Mooting, mentoring and interning...

Shaun Clement is the kind of student who really enjoys getting involved, trying new things and learning by doing.

In this report Shaun discusses some of the practical experience he's gained while studying Commerce/Law at Deakin.

In early 2009 I was fortunate enough to travel to Hong Kong and Austria as part of the Deakin Vis Moot team, which was an incredible experience and to date remains the best decision I've made at university.

I've also been involved with the Undergraduate Mentor Program since 2009 in the role of a senior mentor to new students. I can't recommend this role enough to law students who want to contribute back to the university, to help new students adjust and develop your own leadership and communication skills in the process.

The Harwood Andrews Lawyers Internship Program coordinated by Deakin University offers another great chance to gain valuable experience hands-on legal experience. Through a combination of luck and good looks, I was successful in attaining a two-year internship with Harwood Andrews.

As an intern I worked one day a week at the Melbourne office. I spent the mornings in the Business Law group looking at matters including trusts, tax, and business structuring issues.

After lunch I'd put the lid on my pen, find my tie and move to Dispute Resolution where I look at a very wide range of issues of law relating to real, current matters. Typically I'd research some specific aspect of law and my tasks ranged from tort law to employment law and plenty of other areas.

One of the great things about the staff at Harwood Andrews is their willingness to sit down and explain the facts behind a matter and why my research was important.

My tasks ranged from preparing a memo on my thoughts on a particular issue of law, attending court, preparing a letter to a client and producing reports on proposed legislative reform or recent cases.

It was a friendly atmosphere and my two mentors within the firm ensured my workload was well-managed and that my work was varied. The role greatly developed my practical legal skills and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity.

This exposure to the legal profession and interaction with partners and lawyers on a regular basis has strengthened my desire to become a lawyer in the future and, I hope, increased my chances of obtaining a graduate role in the future.

I wholeheartedly recommend third-year students take advantage of this opportunity with Harwood Andrews, as well as recommending that all students seek other practical experience anywhere you can find it.

Shaun Clement