University: Curtin University

Degree: Bachelor of Laws

School Subjects: Business Management and Enterprise, Economics, Mathematics Applications, Food Science and Technology, English

____________________________________________

Having done mainly HASS-related ATAR subjects, I wanted to pursue something similar in university as science was never my strong suit. Initially, I was enrolled in primary teaching in Year 12 but decided to make a last-minute switch to a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) because my ATAR was good.

To become a qualified lawyer, you must either do a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD). Personally, I recommend LLB to those who are certain that they want to pursue law, as it’s a shorter degree than JD. With JD, you have to complete three years of an undergraduate course and then the three-year JD postgraduate course. With Curtin LLB, it’s a three-year course (assuming you study full-time), where your last two years are in a trimester format. However, if you want more time exploring different career options before committing to law, perhaps JD is more suited to you.

Content

The main assessments you get from law school are essay-based questions. These often require you to respond to different scenarios because they assess how well you can apply the law rather than memorise it; as such, most assessments/exams are open book. Like most majors that require essay responses, there is never really a right or wrong answer – markers assess you on how well your arguments can be articulated. However, Curtin Law School does involve some practical assessments – specifically mooting and simulated court trials. I find these assessments refreshing and enjoyable to do, as they’re not only a nice change of pace from the usual essay scribbling but also because I feel that I learn a lot more from practical experience.

One thing you’ll hear often about law is the large amount of reading required. While doing the required readings will deepen your overall knowledge, I found that learning from cases made it easier for me to understand how to apply the law. As with the practical components, I find it best to learn from real-life scenarios rather than reading off teaching materials.

Work Experience

Once you reach your penultimate year of study, whether you are an LLB or JD student, you’ll look to start applying for clerkships. Clerkships are structured internships that are offered by law firms. Clerkships are important, as in your next (and final) year, you’ll apply for graduate programs.

Finding work opportunities related to law is difficult and competitive, so I highly recommend building a strong resume as early as possible. Finding clerical, paralegal, and volunteer jobs is a great starting point. Facebook pages like Curtin Student Law Society and Blackstone Opportunities are also handy ways of keeping on the lookout for law-related job openings.

Other Points to Note

In general, I would recommend law to students who are good at writing, public speaking, or debating. But if you come from a strong STEM background, I wouldn’t disregard law as an option either. Not having done Politics and Law ATAR or HASS-related ATAR subjects doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll struggle in law. I also recommend that people who are planning to do law be prepared for what the degree involves. I found that a lot of people ended up dropping out of law because they weren’t prepared for the course’s difficulty or were shocked by how much writing was involved. So, to save yourself time and cost, make sure to be prepared and strong-minded. Having conversations with students who are currently studying law will give you a better idea of what to expect and what study tips they used to prepare for exams.

University’s structure is completely different from school. You have to be far more organised, as teachers don’t spoon-feed you anymore. Each week, you’ll begin a new set of content with the lecturers expecting you to have done all of last week’s work. So make sure you stay on top of everything; otherwise, the work and lectures will pile up. Despite this, still have fun with university. Striking a good balance between study, part-time work, and a social life is far easier said than done, but once you do, university life becomes extremely memorable.