and development – but also highlight the personal experience behind attending law school, connecting students and working on relationship building and the all-important networking. The UQLS even has a co-ed soccer team and frequently hosts competitions!
Whatever the unique aspect, law schools in Australia are recognized internationally for their quality and rewarding student experience.
This article first appeared in the April 2013 edition of The OzTREKKER!
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Experience studying law in Australia for yourself! Learn more about Australian Law Schools and apply through OzTREKK.
Tags: April 2013 OzTREKKER, Australian Law Schools in Australia, Bond University Law School, Bond University moot court, James Cook University Law School, JCU law school research, JCU Law Society, law clinics, law degree, law school, Law School in Australia, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law Library, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne word on the street law, University of Newcastle Law on the Beach, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Queensland Law Society, University of Sydney Law School, University of Sydney Law School mentoring program
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, News Blog, University News, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School | Comments Off
Monday, April 15th, 2013
A University of Newcastle city campus has been locked in with Australian Government backing of $30 million announced today, April 15, 2013 by the Federal Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Sharon Bird, and Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson.
$30 million in federal funding for Newcastle city campus
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said support from the Australian Government through the Education Investment Fund (EIF) Regional Priorities Round was critical in moving the city campus project, called NeW Space, off the drawing board and into development.
“From the project’s inception our Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson, has been a relentless and determined supporter to make the NeW Space Precinct a reality for the Hunter community,” Professor McMillen said.
“Investment by the Australian Government in the NeW Space Precinct will be the catalyst not only for the development of landmark facilities in Newcastle but also support the next generation of learners.”
NeW Space will be a 10,800-sqm technology-enabled precinct that will host a range of University of Newcastle-supported activities including business and law programs; digital library services and information commons; collaborative learning and research spaces; facilities for industry, professional and community engagement; and social spaces.
“NeW Space will deliver state-of-the-art virtual and physical teaching and learning facilities 24/7 for our students, and technology-enabled amenities for our staff and the community,” Professor McMillen said.
“NeW Space will be Newcastle’s space. For instance, our highly successful Legal Centre will be able to extend its valued support to more members of the community and the proximity to the new law courts will be a valuable asset for our students.”
Professor McMillen acknowledged the significant support the University of Newcastle had received for NeW Space across the whole Newcastle community to bring the project to fruition.
“The NSW Government has also committed $25 million to the development of NeW Space. The university is deeply grateful for the unflagging support of Tim Owen and his State colleagues, who have shared our vision by investing in the skills development of the Hunter region announced in 2011.”
Supporting the aspirations outlined in its NeW Directions Strategic Plan 2013 – 2015 in particular its education plan, the University of Newcastle will invest $40 million into the development of the NeW Space Precinct. Also, the EIF funding announced today will allow the university to redevelop existing facilities on its Callaghan campus for its enabling programs, which significantly build access and participation in higher education.
“The university is the largest provider of enabling programs in Australia. Through this additional government support, we will leverage our national position and build a world-class teaching, learning and research space dedicated to enabling students that delivers for both Newcastle and the sector,” Professor McMillen said.
The University of Newcastle is also known worldwide for its problem-based learning programs. Used mainly in the disciplines of architecture, building, health sciences, medicine and nursing, problem-based learning places students in small groups where they solve problems they are likely to face in their working lives. In other words, it gives a purpose to learning.
The University of Newcastle at Callaghan boasts one of the best campuses in Australia. Its 120 hectares (300 acres) of natural bushland—complete with Australian wildlife—at the city’s edge offers you peace and quiet—the perfect prerequisites for successful study.
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Would you like to learn more about the University of Newcastle and about other Australian universities? Contact OzTREKK for the latest information about how you can study in Australia!
Tags: Australian universities, business, Callaghan campus, law, NeW Space, NeW Space Precinct, Newcastle, Newcastle Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle Law School
Posted in News Blog, University News | Comments Off
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
Want to know which Australian law school takes to the beach? Which one of OzTREKK’s law schools has a high-tech courtroom? Where to go to find one of the most extensive law libraries in Australia? In the April 2013 edition of The OzTREKKER, we take you inside our Australian university law schools to highlight unique aspects of each program.
From community engagement at the University of Newcastle to an emphasis on research at James Cook University, each law school provides its own diverse offerings. Find out more by reading this issue!
Also between the pages of the April 2013 edition of The OzTREKKER:
Mooting movies: Bond University Law School produces videos to take the mystery out of mooting. With Bond University law students, professors and even the dean on board, the entertaining videos touch on everything from preparing for a moot, to proper appearance in moot court.
Law lore: We take an in-depth look at Australian law schools as law is the program of the month for April. Find out what the University of Melbourne, the University of Newcastle, Macquarie University, Bond University, James Cook University, the University of Queensland, University of Sydney and Monash University offer students interested in furthering their studies in law.
Aussie April Fools’ Anecdotes: Just for fun, we highlight some of the most notorious April
Fools’ gags played out on Australian soil – even one which features one of our universities!
Unsurpassed UQ opportunity: The University of Queensland’s legal clinics are opening doors for its law students – and community members who access the pro bono services.
We feature this and much more in the April 2013 edition of The OzTREKKER. Be prepared to be found guilty of wanting to study at an Australian law school! Read on, OzTREKKERs!
Tags: April 2013 OzTREKK newsletter, April 2013 OzTREKKER, Australian Law Schools, Australian Law Schools for Canadians, Australian Law Schools in Australia, Bond University law mooting, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School, UQ legal clinics
Posted in Australian Law Schools, News Blog, Newsletter | Comments Off
Thursday, February 28th, 2013
Applications for University of Newcastle Law School‘s undergraduate-entry Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program and graduate-entry Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program for the 2014 intake are officially open via OzTREKK!
The University of Newcastle Law School LLB is offered as a five-year, full-time law program for those entering the program directly from high school. Students undertake the law program in combination with another degree, such as the Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies, Arts, Business, Commerce, Communication, Economics, Finance, Science or Social Science.
Apply to the University of Newcastle Law School!
The University of Newcastle‘s law degree is also offered as a three-year program for students who have already completed a bachelor degree in an area other than law. Graduate-entry LLB program students complete four core law courses during their first year of study (Legal System and Method, Criminal Law and Procedure, Torts and Contracts). Once students have completed these four core courses, the LLB program diverges into two streams: the Bachelor of Laws, referred to as Option A (in which students undertake traditional law studies with a wide choice of electives) and the Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice, referred to as Option B (the Professional Program), which merges traditional undergraduate law teaching with practical legal training and experience.
Starting semester for the University of Newcastle LLB program:
Entry Requirements for the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Laws Program
To be eligible to apply, you must have the following:
- Completed or be completing an undergraduate degree
- Achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (cGPA) of 70%
OzTREKK recommends that you apply for the LLB program if you have achieved a minimum cGPA 70% cumulative average, as above. Please note that this is a minimum average to be eligible to apply and that your application outcome will be determined by the University of Newcastle . Please note that each applicant’s average is calculated over all years of university study.
The University of Newcastle Law School does not require the LSAT for entry.
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For more information about law school entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, scholarships, please visit OzTREKK‘s Law Schools in Australia page.
If you have any questions about studying law at the University of Newcastle Law School and in Australia, please contact OzTREKK Australian Law School Admissions Officer Shannon Tilston:
Email Shannon at shannon@oztrekk.com
Phone Shannon at 1 866-698-7355 (toll free in Canada)
Contact OzTREKK for more information about studying in Australia and about law programs at Australian universities.
Tags: Australian Law School, Australian Law Schools, Australian universities, Australian University Law Schools, Bachelor of Laws, law, law degree, law program, law school, Law School in Australia, law schools, Law Schools in Australia, LLB, Newcastle Law School, studying in Australia, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle LLB
Posted in Australian Law Schools, News Blog | Comments Off
Thursday, February 28th, 2013
Applications for Law Schools in Australia for the 2014 intake are officially open via OzTREKK!
As a Canadian seeking to become qualified to practice law, you have a range of study options abroad. As Commonwealth nations, the Australian and Canadian systems are based on English common law, and Australian Law Schools provide a solid foundation for students planning to practice law in Canada (with the exception of Quebec). OzTREKK‘s aim is to assist you in choosing the best Australian Law School for you.
Apply to Law School in Australia via OzTREKK
The following Law Schools in Australia have officially opened their undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) applications via OzTREKK:
The following Law Schools in Australia have officially opened their postgraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Juris Doctor (JD) applications via OzTREKK:
About Law Programs in Australia
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree. It is designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Australian students, like those from virtually all other Commonwealth countries except Canada, can enter the LLB program directly from high school. This is modelled on the system in the U.K. Some Australian universities also offer graduate-entry LLB degrees for those who have already completed a bachelor degree.
Both the Juris Doctor (JD) and the postgraduate Bachelor of Laws are graduate law degrees. They are designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree to be eligible for entry into either one of these programs.
Apply to Law Schools in Australia:
Apply to Bond University Law School
Apply to James Cook University Law School
Apply to Monash University Law School
Apply to University of Newcastle Law School
Apply to University of Queensland Law School
Apply to University of Sydney Law School
Apply to Macquarie University Law School
Apply to University of Melbourne Law School
For more information about law school entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, scholarships, please visit OzTREKK‘s Australian Law Schools page.
If you have any questions, please contact OzTREKK Australian Law Schools Admissions Officer Shannon Tilston:
Email Shannon at shannon@oztrekk.com
Phone Shannon at 1 866-698-7355 (toll free in Canada)
Contact OzTREKK for more information about studying in Australia and about law programs at Australian universities.
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About OzTREKK
OzTREKK is the only Canadian organization that is a student office and Application and Information Centre in Canada for the following combination of Australian universities:
We’re the Application and Information Centre for Canadian students applying to or inquiring about study abroad, undergraduate and graduate/professional programs at any of the above Australian universities.
The OzTREKK Application and Information Centre is free to all students as its services are provided on behalf of, and fully funded by, the above Australian universities.
Tags: apply to law school, Australian Law Schools, Australian universities, Bachelor of Laws, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, JD, Juris Doctor, law, law degrees, law programs, law programs in Australia, Law School in Australia, Law Schools in Australia, LLB, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Career Spotlight, News Blog | Comments Off
Friday, February 22nd, 2013
An Aussie lawyer died and arrived at the Pearly Gates. To his dismay, there were thousands of people ahead of him in line to see St. Peter. But, to his surprise, St. Peter left his desk at the gate and came down the long line to where the lawyer was standing.
St. Peter greeted him warmly, and one of his assistants took the lawyer by the hands and guided him up to the front of the line into a comfortable chair by his desk.
The lawyer said, “I don’t mind all this attention, but what makes me so special?”
St. Peter replied, “Well, I’ve added up all the hours for which you billed your clients, and by my calculation you must be about 193 years old!”
About Law Programs in Australia
As a Canadian seeking to become qualified to practice law, you have a range of study options abroad. As Commonwealth nations, the Australian and Canadian systems are based on English common law, and Australian law schools provide a solid foundation for students planning to practice law in Canada (with the exception of Quebec). OzTREKK‘s aim is to assist you in choosing the best Australian law school for you.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree. It is designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Australian students, like those from virtually all other Commonwealth countries except Canada, can enter the LLB program directly from high school. This is modelled on the system in the U.K. Some Australian universities also offer graduate-entry LLB degrees for those who have already completed a bachelor degree.
Both the Juris Doctor and the postgraduate Bachelor of Laws are graduate law degrees. They are designed to equip students for a career in the legal profession. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree to be eligible for entry into either one of these law programs.
Apply to Law School in Australia
Apply to Bond University Law School
Apply to James Cook University Law School
Apply to Monash University Law School
Apply to University of Newcastle Law School
Apply to University of Queensland Law School
Apply to University of Sydney Law School
Apply to Macquarie University Law School
Apply to University of Melbourne Law School
For more information about law school entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, scholarships, please visit the OzTREKK Australian University Law Schools page.
Contact OzTREKK for more information about studying in Australia and about law programs at Australian universities.
Tags: Australian Law Schools, Australian University Law Schools, Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, JD, Juris Doctor, law degrees, law programs, Law School in Australia, LLB, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, postgraduate Bachelor of Laws, studying in Australia, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Funny Friday, News Blog | Comments Off
Monday, January 28th, 2013
The University of Newcastle Law School is celebrating its 10th year of helping people with its unique, free beach-side legal service, “Law on the Beach.” What better way to boost your law studies than by gaining experience by helping others—at the beach!
Held each year over summer on the sands of Newcastle Beach, the University of Newcastle’s flagship, student-run service has provided free legal advice to approximately 1,000 clients since its inception in 2004. University of Newcastle Law School‘s Law on the Beach provides a unique opportunity for law students to apply their studies to actual legal practice with real clients.
Students, supervised by the University of Newcastle Law School Legal Centre’s lawyers, provide advice on a range of matters including family law, discrimination, employment issues, criminal law, illegal rent increases and house evictions.
“Law on the Beach is an initiative of the University of Newcastle Legal Centre that we are very proud of,” Centre Director Shaun McCarthy stated.
This summer, the free Law on the Beach Clinic will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. and 31, Feb. 6, 13 and 20 in the club room at Newcastle Surf Club.
“Our students have taken on a variety of cases with particularly youth-focused issues such as rent increases and excessive or misleading mobile phone and internet charges. We have pursued some cases with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.”
University of Newcastle Law School's Law on the Beach
Mr McCarthy said the initiative was developed as a way of reaching out to young people who may not know how to seek advice, giving them access to the law in a comfortable and approachable location.
“We see on average one hundred clients each summer and by the end of 2013 around three hundred students will have been a part of the program,” Mr McCarthy added.
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Learn more about the University of Newcastle Law School.
Discover your study options at the University of Newcastle.
Find out how to apply to Australian Law Schools in Australia!
Tags: Australian Law Schools in Australia, OzTREKK, Study in Australia, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Career Spotlight, News Blog, University News, Video Corner | Comments Off
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
Law school and the new articling system
International law school graduates who would like to practise law in Canada must complete a number of steps in a lengthy licensing process before they may have to the opportunity to be called to the Bar here in Canada and start practising as a lawyer. In the past, the most challenging parts of the process for these students have been meeting the National Committee on Accreditation’s (NCA) requirements, and later finding a 10-month articling position that would bring them even closer to reaching their final goal.
More recently, articling positions have become increasingly difficult to find, not just for international students, but for Canadian law school graduates, too.
A much-debated change to Ontario’s legal articling system will finally provide an option for exasperated students who view articling as a wasted year, the head of Ontario’s governing body for lawyers stated.
Under the new plan, students unable to get an articling position will be able to combine four months of additional classroom study with four months at an unpaid, co-op work placement with a small firm or a sole practitioner.
Task force chairman Tom Conway produced the interim report during Convocation on May 24, 2012. As part of the report, the task force consulted with members of the province’s legal community earlier in 2012, and discussed articling as it currently stood as well as four additional training options.
The options included maintaining articling as it currently stands; replacing a pre-licensing transition requirement with a post-licensing one; and abolishing articling in favour of a practical legal training course.
Other options involved maintaining the status quo with quality-assurance improvements and a choice of either an articling placement or a practical legal training course taken after or during law school.
The task force’s interim report found that of the 125 public submissions it gathered between December and March, a small minority of practitioners, legal organizations, and law students were in favour of changing articling substantively. The report notes almost none were in favour of abolishing articling.
OzTREKK Tip:
Despite any current or future changes to articling or the accreditation process, the most important thing potential law school applicants should know is that they need to be outgoing and determined in order to obtain an articling position and move through the accreditation process with ease. The most successful students are those who used their university breaks to network here in Canada, meeting law firms and lawyers. Even more successful were those students who set up a relationship with a firm prior to leaving and those who were willing to go anywhere—not just to the prominent firms—to find a position.
Would you like to learn more about studying in Australia and about law programs in Australia? Contact OzTREKK for the latest info about law school in Australia and how you can obtain a law degree!
The following Australian universities offer law programs:
Bond University Law School
James Cook University Law School
Macquarie University Law School
Monash University Law School
University of Melbourne Law School
University of Newcastle Law School
University of Queensland Law School
University of Sydney Law School
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OzTREKK is an Application and Information Centre that provides information about academic programs and admissions requirements, and processes applications for admission to eight Australian universities.
Tags: articling, articling position, Australian universities, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, law degree, law programs in Australia, law school, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, practise law, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, Career Spotlight, News Blog | Comments Off
Friday, December 14th, 2012
UQ Law programs
Going to work behind bars has enabled a group of University of Queensland Law School students to gain practical insight into the criminal justice system and a better understanding of those affected by it.
Ten students took part in the “Talking Justice Behind Bars” (TJBB) program run by the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre in partnership with the Prisoners’ Legal Service Inc (PLS).
Working with solicitors and community education workers from the PLS, the students produced and presented a legal education pack to prisoners detained at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre (AGCC) in Wacol, Queensland.
The packs included information on debt and financial counselling, recent law reforms to bail and criminal procedure and tips for communicating with their lawyers.
University of Queensland Law School student Laura Manley described the work as an “eye-opening experience.”
“As a team we had the opportunity to research many aspects of the law affecting prisoners and discovered that there is a concerning lack of legal support available for persons on remand; access to justice is certainly limited,” Ms Manley said.
“I became interested in the “Talking Justice Behind Bars” program because as a matter of principle I believe that it’s an important element of our legal education to have exposure to the people who are affected by the law, in this case the criminal justice system.
“I firmly think it encourages us as students and future legal professionals to recognise the impact of the legal system on individuals.”
The AGCC is the current remand centre for south-east Queensland with a single bed capacity for 890 male prisoners.
During the program the University of Queensland Law School students worked with AGCC bail clerks to learn from their experiences.
“I think it’s safe to say we were all shocked by the amount of prior criminal law knowledge the bail clerks already have,” Ms Manley said.
University of Queensland Law School student Gabriel Perry said the hands-on approach of the TJBB program made it a great success, and that prisoners had asked for the program to continue.
“The presentations I was involved in seemed to go down very well with the prisoners,” Mr Perry said.
“They were openly appreciative of our time and efforts in researching issues important to them and personally communicating our findings.
“Their request for the continuation of the TJBB program was gratifying and a sign that we must have been doing things right.”
“I hoped to gain a new perspective on the criminal justice system from people caught up in it and to be of some assistance to a population that generally experiences significant disadvantage.
“The TJBB program delivered on these aspirations and more.”
The “Talking Justice Behind Bars” program is one of a number of initiatives offered through the UQ Pro Bono Centre’s Roster which matches University of Queensland Law School students with a variety of organizations that offer free legal advice and services.
Pro bono activities undertaken by students through the Roster do not attract academic credit but provide students with valuable work experience, exposure to legal professionals and an opportunity to volunteer their skills for the benefit of the community.
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Learn more about Australian Law Schools in Australia! Law degrees offered at the following Australian universities include undergraduate-entry Bachelor of Laws, graduate-entry Bachelor of Laws, and Juris Doctor.
OzTREKK‘s Australian Law Schools in Australia partners include
Tags: Australian Law Schools in Australia, Australian universities, Bachelor of Laws, Bond University Law School, James Cook University Law School, Juris Doctor, Macquarie University Law School, Monash University Law School, OzTREKK, University of Melbourne Law School, University of Newcastle Law School, University of Queensland, University of Queensland Law School, University of Sydney Law School
Posted in Australian Law Schools, News Blog, University News | Comments Off
