D-Brief
News from the Deakin School of Law Volume 4, Issue 5, June 2011
D-Brief is the electronic newsletter, providing law students with current information.
Click on a hyperlink below to skip directly to the article you are interested in.
From the Head of School
Dear Students
May I begin this month by wishing you all the best for the examinations. It is the time of the year when you know whether you truly did enough work. Those of you who have been successful in your studies to now will probably know that Law is rarely something that can be left for last-minute cramming and really does require work throughout the year. In particular this is so if you hope to get grades beyond a Pass or a Credit. In a highly competitive jobs environment, if you want to obtain a position with the major firms, then you really do need to think about striving for Distinctions or High Distinctions.
This edition of D-Brief has news of two developments in the School of Law. The first is that we will be extending our offerings at Warrnambool to encompass the third year of the program. This will commence from next year and be available to students currently in second year at Warrnambool and potentially to students studying on another campus who would like a change or to move closer to home.
The second is news of a new unit expected to commence in T3 (subject to final approval). The unit deals with Statutory Compensation Schemes with a focus on Workers Compensation and Transport Accident Compensation. Deakin's LLB is believed to be the first undergraduate law degree in Victoria to offer such a unit. It has been written in conjunction with the legal profession and aims to address the shortage of trained lawyers in this area. We hope it will give Deakin graduates wishing to practice in these areas a head-start in relation to recruitment. The unit should be of some interest in Geelong where the TAC is now probably the biggest employer of lawyers in the region, employing about 50 lawyers, including recent Deakin Geelong graduate, Kayne Harwood.
Again best wishes for the exams.
Professor Anne Rees
Head of School
General News
Practical Legal Skills 2011
The School of Law introduces a new Law elective
Message for Warrnambool students
Enrol for MLL314 Introduction to Negotiation and Mediation in Trimester 2 2011
Get involved in the 2011-2012 Vis Moot Competition
Be recognised for your community engagement efforts and win cash
Apply for Law Clinic in Trimester 2 and 3
Geelong Law Association Scholarships
More information about Geelong DLSS and studying law at Geelong
Connecting With Law Short Film Competition
What have you done? An invitation to Deakin Law Students to share your good news
Employment & Placement Opportunities
Placement available with Corporate Legal Group in major bank
Victoria Law Foundation Legal Sector Internship Program for 2011-2012
Research Associate Positions, Court of Appeal - Supreme Court of Victoria
School of Law Employment & Professional Experience placement and Internships opportunities web page
General Information
Key information for current students
Critical dates for 2011
IT and computing
The Library
Support for off-campus students
Course Structure examples
Assessment information
Your course progression
Professional Experience
Course/Student Advisers
Online University Handbook
School of Law website
Law Essentials
DUSA
Deakin Law Students' Societies
Deakin Law Students Society (DLSS) Burwood
Deakin Law Students Society (DLSS) Geelong
Deakin University Commerce & Law Society (DUCLS) - Warrnambool
General News
Practical Legal Skills 2011
22 August - 2 September
Right from your first year of studying your Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course you commence your training in practical legal skills. Moot, mediation, arbitration and witness examination are all an embedded part of the program that gives students the opportunity to develop presentation skills and experience presenting in the court room. All law students must complete the compulsory dispute resolution units as part of the Deakin University law degree.
Students cannot graduate without completing these units.
- MLL010 Moot co-requisite unit *MLL215 Commercial Law
- MLL020 Mediation co-requisite unit *MLL217 Misleading Conduct and Economic Torts
- MLL030 Arbitration co-requisite unit *MLL325 Land Law
- MLL040 Witness Examination co-requisite unit *MLL334 Evidence
Friday 22 July 5pm is the last day to withdraw without penalty from a PLS tasks. Team registrations also close on DSO on this date. Any withdrawal after this dates requires the PLS Coordinator's permission. Please email the PLS Coordinator for assistance.
Important 2011 PLS dates
Sunday 3 July - Students have access to Practical Legal Skills (PLS) units on Deakin Studies Online (DSO)
Monday 11 July - T2 commences
Friday 22 July 5pm - Last day to withdraw without penalty from PLS tasks. Team registrations close on DSO.
Monday 1 August 5pm - Schedules are available on DSO.
Tuesday 2 - Sunday 21 August - Students work with team members on assessment task
PLS Assessment Period - Monday 22 August - Friday 2 September
- Mon 22 - Fri 26 August - Moot & Mediation PLS Assessment tasks
- Sat 27 & Sun 28 August - PLS Off Campus Weekend Assessments, Melbourne, Burwood Campus
- Mon 29 August - Fri 2 September - Arbitration & Witness Examination PLS Assessment tasks
30 September - Results posted on DSO
The School of Law introduces a new Law elective
MLL315 PERSONAL INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEMES is a new unit that Dr Jason Taliadoros will teach in Trimester 3. This unit provides an introduction and outline of the no-fault and common law damages schemes for personal injuries under the Accident Compensation Act 1985 (Vic) and the Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic).
One of the innovative aspects of this unit is that it requires both on and off campus students to attend both a pre-trial alternative dispute resolution procedure (e.g., a mediation or pre-hearing conference) as well as a trial, and then reflect critically on that experience in a written assignment.
Both WorkSafe Victoria and the TAC, have been involved in designing the unit and will facilitate this practical component with the unit chair. The contemporary significance of this area of law is illustrated by a recent special issue of the Law Institute Journal (May 2011) devoting itself to the topic of personal injury.
This unit will be available to look at in further detail on the 2011 Handbook and open for Trimester 3 enrolments as of July.
Message for Warrnambool students
You will be aware from comments by your lecturers and from the recent press coverage that Deakin has decided to trial the offering of third year law at Warrnambool from next year. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you who live locally or who are enjoying your time on this very welcoming campus to continue your studies in Warrnambool for another year.
Students may have questions about which units will be offered particularly if they are thinking of taking some units over T3. The School is still in the planning stages and more information will be provided once there is some clarity. This will be in plenty of time to make T3 decisions.
Students who are anticipating transferring to Geelong or off campus at the end of their second year, still have that opportunity.
Enrol for MLL314 Introduction to Negotiation and Mediation in Trimester 2 2011
Enrolments for MLL314 Introduction to Negotiation and Mediation are now open for Trimester 2 2011.
The unit will be offered in intensive mode only on the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus - ic1.005. The dates for the intensive sessions are:
Monday 4,Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Thursday 7, Friday 8 July - 2011 at 9:00am - 4:50pm each day.
If you are interested please email the LLB Coordinator as places are limited. Places will be offered based on response times.
This unit will also be offered in Trimester 3 in intensive mode at both the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and the Melbourne Burwood Campus. The unit will be offered subject to achieving the minimum number of students.
The Trimester 3 Geelong offering of the unit will be intensive mode only on the Geelong Waterfront Campus. The dates for the intensive sessions are Tuesday 25, Wednesday 2
6, Thursday 27, Friday 28, Saturday 29, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 October and Tuesday 1 November at 10:00 am - 5:50pm each day.
Burwood offering: TBC
Applications opening soon for the 2011/2012 Vis Moot Competition
Do you have an interest in mooting? A curiosity about international commercial law? You could be just who we are looking for! Applications will soon open for the 2011 / 2012 Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot and all Deakin Law students are encouraged to consider applying to be part of the Deakin School of Law team.
The Vis Moot is an international commercial arbitration moot focusing on the law relating to arbitration and the law relating to the international sale of goods. It is the world's most prestigious private international law mooting competition, with the oral rounds of the Vis Moot being held just before Easter in Hong Kong and Vienna.
The Deakin School of Law will soon be assembling a team of 10 to 12 students to compete in the 2011 / 2012 competition, with four of those students being selected to attend the oral rounds on behalf of the team in Hong Kong and Vienna next year. Successful participation will also earn you one elective credit point for MLL355 International Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
Applications open: Start of Trimester 2
Information session: To be held in the first few weeks of Trimester 2 at the Burwood Campus
For more information: Visit the Deakin Vis Moot webpage or contact Ben Hayward (Coach of the Vis Moot team).
Details of the information session and the application process will be included in next month's D-Brief.
Be recognized for your community engagement efforts and win cash
The Faculty of Business and Law is proud to celebrate student leaders who have made a difference to their own communities, with the Student Leadership and Community Engagement Awards.
Whether it is within the context of the University, cultural or local communities, the Faculty is very excited to recognise and work in partnership with students as they make strong and valuable connections within their communities.
Nominations are open in the following categories:
1) Award for Creative and Innovative Event 2011 - Student Society or Club
Each prize will consist of $1000 and a Certificate of Award with two awards available.
Use the Society Award Nomination Form [509 KB PDF] to apply
2) Individual Award for Contribution to Community Engagement 2011 - Student
Each prize will consist of $500 and a Certificate of Award with six awards will be granted
Use the Student Award Nomination Form [518 KB PDF] to apply
Applications close: 5:00pm, Friday 1 July 2011
Visit the Faculty website to learn more about the Student Leadership and Community Engagement Awards.
Apply for Law Clinic in Trimester 2 and 3
MLL351 Law Clinic counts for 12 days towards the Professional Experience compulsory requirement of the LLB course and is worth one credit point. If you have competed 16 units of Law, have a Law elective available and a course WAM of 65 you are eligible to apply.
Places are available at many centres across Melbourne, Geelong and the Western Suburbs for Trimester 2 and 3, 2011.
To apply complete the application form and return to the LLB Coordinator no later than Monday 20 June 2011.
Geelong Law Association Scholarships
Geelong Law Association Scholarships are available to help Deakin law students who, because of some hardship, disability or disadvantage, may not otherwise enjoy the benefits that flow from participation in higher education.
The Geelong Law Association Scholarships are provided annually and are valued at $500 each. The following Geelong Law Association award are still available:
- One $500 Books4U bookshop vouchers for commencing students
- One $500 Books4U bookshop vouchers for continuing students
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria. The applicant must be a full-time student who:
- is an Australian citizen, or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
- is a commencing student at Deakin University in undergraduate Law or a Law combined course of study in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or continuing CSP enrolled existing student in Law or a Law combined course
- receives of one of the following Centrelink benefits - Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. (A certified copy of your Centrelink income statement must be provided with application
- resides in the G21 footprint and is enrolled on the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
- is not the recipient of any other Deakin University scholarship
Selection Criteria
After meeting the eligibility criteria (above) the scholarship will be awarded to applicants with outstanding academic merit based on ENTER or grade point average (GPA) from on previous/current higher education studies.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the application form and include a cover letter and a certified copy of your Centrelink income statement. Please return completed application and supporting documents to the LLB Coordinator.
Applications close: COB Wednesday 29 July 2011.
More information about Geelong DLSS and studying law at Geelong
The Geelong DLSS has just published the Harwood Andrews Dossier so you can access information about:
- the Society
- its Committee
- seasonal clerkships
- competitions
- social functions
- educational assistance
- the ALSA conference.
Connecting With Law Short Film Competition - Use your words!
Choose at least one definition from the Australian Law Dictionary from Oxford University Press, and create a 2-5 minute film based around the definition/s that will educate and help students connect with the law. This competition is open to all students currently enrolled in an Australian Law School.
The winners will be those judged to be the most creative, instructive and original... anything that helps other students to connect with law.
The winners will receive:
- 1st prize $1500
- 2nd prize $500
- 3rd prize $250
You can view last year's winning films on the Oxford University Press website. Further details, entry forms and guidelines are also available on this site. Please submit all further enquiries by email.
Competition closes: Friday 29 July 2011.
The School of Law is updating our website and will be introducing a new Student News and Achievements area which will celebrate the diverse range of activities, events and programs that Deakin School of Law students are involved in, as well as awards and nominations they receive.
If you (or someone you know) have done something interesting that you think other law students would like to hear about, please send the details to Karen Mann. Karen will then guide you through the process for getting this published.
Employment & Placement Opportunities
Placement available with Corporate Legal Group in a major bank
A major bank based in Melbourne is offering a unique placement program for one student in Trimester 2 in their Corporate Legal Group. The placement is for a fourth or fifth year student with a minimum WAM of 65. The placement is unpaid and can be negotiated to be between 12 - 30 days. The placement will be located in Collins St, Melbourne.
The Corporate Legal Group includes:
- Global Sourcing Legal team
- Technology Legal team (including an IP specialist)
- Outsourcing Governance team
- Corporate Advisory team
Applicants will need to:
- have an interest in corporate law, technology law and/or governance
- undergo police and sanctions checks
- sign a NDA and comply with bank policies
- be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
- wear corporate attire
- be patient getting through the administrative process!
To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Marlene Ebejer
Applications due: COB Friday 1 July 2011.
Victoria Law Foundation Legal Sector Internship Program for 2011-2012
The Victoria Law Foundation is now taking applications for its Legal Sector Internship Program for 2011-2012 (summer and winter placements). The program is open to all Victorian law students (LLB or JD).
Full details and a downloadable Information Package are available on the Foundation's website with a link to the Victorian Government careers website, where you can lodge your application.
It is essential to read (and print or save a copy of) the Information Package [201KB PDF] before completing the online application. The Information Package contains crucial details about the online application process, which you need to be aware of in advance.
To apply: On the careers website, applicants must complete a questionnaire and attach your CV and academic transcript.
Applications close: 5:00pm on Friday 29 July 2011
Research Associate Positions, Court of Appeal - Supreme Court of Victoria
Suitable for Final Year Law Students
The duties of a Research Associate include:
- Legal research and providing advice and interpretation on various legal and policy issues
- Preparing written submissions, discussion papers and briefs for the President and other Justices of the Court of Appeal
- Preparing summaries of applications before the Court for the Justices scheduled to hear them
Prospective applicants should have the following attributes:
- A high level of academic achievement
- Excellent research, communication and analytical skills
- Competency with computerised legal database programmes
- Ability to work as a member of a team
- Editorial skills are an advantage
Information night: Thursday 16 June 2011 at 6:00 pm in the Green Court, Court of Appeal, 459 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
To apply: Address application to James Tierney. Apply by email or in writing by sending a covering letter, curriculum vitae, academic results and a piece of legal research work.
Address: Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Victoria, 210 William Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Applications close: 5:00 PM on Friday 24 June 2011
More information: Please view the advertisement or contact James Tierney by email or phone 03 9603 6524.
School of Law Employment & Professional Experience placement and Internship opportunities web page
The School of Law has a regularly updated webpage where we will post information about any job, Professional Experience placement or Internship opportunity as information becomes available.
If you are looking for a job, Professional Experience placement or an Internship, please visit this webpage on a regular basis.
Key Information for current students
StudentConnect is where you can access your enrolment information including your course, unit and address details, track your assignments, check and pay your fees, view results and re-enrol online.
Current Students should be the first place you visit to find key resources, study support, IT and computing information, student services and groups, activities, and news.
Students may withdraw (in second trimester):
| Up to 15 August | WE |
Withdrawn Early (No Penalty) |
| Up to 11 September | WL |
Withdrawn Late (appears on transcript) |
| Up to 7 October | WN |
Withdrawn Fail (appears on transcript) |
Important dates in the Handbook
IT and Computing
http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/it-support/index.php contains essential IT information including how email works at Deakin (including your email address, webmail and email redirection) and internet access.
Key links on the IT and computing site are:
- Software
- Usernames and passwords
- IT service desk
The Library
The Library provides information resources and services that will form an integral part of your university experience.
Support for off-campus students
Learn about the support available to off-campus students
The School of Law recommends that students follow one of the model course structures when planning their studies.
The School of Law is committed to maintaining appropriate assessment standards. Please review the assessment expectations for more information.
All students should use the Course Structure provided when planning their course progression. The Course Structures are designed to ensure students have the acquired knowledge they need to undertake prescribed units throughout their course (including co-requisite and pre-requisite units) and to assist you to complete your course in a timely fashion.
Students can check your own course progression by logging in to Student Connect and clicking on the ‘View course progress’ link.
Students can seek assistance from the Course Advisors on your home campus who are available to assist you with any course queries that you may have, or alternatively you might like to contact your home campus with any course enquiry.
Professional Experience Requirements
The practical legal skills you will learn throughout your study, combined with the professional experience and networks you will develop, will put you on the right path for achieving your future career goals.
Regular, compulsory practical experience placements throughout the course also offer you the opportunity to experience legal environments first-hand and develop useful workplace contacts.
Employers of law graduates have noted that many of the graduate positions or traineeships that are taken up annually are offered to graduates who have previously been employed at these organisations by way a seasonal clerkship, internship or professional experience placement or to graduates who have strong evidence of professional experience on their resume.
To facilitate this the School of Law requires that all LLB students undertake a minimum of 30 days Professional Experience placement (unless otherwise stated in their course rules) in a legal related field over the duration of their course (and prior to completion).
It is not possible to graduate without having satisfied this requirement. In line with Deakin University's policy, before commencing Professional Experience placements, students are required to obtain pre-approval from the School of Law.
To obtain pre-approval, download theProfessional Experience Pre-Approval Kit and complete and return the documents to Kylie Wiffen.
It is a student’s responsibility to locate and formalise a Professional Experience placement. Work readiness is an extremely important aspect of you completing your degree and it is to your advantage to make the most of the resources available to you.
For more information please visit The Professional Experience webpage.
Contact your campus office to make an appointment with a Course Adviser.
Burwood Campus
Phone: 03 9244 6555
Email: enqblm@deakin.edu.au
Geelong Campus
Phone: 03 5227 1277
Email: enqblg@deakin.edu.au
Warrnambool Campus
Phone: 03 5563 3510
Email: enqblw@deakin.edu.au
The University Handbook is available online. Please refer to the online version for the most up-to-date information about units, pre-requisite unit changes and other enrolment information .
Avoid fees and missing due dates- check out important dates listed in the 2011 Handbook.
http://www.deakin.edu.au/buslaw/law
Law Essentials is a great resource for all law learners, law graduates and for anyone thinking of studying law at Deakin University.
Need Help? Ask DUSA
DUSA offers a variety of support services to students in the following areas:
- Support
- Advice
- Representation
- Groups
- Advocacy
Contact DUSA today.
Deakin Law Students' Societies
Visit the DLSS Burwood website for more information on events and services.
The DLSS Geelong 2011 aims to be a responsible body which provides strong academic support, opens the doors to a variety of career development opportunities and also offers a range of social functions for all law students.
For more information please contact your committee members:
- Amber Colbourne - President, phone: 0414 862 836
- James Turnbull - Secretary, phone: 0403 313 656
- Alex Morell - Treasurer, phone: 0400 524 271
“A student’s idea. A student’s perspective. Your voice.”
The DLSS Geelong membership card is on sale.
It is $10 and will be available from the DLSS office or the Reception office for the Faculty of Business and Law.
Deakin University Commerce & Law Society (DUCLS)
Visit the DUCLS (Warrnambool) website for more information on events and services.
