SYDNEY UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY 2021 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
1 Acknowledgements
Many thanks to everyone who made the production and publication of the 2021 Sydney University Law Society International Student Guide possible. In particular, we would like to thank the Sydney Law School and the University of Sydney Union for their continued support of SULS and our publications.
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land that the University of Sydney is built upon, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge that this land was and always will be Aboriginal Land and we are proud to be on the lands of one of the oldest surviving cultures in existence. We respect the knowledge that traditional elders and Aboriginal people hold and pass on from generation to generation, and we acknowledge the continuous fight for constitutional reform and treaty recognition to this day. We regret that white supremacy has been used to justify Indigenous dispossession, colonial rule and violence in the past, in particular, a legal and political system that still to this date doesn’t provide Aboriginal people with justice.
Publications Director Justin Lai
Design Director A Arasa Hardie International Student Officer Sissi Xi Chen
Editorial Team Joseph Black Jing Cai Kimberley Cheng Evangelina Cheung Michelle Hu Xiaobin Li John Lo Mri Shankarla Khanh Tran Jackie Yuen Yolanda Zhao
Design Team Arasa Hardie Sabrina Chalise Justine Hu Gemma Wu
22 CONTENTS
FOREWORD 4
LAW SCHOOL 5 K Starting Law at Sydney 5 University and Law School Admin 5 Academic Matters 7 Scholarships 10 Navigating Covid-19 12
CAREER 13
Clerkship 13 International Employment 19 Part-time Jobs 21 Volunteering 23
SOCIAL LIFE 24
Remote Learning 24 Mental Health Management 26 Housing 28 International Student Legal Support 31 Queer Support 33 Exploring Sydney 36
3 FOREWORD
There is no doubt how diffi cult Outside of this Guide, you can fi nd us 2020 was. After a year of crisis and every Thursday night 6-7pm on SULS uncertainty, we have witnessed each International Student Catch-ups - one other surviving two semesters of topic per week - bringing to you the Zoom classes, on-and-off lockdowns, latest advice (and gossip). Also keep and bad wifi /VPN. Till this very day, an eye out for SULS career workshops some of us are still studying remotely and social events, which are also open under various degrees of impact to international students. We also caused by border closures. have a committee dedicated to help you troubleshoot your law school life It is despite all these diffi culties, our when things get rough… So buckle fellow international students have down and join us for this ride! demonstrated remarkable spirit and resilience in supporting each other Should you have any question, through this very diffi cult pandemic. please do not hesitate to email me at: This year, the SULS International [email protected]. Sissi Xi Chen Student Guide is brought to you by International Student Offi cer, a record-high number of 12 editors Sydney University Law dedicated to provide the information Society you need the most. Whether you are a fi rst-year student looking for study tips, or a penultimate year student looking for clerkship information, this guide has what you need.
Welcome to Sydney! SULS is committed to ensuring all international students feel supported For international students like and well-informed during this yourselves, starting at Sydney Law diffi cult period of uncertainty. This School not only entails embarking on year, in addition to the social events, a new academic program, but moving careers programs and competitions to a new country. As a domestic the International Portfolio runs, student, I can only speculate as to SULS will be bringing a renewed how that must feel. Having briefl y focus on mental health and advocacy. lived overseas, but still with the Please do not hesitate to reach out to perspective of an outsider, there must Sissi Chen (the International Offi cer) be a mixture of excitement and nerves or the broader Executive team in- compounded by the prospect of living person in the SULS offi ce (Room 103, in a new city. New Law Building) during our offi ce hours from 10am-2pm on Monday- In 2021, the Sydney University Thursday, with extended hours for Wendy Hu Law Society (SULS) recognises that part-time JD and LLM students until President, Sydney University international student experiences 6pm on Tuesday. For those studying Law Society are more diverse than ever due to remotely, we will be having Zoom and COVID-19. For some of you, the above WeChat offi ce hours. Alternatively, will ring true. For others, you will shoot us a message on our Facebook begin law school studying remotely page or via email. We are always here in your home country. Online classes to help. present their own unique challenges of time zone diff erences, isolation and screen fatigue. 4 LAW SCHOOL
Why choose law to study? A simple and International students at Sydney Starting Law at short question that every law student University. In July 2020, I also intern Sydney and lawyer would ask themselves. For at Allen & Overy fi rm in Hanoi. I me, it is simply because law is my area think participating in extracurricular of interest. I was always too excited activities will help students to make whenever it came to literature or new friends, learn new skills, and legal subjects since secondary school. most importantly, be happy within When studying law, I learn about the university environment. perspectives and logic. The more I read about case law, the more it opens I would say that studying law off shore up inner stories to me. I guess that is is extremely diffi cult and tiring. I’m the beauty of law when you apply the not confi dent enough to advise anyone rules and regulations into a person’s but there are some general tips I will own story. Law is also about rights share. First is trying to fi nish as many and justice. Studying law allows me to readings as you can for every week develop critical thinking and strong before the tutorial. I know the amount reasoning skills as well as awareness of readings is massive but the more of my rights and responsibilities. you read, the more knowledge you will gain. Do some legal research after I joined SULS at the beginning of 2020 you read as well, especially when you and signed up for the Negotiation need more information on a specifi c Nhi (Nikki) Bui Competition with my friends. topic. Second is to pay attention LLBII (Off shore) Unfortunately, the competition was to the advice that your tutor gives cancelled due to COVID-19 and I had during your Zoom tutorial. It might to return to Vietnam after that. I hope be on assignments or presentations this year will be a better year and I or career. Prepare yourself to come to can sign up for more SULS activities. tutorials with questions too. Don’t be Apart from SULS, I am Secretary of afraid to ask! ViSUS - a society for Vietnamese
Note: The information below concerns ongoing border restrictions, many University and general academic and administrative units of study will be delivered as Law School advice only and may not account for remote learning (online delivery) all obstacles related to the ongoing during 2021. Please note that remote Administration COVID-19 pandemic. Please regularly learning will not aff ect your visa check your email account and the entitlements. university websites for updates on travel/academic restrictions: Please access and make adjustments https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/ in the new Timetable system here: coronavirus-infection-university-of- https://www.sydney.edu.au/ sydney-advice.html students/timetables.html
Enrolment (onshore and Course Structure off shore) Depending on whether you are an You must enrol in order to commence LLB, JD, or Diploma of Law student, your studies at the University of you will be required to obtain Sydney via Sydney Student. Due to necessary credits in LAWS units in order to progress. Please access 5 your relevant cohort Handbook to have been suspended due to consult your degree requirements COVID-19. Should you choose to here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ undertake a semester exchange, this handbooks/law/ may delay your degree progression. For example, if you are an LLB student To assist with your degree planning, within your first 3 (Arts/Science) or 4 please view sample study plans below: (Engineering) years, you are required to complete compulsory units whose Arts/Science LLB (5 years) progression depends on each other. Navigate to a sample Arts/Law study Should you undertake an exchange plan below semester, as compulsory or ‘Priestley https://www.sydney.edu.au/ 11‘ subjects cannot be taught by courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of- overseas partners, your degree will arts-and-bachelor-of-laws.html be delayed and this may adversely impact your visa duration. Please bear in mind that although most Sydney Abroad opportunities
This information pertains to increased tuition fees for such studies. Dalyell Scholars undergraduate combined degree Please note that as per the Sydney Program students only. The Dalyell Scholars Law School’s degree resolutions, if stream is an enrichment academic you have completed 6 Dalyell credits and social program for students and then withdraw from Dalyell, you with an ATAR of 98+ or equivalent. will only be required to complete 6 Please note that this program is not OLE credits. Please refer to Sydney a scholarship and its membership is Law School’s course handbook for optional. more information under ‘Combined Laws’: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ Enrolment in Dalyell may affect your handbooks/law/undergraduate/ course planning as combined law laws.shtml students needs to complete: In order to maintain your membership • 12 Dalyell credits from Table D within the Dalyell Program, you will • 6 OLE (Online Learning need to achieve a minimum WAM Environment) credits from Table O (weighted average mark) of 75. Should you fall below this threshold, These requirements mean that Dalyell your faculty’s Dalyell Coordinator will stream students will need to complete contact you and you may be removed an extra 6 Dalyell credits alongside from the program as a result.
6 Academic Matters
Academic Appeals You may invoke academic appeal when you wish to dispute your final grades. There are three stages in the academic appeal process, they comprise of:
1. RESOLUTION WITH 2. APPEAL TO FACULTY 3. APPEAL TO THE THE DECISION-MAKER OR ACADEMIC PANEL STUDENT APPEALS BODY
Otherwise known as an informal appeal. If you are not satisfied with the response In case a formal response from your Faculty Ask the relevant course convener or send from your informal appeal, you have the is unsatisfactory, an appeal to the Student a courteous email requesting feedback and right to submit a formal appeal in writing to Appeals Body (SAB) is the final stage for a specific breakdown of your final mark. the Law School to [email protected]. internal appeals. You have 15 working days Where necessary, arrange a meeting to seek au. A formal appeal needs to be lodged within from your Faculty’s formal response. In clarification. They should provide reasons 20 working days from the first stage. Please your SAB appeal, you should try to identify for their assessment of your work. submit all relevant support documentation/ procedural unfairness or breach of internal evidence. Find out more at: https://www. policy in the Faculty’s academic decision. The Sydney Law School advises that you sydney.edu.au/students/academic-appeals/ Find out more about this stage at: https:// engage in self-reflection prior to this faculty-academic-panel-appeal.html www.sydney.edu.au/students/academic- stage. This involves reviewing assignment appeals/sab-appeal.html comments and/or seeking individual feedback. You have 15 working days from receiving your grades to file an appeal. Should you feel the matter remains unresolved, you may take the appeal further to the relative Associate Dean.
Simple Extensions Degree Load and If you cannot submit an assignment on time, you can discuss with your Unit of Study coordinator about your Progression circumstances and apply for a simple extension. It is an informal arrangement between you and the coordinator Generally Student Visa holders need to undertake a full- and you can have an extension of up to two working days. time study load (24 credit points/semester). Eighteen (18) For more information, please visit: https://www.sydney. of these credits must be taken during the main semester edu.au/students/simple-extensions.html outside of Intensive units. However, you may apply to reduce your study load where: • You have a seriousness illness or injury (including Special Considerations adverse mental health circumstances) If you require an extension for more than two working days, • A close family member has died you need to provide relevant evidence and apply for special • Faculty cannot offer any other units of study due to consideration. Circumstances for special consideration the structure of your program include acute and/or chronic illness, misadventures such • Your Faculty Academic Advisor (AA) recommends as car accidents, essential commitments such as jury you to reduce your study load so that you can complete duty, military service or commitments representing the your remaining units of study University, state or nation. • COVID-19-related special circumstances* *For COVID-19 circumstances, you need to complete a Note that travel plans, public transport delays, minor student declaration form outlining how your full-time illness, professional or time management issues are studies are affected by COVID-19. Disruptive factors may insufficient. For more examples of special consideration include national lockdowns amongst others. You must and required documents, please visit: https://www. also specify the potential duration of this disruption. sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html Please access the form here: https://www.sydney.edu. au/content/dam/students/documents/admin/student- declaration.docx
Note that reasons related to finance or work outside your studies are not valid. Receiving credits from previous studies/Summer/Winter School are not valid reasons either, unless your remaining units fall short of 24 credit points.
Please refer to the University website for more information on degree load and progression: https://www.sydney.edu. au/students/reduced-study-load.html 7 Your faculty may allow you to that if your new eCOE stipulates a Change your upgrade or downgrade your course, completion date beyond your original Course or transfer from a combined law degree, you will need to apply for a degree into a single degree. This is visa extension. called an allowable course transfer. The 2021 application deadline is If you are not eligible for an allowable February 12 for Semester 1, and July transfer, you can apply for an internal 23 for Semester 2. If your application course transfer. Unlike an allowable is successful, the University will course transfer, an internal course issue a new electronic Confirmation transfer treats your application as of Enrollment (eCOE). Please note if you are enrolling for the first time using your high school or degree results, whichever is higher. The application deadline for Semester 1, 2021 has elapsed on January 31, 2021.
If you wish to change from a single to a combined degree, the university will issue a new eCoE. However, should you wish to change to a new curriculum version of your present course, the university is unable to issue a new eCoE which entails that you must complete the transferred course without overstaying your original visa expiry date
You may also change streams but may not receive credits for your previous study. You must consider how a transfer will affect your student visa. For more information please visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ students/change-course.html.
If you discontinue a unit of study Please note that intensive and Discontinue a before the census date, no academic placement units will have differing Unit of Study or financial penalties will apply. DC deadlines. The DC deadline for However, you need to ensure that semester-long (S1C and S2C) units you are still fulfilling your visa for 2021 are: requirements. There are two types of discontinued units of study: Semester 1: April 24 Semester 2: October 1 • DC (Discontinued not to count as failure) You should always check the specific • DF (Discontinue Fail) DC deadline for your unit at: https:// www.sydney.edu.au/students/ If you discontinue a unit of study discontinue-unit-of-study/unit-of- after the census date but before the study-deadlines.html DC deadline, you still need to pay for the unit but it will not count as a fail For more information on grade on your transcript and thus will discontinuing a unit of study, please not affect your WAM. It is important visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ to note that a DC or DF grade will students/discontinue-unit-of-study. reduce your study load which means html that you will need to apply to reduce your study load in order to comply with your visa requirements.
8 If you want to discontinue your If you discontinue your primary Discontinue your course, you should contact University course within its first six months to Course Compliance Officers for advice at: accept an offer at another institution, [email protected]. you need to request a release and au, and make sure you check the key produce an unconditional offer dates and deadlines (https://www. provided by your new institution. sydney.edu.au/students/study-dates. html) to avoid academic penalty or If you are a combined visa student (ie. financial liability. you progressed from the University of Sydney Foundation Program), your You need to notify the Department of primary course is your degree at The Home Affairs (DHA) within 31 days University of Sydney. of discontinuing your course. Your eCoE will be cancelled and you need For more information, please visit: to contact within 28 days to arrange https://sydney.edu.au/students/ an alternative visa if you wish to stay release-for-student-visaholders.html in Australia.
For more information, please visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ students/discontinue-course.html
You can only suspend your study relating to work outside your studies Suspend your if there are compassionate or are not valid. For more information Studies compelling circumstances beyond regarding specific compassionate or your control, such as serious illness/ compelling circumstances and the injury, death of a close family documents required, please visit: member or a traumatic experience. https://www.sydney.edu.au/ Note that financial reasons or reasons students/suspend-studies.html
You can apply for a special permission that you fulfil all visa requirements Request special to undertake a unit of study if you do prior to submitting a request. In your permission for a not meet the required prerequisite, or application, you need to state why you that you wish to overload your credit are applying for special permission unit of study points in a semester (ie. over 24 and provide relevant evidence. For credits/semester) , or that you wish more information, please visit: to undertake a unit of study out of https://www.sydney.edu.au/ sequence etc. students/selecting-units-in-sydney- student/enrolment-exception- This is not particularly difficult to requests.html get. Although, you must make sure 9 Scholarships
University-wide Scholarhips
International students are eligible for a variety of scholarships. Some are as listed below:
This scholarship is awarded on a You will also need to submit a Sydney dual merits- and extracurricular- 200-words personal statement International commitment basis and is open to addressing: international students from select • Describe yourself Student Award countries and regions. Recipients • Your motivation for applying to will receive 20% off their fees for the University of Sydney the duration of their course. As of • Your academic and professional 2021, the following countries and aspirations nationalities are eligible for this award: Please use the link below to find out • Bangladesh more about the scholarship: • Indonesia https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/ • Malaysia study-options/fees-and-loans/ • South Korea sydney-international-student-award. • Sri Lanka html • Vietnam • Countries within Africa, Central Asia, South and Central America
This scholarship is awarded purely Value and Duration: Vice on academic merit and is open to all • Four scholarship amounts may Chancellor commencing international students be offered $40,000 payable for enrolling in an undergraduate or one year in two equal instalments International postgraduate degree. It is open to • $20,000 payable for one semester all international students who have • $10,000 payable for one semester Scholarships an unconditional offer of admission • $5,000 payable for one semester for a full-time undergraduate or Scheme postgraduate coursework program at the University of Sydney. All eligible students will be considered automatically.
This scholarship is offered to undergraduate coursework Sydney Scholars outstanding students in India degree up to four years, India Scholarship commencing an undergraduate or • 10 x $20,000 first-year postgraduate coursework course. scholarships for undergraduate Program This program is intended to foster and postgraduate students, or relations and collaborative efforts • 15 x $10,000 first year between the University of Sydney and scholarships for undergraduate India - applicants must hold Indian and postgraduate students. citizenship and be current residents of India (permanent residents of Please subscribe here to be informed Australia are not eligible). when application for the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program A total of 28 scholarships will be will be opened: https://www.sydney. awarded annually, consisting of: edu.au/scholarships/e/sydney- • 3 x $50,000 scholarships for scholars-india-scholarship-program/ undergraduate students, paid submit-an-enquiry.html across the duration of any
10 Law Scholarships
Available to Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
Open to applicants enrolled in the For more information and to apply, Pitt Cobbett JD or undergraduate combined law visit: https://www.sydney.edu. Scholarship program at University of Sydney and au/scholarships/b/pitt-cobbett- must demonstrate financial hardship. scholarship.html
Value: Up to $2500 Duration: One-off payment Opening date: TBC Closing date: TBC
Applicants must be enrolled in For more information on Sydney Law either the JD or LLB program at the faculty scholarships available to School Exchange University of Sydney and entering undergraduate students, visit https:// their final year of studies. Applicants www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/ Scholarship must be approved by the Law School international/bachelors-honours/ to participate in a Law School- faculty/law.html specific exchange the following year, be a high achieving student and must For more information on faculty demonstrate financial hardship. scholarships available to postgraduate students, visit https://www.sydney. Value: Up to $2000 edu.au/scholarships/domestic/ Duration: One-off payment postgraduate-coursework/faculty/ Open: 31 August 2021 law.html Close: 30 September 2021 For information on postgraduate For more information on exchange research scholarships, visit https:// scholarships and how to apply, www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/ visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/ international/postgraduate-research. scholarships/b/sydney-law-school- html exchange-scholarship.html
11 Navigating Covid-19
Navigating law school remotely in a different country can be very daunting - we have both good and bad news for you.
Bad news first: time and mental health management might feel like a fight. You’re essentially fighting yourself to become a more organised and motivated person, and youre doing this when everyone from faculty to classmates feels a little out of reach.
This feeling is valid. You’re not hallucinating or overreacting if you’re feeling a bit let down. It is totally valid to feel like your entire law school life is squeezed into a computer screen, and you’re like this lone warrior slogging through endless readings at your desk.
In a nutshell, we are now confronted with the world’s uncertainties affecting our everyday experience - this ambient stress then builds on top of existing worries about our WAM and future employment prospects. It also doesn’t help when having a social life feels like a luxury and the concept of friendship is starting to look like a Zoom link.
Now the good news: you have precious opportunities unique to where you are. China, Singapore, Canada... no matter where you are based now, you are able to turn your location to your advantage. We know at least 2 JD students in mainland China who have studied for and passed the Chinese National Judicial Examination last year! These are location-specific opportunities your Sydney peers can never dream of!
It is also an excellent time to airm for work-from-home internships and part- time jobs, and have these experiences reflected in your CV to demonstrate your resilience and resourcefulness in taking on challenges against all odds. It doesn’t matter if your experience is outside of NSW. Yes, we know you keep hearing this from company HRs, but it’s true - you just need the transferable skills, and effectively communicate them on your CV and cover letter.
12 CAREER
In New South Wales, most mid and As international students, we come Clerkship top tier law firms offer clerkship across certain employment barriers programs that typically run during when looking for a summer clerkship the summer between late November position. Do not be discouraged. and February of next year (some firms Streamline your application process offer other seasonal placements). and apply to the firms that do hire There may be interstate and overseas international students, and do your opportunities, so you would benefit homework to make sure they are firms from being open to branch out of you actually want to clerk at. Be sure Sydney, NSW. Make sure to go to use your unique experience and to the firm’s dedicated clerkship diversity as an international student information page on their website to to your advantage in your cover letter. find out more information.
Application Tips for applying: Process:
• Most firms require your CV and a • Refine your resume before cover letter applications are opened • Some firms have additional • Start writing your cover letters questions to be answered on their before applications are opened. application • Make sure you tailor your cover • Some firms require psychometric letters to the firm. Be very specific testing and make sure they know why • Most firms have two rounds you want to clerk for the firm. of interviews [students whose • Be genuine! applications are chosen to • If you do not receive an offer for proceed to the interview stage] a clerkship, do not worry. Keep • If you are asked for a second an eye out for other options and interview, typically you will be internships! There are plenty invited to a Cocktail Evening of people who landed positions with the firm. This is still part of without having done a clerkship. the application process. You are You will be okay - this is 100% not expected to mingle and make a the end of the world. lasting impression. • Shortly after the cocktail evening, offers will be made.
13 Firms that do consider international student applicants
Firms Summer Clerkship Graduate Program Notes
Allens-Linklaters Yes Yes Students must have the right to work full- time in Australia during the clerkship and graduate programs.
Allen & Overy Yes All graduate positions Students must be approved to work in offered to summer Australia and demonstrate commitment clerks to starting a legal career in Australia.
Baker McKenzie Yes Yes Students must have the right to work full-time in Australia during clerkship period.
Herbert Smith Freehills Yes Yes Students must have unrestricted legal working rights in Australia when commencing clerkship.
King Wood Mallesons Yes Yes Must be approved to work in Australia with the correct visa. KWM does not provide any sponsorship at the clerk or graduate level.
MinterEllison Yes Yes We accept international students who are approved to work in Australia and have the necessary visa.
White & Case Yes All graduate positions Students in final year can apply for the offered to summer 4-week vacation clerkship scheme. clerks
Bird & Bird Yes All graduate positions Students with full working rights are offered to summer eligible to apply. They’ll remain with clerks the firm under a new paralegal contract afterwards and be transitioned into our graduate pathway.
Hall & Wilcox Melbourne ONLY Yes International students are required to have full working rights during the clerkship and graduate programs.
Corrs Chambers Yes Yes International students are required Westgarth to have full working rights during the clerkship and graduate programs.
Johnson Winter & Yes Yes International students with unrestricted Slattery working rights are eligible to apply.
Norton Rose Fulbright Yes Yes Students need to have full working rights to work for the duration of their clerkship program in Australia and need to prove this when applying for our programs.
Piper Alderman Instead of having a traditional clerkship program, Piper Alderman does a yearly intake of law clerks (2 days per week and then stay with the firm until graduation).
We do not run a clerkship program. International students are not necessarily Gadens excluded from applying, however, they would need to demonstrate knowledge of our national legislation and some experience in the local market is always highly regarded. 14 Firms that do NOT consider international student applicants
Firms Summer Clerkship Graduate Program Notes
Ashurst No No Students will need to have at least Australian Permanent Residency at the time of application.
Gilbert + Tobin No No Preferences are given to students who are either Australian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Jones Day No No Do not actively recruit international students.
HWL Ebsworth No No Won’t be considering international student applications for 2021 clerkship and/ or graduate program.
Sparke Helmore - No Do not consider international students due to security clearances and the issues that arise out of it.
Firms below are some you may approach individually for their latest hiring policies: Colin Biggeres & Paisley, Dentons, PwC Legal, K&L Gates, DLA Piper, Squire Patton Boggs, Wotton + Kearney and Mills Oakley. Clayton Utz requested to be left out of this guide as they are still considering their clerkship approach for this year.
15 Tips from your peers
I clerked at Allen & Overy Sydney offi ce English grammar. Third, remember in 2019-2020 and will be working as that job hunting is a process of a graduate with the fi rm starting from soliciting yourself to the law fi rms. this March. Clerkship opportunities Do not be too upset if you fail a open to international students are couple of times. It does not mean very limited in the Australian legal that you are not good enough. In market. My top tip for securing a most cases, the fi rms who reject clerkship position in a commercial you just think you are not the best law fi rm is to do a suffi cient amount fi t for their current business needs. of research and keep your eyes open for every potential opportunity. Finally, I have listed several very useful websites below, which I wish I Siqi (Ciki) Chen - JD You will not want to waste your could have known in the earlier stage (Graduated 2020) time on fi rms who do not consider of my law degree. Some of them relate candidates without citizenship or to the clerkship application tips, and permanent residency. During the some can help boost your commercial time I was preparing my applications, awareness and general knowledge I created an excel spreadsheet regarding the legal industry: including all fi rms I was able to apply • https://www. to, together with their application thecorporatelawacademy.com/ deadlines, critical information about training-contract-applications- the fi rms, and notes I had taken in the-2018-guide/ their information sessions. I found • https://www.chambersstudent. that it was a very organised way to co.uk/ help myself keep everything on track. • https://www.legal500.com/c/ australia/ Second, make sure that there are • https://www.ifl r1000.com/ no grammar mistakes in your • https://www.lawyersweekly. application materials. It is worth com.au/ investing some money to hire a professional proofreader to ensure Wish you every success in your future that your resume is at least perfect in applications and endeavours!
My experience in securing a clerkship chat with HR managers and lawyers. was generally not too diff erent from Throughout this process I had great that of Australian students, except conversations with the people I I found it was important for me to met from Clayton Utz in particular indicate to the fi rms to which I was and found that I wasn’t treated applying (a) my motivations for diff erently to Australian candidates. pursuing a law degree at the University of Sydney, (b) that I intended to remain and develop my career in Australia after completing my degree, and (c) the value that an international student can bring to a fi rm. Joshua Reisler - JD (Graduated 2018) I also made an eff ort to research which fi rms were open to considering applications from international students and which fi rm might be the best fi t for me. In doing so, I attended a number of events hosted by fi rms and/or SULS where I was able to
16 Hi, I’m Amy, a fourth-year law and Overall, the program gave me a commerce student. I participated taste of life in a top-tier Australian in the Allens Dive-In Program, run commercial law fi rm. The Dive-in virtually across three days in May Program demonstrated to me the and June 2020. The program was collegial and supportive culture at my fi rst real introduction to Allens. Allens. If you are a pre-penultimate I thoroughly enjoyed my experience student interested in fi nding out about because the program was engaging, Allens or commercial law in general, well-organised and informative. I would highly recommend applying All the sessions were packed with for the program. It equips you with interesting speakers (ranging from the knowledge and connections to graduates to partners), interactive start building your future legal career. Amy Zhang activities and practical tips and advice The application process includes (Domestic Student) on how to stand out in applications. submitting a resume, academic LLB/ BCom IV transcript and a short answer question. My favourite part was the client Feel free to reach out for a chat! interviewing activity that we completed in small groups on the last day. Applying the information I learned about the various practice groups at Allens from the second session, I worked together with other participants as if we were junior lawyers at Allens. Receiving instant feedback on how I performed was very helpful. Not only did I gain practical legal skills required for client interviewing, but this session also helped to consolidate my understanding of the practice groups at Allens and what they off er.
17 Virtual Internship
Virtual Internship is an alternative way to get practical With that said, a Virtual Internship is still skills and experience from law firms. The Internship is beneficial to students, as free of charge and usually takes 5-6 hours to complete 1. You can develop a deep insights into the 3-4 tasks. Some programs might be slightly longer. The work of particular law firms programme is entirely self-paced. You are able to find 2. Most virtual internships enable you to them on Forage: https://www.theforage.com/ sample the work of solicitors of the law firms If you have participated in one of the virtual internships, 3. You will be able to include the experience make sure you comply with the Referencing Policy when on CV and Linkedin profile including the experience on your CV and Linkedin. You can 4. The experience shows that you are include the experience under “Extracurricular Activities” ambitious, hardworking and have or “Certification” or “Achievement”, but not under “Work developed valuable practical skills. Experience”/“Employment” on your CV. Furthermore, 5. Most virtual internships do not have a Forage suggests the following wording when referring to deadline. You can complete the tasks at the experience. your own pace in your busy schedule. 6. You can build confidence and practical Extracurricular Activities skills by completing the tasks. [Insert Company Name] Virtual Experience Program Participant [Year of Completion] - [Insert Approximate List of international law firms who are providing hours] Participated in the open access [Insert virtual internship on Forage: Company Name] Virtual Experience Program 1. Ashurst with Forage. 2. Arnold Bloch Leibler Tasks Completed include: 3. Baker Mckenzie • Task A 4. Clifford Chance • Task B 5. Corrs Chambers Westgarth • Task C 6. Hogan Lovells If you want to include the experience on Linkedin, you can 7. King & Wood Mallesons put it in “Licenses & Certifications” and refer yourself as 8. Latham & Watins “Virtual Experience Program Participant”. 9. Linklaters 10. Matheson For more information, feel free to visit: 11. Minter Ellison https://insidesherpa.s3.amazonaws.com/ 12. Pinsent Masons vinternships/companyassets/RGekxZXJpbZtJrQnH/ 13. Slaughter and May LioLuvXGdTjRPDZiP/ForageReferencingPolicy.pdf 14. RPC 15. White & Case
18 International Employment
Each year, many international law The Greater Bay Area plan focuses Hong Kong students from Australian universities on strengthening the Guangdong- decide to start their career in HK. Hong Kong-Macau tri-regional Why does HK appeal to these young, corporation in areas of infrastructure, ambitious future lawyers? How are technological innovation, and they going to pursue it? What are the commercial opportunities. This is a most popular international law firms direct boost for the HK legal industry in HK? that provides key support to the region’s trade and finance. With its geo-political advantages and rich client pool, Hong Kong is often In the meantime, Hong Kong is chosen as the Asian headquarter witnessing an increasing number by many big international law of Chinese firms as the city emerges firms (e.g. King & Wood Mallesons, as the new center of international Skadden, etc.). Although the recent arbitration and litigation. Under political unrest seemed to have cast such a climate, law students educated shadows on Hong Kong, the impact under a Common Law system are very is slowly being offset by the newly welcomed by law firms in Hong Kong. forged Greater Bay Area initiative.
Pathway For the purpose of writing this guide, we spoke with a recent graduate who was accepted by a large Hong Kong firm. It is possible to complete your PLT in Sydney, then complete Hong Kong’s intensive PCLL (Postgraduate Certificate in Laws program) before formally practising as a solicitor in Hong Kong.
To become a practicing lawyer in China, you are usually required to pass China the Chinese National Judicial Examination (NJE), but having foreign legal knowledge and a high level of English proficiency are very valuable qualities. Here are three law firms headquartered in Beijing, the capital of China.
King & Wood Mallesons https://www.kwm.com/en/hk background in engineering, biology, or science will be highly appreciated Introduction: in the selection process. Working in King & Wood Mallesons are widely the IP team mainly involves document regarded as one of the most innovative sorting, typesetting, printing, and law firms in the world, able to provide assisting lawyers to analyze evidence distinctive commercial thinking and such as pictures and emails. customer experience. King & Wood Mallesons has more than 2,400 Corporate, private equity, mergers lawyers located in 28 cities around and acquisitions and commercial the world. affairs: These practice groups require Intellectual Property: familiarity with the content of KWM’s IP team is very suitable for company laws and, in some instances, Science & Laws students. Team tax, business, and finance. Common business mainly involves trademarks, areas include transaction preparation, patents, unfair competition, and due diligence, anti-hostile takeovers contract disputes. Generally, in patent countermeasures, general corporate cases, lawyers will first send chemical compliance, disclosure obligations products and biological specimens to related to financial products, an appraisal agency for professional contracts related to mergers and appraisal and then debate based on acquisitions, company restructuring, the agency’s appraisal results. This etc. often means that lawyers with a
19 Dentons http://www.dachenglaw.com/ or different elements, which is super interesting! Introduction: Dentons does not have a single Criminal Law: headquarter and does not have a Denton’s criminal law team provides dominant national culture. Due to criminal defence work - a clerk’s daily different geography, languages and task goes into assisting the lawyers’ nationalities, it has in-depth exposure with documents related to bail, to various legal traditions around the appearances, sentence mitigation. world. Criminal defence lawyers also serve a key function of ensuring procedural Intellectual Property: fairness for the defendants. Thus The Intellectual Property team is also excellent knowledge of both one of the strongest teams in Dentons. substantive and procedural rules Dentons is on the list of China’s top in criminal law would make one ten intellectual property litigation stand out in the crowd. Due to the agencies. The usual work content particular nature of criminal cases, it of the team’s lawyers is similar to is worth noting that you might often that of King & Wood Mallesons. An come across graphic evidence such interesting news is that if you have as pictures of deceased persons. So an intern in this team, you may have this line of work is more suitable for to play two computer games for two students who have experience, i.e. weeks constantly to find out the same having previously clerked in criminal law firms or the prosecutor’s office.
Zhong Lun http://www.zhonglun.com/ Securities companies tend to have good employee benefits which often Introduction: covers a decent allowance for three Zhong Lun is one of the top eight law meals a day. firms in China with 8 overseas offices including Hong Kong, London, New International Business: York, Los Angeles, San Francisco. International business lawyers must pass the Chinese National Securities Department: Judicial Examination, but having This is the department that travels an Australian legal qualification the most. Clerks may travel to four certificate is often also necessary. to five provinces in China within Their IB team requires lawyers to have three months. Most of their time is a high level of English proficiency. not spent in law firms but in project Day-to-day work includes pre-deal companies. Their main job is to assist preliminary research, WTO inquiries, securities companies in completing anti-dumping and countervailing securities company projects. cases, and legal translation.
20 We understand this is a hot topic on The types of work commonly involves Part-time Jobs your mind. From our experience, this document review, drafting, case law is where you get to meet the best (and research, and other administrative sometimes worst) members of the tasks. For the most part, your job legal profession. would be to assist someone, so the area of law you work in will be closely Keep in mind our Student Visa has related to that person’s expertise. a maximum 40 hours per fortnight You’ll also get a good glimpse on how ceiling during semesters - we cannot a firm/organisation operates. This work more than this number of hours. is where working in a smaller firm In between semesters, we are allowed shows its advantage, as you get more to work full-time. This means that we exposure to understand how to one are not excluded by law from applying day run your own practice. for a summer clerkship program, we are just subject to each firm’s hiring It is also helpful to adjust expectations. preferences. In your early years as a law student, your employer understands that Some interesting forums you might you’re still learning the basics. So find helpful to understand the legal during a job interview, they may ask profession in Australia: you about your academic interests and your general career plans. As Reddit Aus Law: https://www.reddit. you progress in your degree, you’ll com/r/auslaw/ see more interview questions probing Reddit Aus Legal: https://www. about your knowledge in your reddit.com/r/AusLegal/ employer’s practice areas, as well Lawyers Weekly: https://www. as questions about your experience lawyersweekly.com.au/ studying a particular subject.
During Semester The maximum days you can work per week is roughly 2.5 (presume 8hrs/ day). This rules out full-time paralegal positions, as well as some part-time positions (for instance, ANZ) where they need the part-time paralegal to work a minimum 24 hours per week, which is 4 hours more than what we are allowed by law. Please don’t overwork - contraventions are serious and will put your Student Visa in danger.
Between the Semester This is when a lot of us unwind after final exams, sit down, write up our applications and land that first job. These paralegal positions are commonly advertised as PLT (practice legal training)/law clerk/paralegal/legal assistant. Have a look around:
Indeed: https://au.indeed.com/ Seek: https://www.seek.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/ College of Law: https://jobs.collaw.com/ Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com.au/ Legal Vitae: https://legalvitae.com.au/
21 We want you to put your rights and must be paid; good sole practitioners Rights at Work safety front and centre of your mind. starting out their own practices will To put simply the advice we received also pay their paralegals. from Sean Stimson (International Student Solicitor, Redfern Legal A good measurement of how much Centre): should your work days you should get paid is the Legal count towards your PLT days, your Service Award, find out more at: employer is not legally required to pay https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ you, because your PLT is considered ArticleDocuments/872/legal- to be part of your vocational training. services-award-ma000116-pay- guide.pdf.aspx This means, in an unpaid PLT situation, if you’ve accumulated the You should also be aware that you’re number of days required for PLT and entitled to have your employer pay your employer is still showing no for your Super (Superannuation). intention in paying you - it is a good Employers are required by law to time to gently poke them and chat put 9.5% of your pay into your Super about salary. If you’re working as an account with your selected fund - unpaid paralegal and there has been there is no excuse for your law firm to no mention of PLT, you might want not pay for your Super. Note there is to check with your employer and be also tax - we suggest keeping an eye clear about expectations up front. out for free tax seminars organised by our university career centre and Please don’t be afraid to talk about student bodies like SRC and SUPRA. money with your boss. However unsure or nervous you might be, If you’ve made up your mind in taking the value you bring to your firm is a up unpaid work - be sure to ask your lot more than you think. From our employer if any allowance is available experience, if your boss has a shred of for your food and daily travel. We are professional dignity - they’d agree with here if you need advice or if you’re us. Big law firms pay their paralegals simply feeling unsure about how very generously; barristers chambers you’re being treated at work. have policies mandating assistants
We’ve heard all kinds of horror us down. We recommend doing a Workplace Safety stories about scary bosses - no doubt thorough background research for law is a high-pressure area to work in. any online reviews made by clients However, there is a fine line between and former employees. Sometimes ‘scary’ and ‘abusive’. Some common if the employer is notoriously bad, issues we’ve previously been made you’ll be sure to find their names in aware of include: verbal abuse - being lengthy online articles dedicated to shouted at, distasteful sexist jokes, explain to you how bad they are. casual racism, being asked to do excessive overtime, relentless work It is also good to ask around - chances demands over the weekend, bosses are someone in your cohort has worked with personal boundary issues, for that lawyer/firm. Please also unethical handling of vulnerable reach out to your SULS International clients, aggressive clients with Student Officer, who will be able to boundary issues, and unsupportive help you ask around, should you wish bosses telling staff to ‘be resilient’ to remain anonymous. instead of offering any useful mental health support... If you wish to share with SULS your experience with a particular Workplace safety is a real issue and employer, please do not hesitate to no amount of self-care or ‘mindful contact your International Student yoga’ can rescue us out of a toxic Officer directly at: international@ environment that relentlessly beats suls.org.au
22 Don’t forget you can volunteer at your Other organisations: Volunteering local community legal centres and other organisations: • Australian Pro Bono Centre: https://www.probonocentre.org. • Community Legal Centres NSW: au/ https://www.clcnsw.org.au/ • Binaal Billa Family Violence volunteer Legal Prevention Service: • Elizabeth Evatt Community https://www.binaalbilla.com.au/ Legal Centre: https://www.eeclc. careers/ org.au/contact-us/volunteer • Environmental Defenders • Inner City Legal Centre: https:// Office: https://www.edo.org.au/ www.iclc.org.au/volunteering/ volunteer-with-us-2/ • Immigration Advice and Rights • Justice Action: https://www. Centre: https://iarc.org.au/ justiceaction.org.au/contact-us/ support-our-work/volunteers/ get-involved • Marrickville Legal Centre: • Justice Connect: https:// https://www.mlc.org.au/get- justiceconnect.org.au/work- involved/ with-us/volunteer/ • North and North West • Legal Aid NSW: https://www. Community Legal Centre: http:// legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/ www.nnwcls.org.au/ working-at-legal-aid/practical- • Redfern Legal Centre: https:// legal-training-and-work- rlc.org.au/jobs-volunteers placements • South West Sydney Legal Centre: • Public Interest Advocacy Centre: https://swslc.org.au/contact/ https://piac.asn.au/about-us/ work-with-us/ careers/ • Welfare Rights Centre: https:// • Refugee Advice and Casework welfarerightscentre.org.au/jobs- Service: https://www.racs.org. and-volunteers au/volunteers • Western Sydney Community • Women’s Legal Service: https:// Legal Centre: https://www. www.wlsnsw.org.au/about-us/ clcnsw.org.au/volunteer volunteer-with-wls-nsw/ • Unions NSW: https://www. unionsnsw.org.au/volunteer/
Some of them only take applications during their recruitment seasons, but don’t hesitate to reach out to them and get yourself on their radar with a well-drafted email and your CV.
23 SOCIAL LIFE
Since the beginning of this pandemic, remote learning became the sole way Remote Learning for many students to study at university. This year, this situation continues for off-shore students and is provided to onshore students as an alternative. Here’s some of the pros and cons we have discovered so far to help you make the decision:
Advantages: • Saving time and money! You can • A flexible schedule! With online save a huge amount of time and lectures, you can choose the time money on everyday commutes. that is most suitable for you to Some units have also digitised the listen to them. Additionally, you required textbooks in e-reserve can participate in your tutorials which can sometimes help you and seminars from wherever you save on those pricey textbooks. are, and utilise your other time for work, volunteering, reading, and other commitments.
Disadvantages: • Focus and motivation can be a assessments, if your time zone struggle. To do remote learning falls between 10.00pm and well requires a high level of self- 6.59am Sydney Time, you may be discipline - you are the only one eligible for special arrangements. holding yourself to account! • It can be exceptionally frustrating, • Making friends with your If you do not have a good internet classmates might be hard on connection or a reliable VPN Zoom. (should you need one). • Potential time-zone struggles! However note that for
How you can improve is unable to support this, ask a ‘unnatural’, the best way forward friend to keep tabs on you and is to expand the boundaries of your remote learning vice versa so you can keep each your comfort zone and reach out. experience: other accountable. • There are PASS sessions available • Make sure you participate through zoom which can help as though you are in a real you get to know some of your classroom. If you find it difficult classmates during group work! • Find a place with good internet to speak without accidentally • Prepare for your on-call as connection. If you are unable to interrupting someone else or usual and having your answers get this at home, consider going you’re feeling anxious, consider organized will relieve your stress to a library or a safe place that has using the raise hand function on when answering the questions. a good internet connection. zoom or just sending through Remember to simulate eye • Don’t panic if you are your answer or question in the contact with your tutor when disconnected. Try to log in as soon chat function. Most tutors and answering questions you will as possible. However, if you are lecturers will be happy to address have to look at the webcam as unable to do this or if this occurs those questions as well. opposed to their face. during an assessment such as on- • Answer the questions actively and • Don’t forget to unmute yourself call, just let your tutors know as feel free to ask questions as usual before talking and similarly soon as you are able to do so! either through unmuting yourself remember to exercise caution • Turning on your camera can make or through the chat function. with the mute button so you don’t you more focused as there is the • Knowing your classmates accidentally interrupt your tutors added social pressure of staying through cameras has become the or anyone on-call. on task. If you experience anxiety new “normal”. While it might feel or if your internet connection 24 Tips from your peers
Although it’s important to I found that by balancing my distinguish remote learning from experience and attending things in-person teaching, there is endless beyond my academics when online, opportunity to make the most out I no longer associated going on zoom of the remote university experience. or watching videos as a tiring event. I As an experiential learner, I found also reached out to my lecturers and it extremely diffi cult to transition to coordinators more often to also ease online learning as I missed learning any imposter syndrome I experienced collaboratively. What I found helpful as I found it easier to communicate however was remembering that I online since transitioning to remote wasn’t the only one climbing this learning. I’d encourage everyone learning curve! I got creative and to allocate time to be on and off Ilona Ho - LLB II started engaging more with the your screens as I was challenged by random facebook messenger groups balancing this life and I believe it or attending remote society events to can only aid our mental and physical encourage myself to stay attentive in health. my uni classes.
My best study tip is to be disciplined calling friends to go over study and show up to all your classes as content extremely helpful - not only if you were going to university in did I feel less isolated, the process person! Although it is so tempting of articulating jumbled thoughts to either skip the Zoom tutorials or into words can be very enlightening. have the class on in the background while you’re eating breakfast, a lack If you’re new to law school and have of mindful presence in the class only met people virtually, don’t be will ultimately aff ect your grades. afraid to message someone who you’ve chatted with in your class over It is very diffi cult to remain engaged Zoom and ask if they’d like to study in class, but I made an eff ort to together for the subject. Everyone participate as much as possible, keep struggles studying remotely, so Vivienne Davies my phone physically out of reach and don’t feel like you’re in this alone (Domestic Student) - JD II change out of my PJs every morning - sometimes all it takes is the before class so I was in the mindset of initiative to reach out and you could work instead of relaxation - these little have a new friend to meet up with things helped me remain focused. when you’re both back on campus.
Studying law remotely can also be extremely isolating as we lack the casual interactions at law school where you could talk about the lectures and clarify legal principles. With the copious law readings, I sometimes felt overwhelmed with information and it wasn’t making sense in my head. That’s why I found
25 Whilst I wasn’t quite sure what to I discovered that prioritisation was make of online learning at fi rst, I soon key; when I focused on what was found that once I learnt what worked assessable I found myself more for me, it wasn’t as much as a challenge motivated to do the work. I also as people had predicted. Sure, at the discovered that working with others beginning the lack of requirements allowed me to push through the drier my classes had regarding attendance content - discussing questions of and participation meant the lectures jurisdiction was always easier after began to pile up. And yes, I never the challenge that was discussing really did get around to listening to what food to eat for dinner with my the recordings. It’s also true that my friend. When I created these collective fi rst assessment saw me cramming learning environments, I found Ben Hines it all the night before in my room. myself staying on top of content a But after that everything picked (Domestic Student) - LLB IV lot better, and the shared experience up! I guess the way to do well when really brought back the benefi ts of in studying online is to fi nd out what is person learning for me. As a result, best for you, and fi nd ways to hold I actually found online learning to yourself accountable. be benefi cial for me, allowing me to keep the fl exibility it aff orded without losing some of the other elements of regular class.
Mental Health Management
How do I survive law school? This is the most asked question in this year’s International Student Mentoring Program’s sign-up sheet. In this section, we will cut down all the cushions and give you the most candid survival stories directly from your seniors:
Tips from your peers
My mental health journey in law stress. However, consider doing so by school is quite turbulent. Similar to allocating more time on 1) subjects you many non-native speakers with zero found most enjoyable and 2) subjects background in law, I found the fi rst that confuse you the most. Invest less year of JD intellectually challenging. time on the sleep-depriving hustles These challenges were not joyful over slight improvements for fi nal simulations - I felt intimidated. When grades. Most employers don’t really I couldn’t fi nish the assigned readings care whether you are a distinction or before class, stay focused throughout a high distinction so long as you pass the lecture, or produce assignments some form of cut-off lines. Similar with qualities expected from “a future standards should apply when we lawyer”, I was compelled to question evaluate our self-worth. Meanwhile, my capacities and reproach myself for allow yourself to take breaks when not performing my best. Immersed your body or brain requests one: eat Haiqing (Hailey) Zhang in these anxieties, I started to blame well, sleep in, go hiking, explore the JD III, BA. myself for not being able to handle coastal walks around Sydney with stress with grace. friends during the weekend. These (Econ & Comparative activities have successfully convinced Literature) Having survived this period of law me that even if I’m a law student, I’m school, I’d gently advise any incoming simultaneously a human being that law student to stop being too harsh on deserves to feel restful and recharged yourself. Yes, try your best to keep up from time to time. with the pace of the courses, because trust me, falling behind in law school can induce a high level of mental
26 One of the longest longitudinal studies true self and where you shine the most. of adult life, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has demonstrated that As highlighted in many literature studies the key to healthy aging, both physically in Australia, one of the most common and mentally, is relationships. More behaviours among international students surprisingly, the study manifested is reluctance to seek help. More notably, that the role of genetics is far less they can be unaware of or in self-denial instrumental to longevity than the degree of their own mental illness. This alerts of satisfaction in relationships, given the necessity to improve mental health 40% of one’s happiness springs from the literacy as an early intervention for choices that one makes in life. As such, mental disorders. In fact, mental illness the importance of social belonging cannot can be manifested into a range of physical be overstated in regard to harnessing the symptoms such as appetite loss, insomnia Tae Jin (Troy) Lee - JD III, BSc. power of inner strength. Having true and loss of concentration and interest. companionship and strong social ties is Or, sometimes it can be intertwined with Hon (Pharmacy) not only mood-boosting, but also, more physical illness. Thus, mental illness crucially, makes one feel balanced and is not easy to feel or recognise as many grounded. students may perceive.
However, success in building strong Self-awareness is also crucial for relationships is often dependent upon students, so that they can track their the principle of quality over quantity. In own physical symptoms or any abnormal order to feel truly happy in relationships, changes in their thoughts and lifestyle it is necessary to focus on and invest your patterns. Oftentimes, many students time and efforts in healthy and positive might think they have a very clear sense relationships in which one can feel of themselves, but this may not always connected, respected and supported. At be the case. So journaling thoughts or the same time, maintaining both physical having a mood diary as well as recording and emotional distance and setting clear down and monitoring any physical boundaries from people who impact you symptoms can be great ways to improve in negative ways is equally significant. self-awareness.
The best way to meet like-minded Lastly, treating yourself with a sense- people you may feel more comfortable related reward after a long week is with would be attending or partaking very important. During the week, your in an event or becoming a member of adrenaline is on the rise due to stress a social group that you have actually accumulated. So at the end of it, you might wanted or that you are passionate want to have it decreased with dopamine about, instead of what others think you within 24-48 hours. The reward must ought. Not everyone is ESFP or ESFJ. It be sensual but can be anything ranging is completely okay for you to be a party from going out for a nice meal, meeting pooper and join a chess club or a cooking friends, or exploring nature. event instead. Because, that is your
There’s a lot to be said about the person might jump out from nowhere bumpy ride that is law school. To open and attack us on the street. I had a friend up meaningful conversations about who was attacked by a swearing stranger, student mental health, we must properly and was pushed down the stairs. Horror acknowledge the insane amount of stories of Asian people being harassed pressure we deal with in our daily and spat on flew in on a daily basis... I struggles with uni and work. I currently had days when I couldn’t get out of my work two days a week where my other bed, lying there, knowing my body was days are filled up by uni. This is nota starving, but I was so depressed I didn’t very sustainable workload and I have no have the energy to walk downstairs to illusion about how much my relationships perhaps pick up a delivery. Going through and social life are suffering because of it. all of this alone, away from family and My personal solution for this is to plan friends, thinking I didn’t want to trouble Sissi Xi Chen - JD III, BA. Hon ahead and make sure that I communicate anyone and become a burden… was my (Gender and Cultural Studies) expectations with the important people biggest regret looking back. in my life, so they understand - really understand - that my limited availability This year, our SULS International Student comes from a place of necessity and not portfolio has 15 committee members - selfishness. 15 friends I now wish I had known last year when I hit rock bottom. The entire My mental health was really bad last year. purpose of this committee is to support It was during peak Covid time and Asian our fellow international students. So if you folks like myself were terrified of going bump into any trouble at uni or at work, out for groceries because some random shoot us an email - we’re here for you. 27 Housing
It is ideal to explore student accommodation options both on and off campus Find your before you make the decision. Comparatively student accommodation on accommodation campus would provide an immersive living experience that will allow you to fi t in the student community.
University-managed Previously there were seven University- Neighbourhood meet-up is an run housing options around the excellent way to expand your social accommodation main campus. Unfortunately, due network. Residential picnics integrate to the unprecedented situation of students into the community. Other COVID-19, some accommodations accommodation activities such as that were available are now closed. cardio boxing, tennis competition, An update of the list of available and rock climbing are also great ways accommodations can be found at: to meet friends, network, and chill https://usyd.starrezhousing.com/ out after intense study sprints. StarRezPortalX/7C3CEFBB/1/1/ Home-Welcome_to_the_ While people may worry that Unive?UrlToken=308793FE COVID-19 has transformed student accommodations into risky places, it Upon application, you may nominate is worth noting that the University three diff erent preferences chosen has a comprehensive plan for from available on-campus locations. preventing and mitigating potential In addition, you can submit your spread of the virus. For example, living preferences such as the gender some rooms in Abercrombie Student of people you would like to live with, Accommodation were converted into special medical needs, and particular places for quarantine. In all common dietary requirements. areas within University-managed accommodations, there is a suffi cient Social life is the core value of living supply of hand sanitizers and sanitary in a student accommodation. wipes to help you COVIDSafe.
I have been living in a single room accommodation activities throughout in the Regiment since 1st January, the whole semester, including climb 2020. It is a really good start to fi t night, cardio boxing and movie night into the student community as an which give me a break from the busy international student by moving school life from time to time. The Res- into an inclusive on-campus Life Weekly with all the information accommodation. At the welcome about these activities is distributed party, I made friends with both via email, but it is easier to keep domestic students and international updated with the latest information students studying diff erent majors by following the Regiment Facebook and degrees, which dramatically page. Single room experience in expanded my social network and Regiment established my sense of belonging. Living in a single room in the Regiment keeps me a good balance between Michelle Hu - JD II There are also various amazing social life and privacy. I found my
28 room is surprisingly soundproof. It is the fi rst fl oor. It will be very diffi cult an ideal place to sleep, study, and take to secure a stove to cook at the peak online exams. I know it sounds silly time. Even though you will have a but don’t underestimate how diffi cult locker in the kitchen, it may not be it is to fi nd a quiet place to take your big enough for all your kitchen items, online-exam without interference, or especially when you have appliances when you are dying to have a good like rice cookers. Air conditioners are sleep after a deadline. only installed in common areas which means summer can be a nightmare. Living in the Regiment is not perfect. The kitchen is a common area on
Off campus Private rental market: Please access search engines below to If COVID has had any positive fi nd a suitable fl at or house for you: accommodation infl uence for international students, this has been pushing rental prices Domain housing/rental search down across the housing market. engine: https://www.domain.com. Here are some tips in fi nding off - au/ campus private housing: Share Housing Survival Guide https://sharehousing.org • Do not rent a private place SRC’s legal advice for undergraduate without having inspected the students http://srcusyd.net.au/src- premises. legal-service/ • Don’t forget to bargain with your SUPRA’s legal advice for landlord on rents and bills. postgraduate students https://supra. • Know your legal rights as a net.au/cpt_helps/renting/ tenant. Several student-oriented resources are available in this respect
I have lived in both on-campus work, university, extra-curricular housing (at Queen Mary Building) and commitments, and taking care of in a sharehouse and both experiences myself as well as my living space. have been enjoyable in diff erent ways. On-campus housing was great for my I would defi nitely recommend a fi rst-year of uni since I got the chance sharehouse for a cozy home to return to meet more people. However, after to with some lovely people to simulate my fi rst year, living in a share-house a home away from home atmosphere! was more to my taste! The rooms are At my current share-house, we usually bigger, you get access to a full usually do weekly dinners together kitchen with ease, and you share a and sometimes catch a trashy reality Share-house Experience, bathroom with less people (or none TV show with a glass of wine! I Mri Shankarla - LLB IV if your room is ensuite) for generally would caution that it’s important to more aff ordable rent. inspect the places physically and to have a good chat with your future I have lived and currently live in a prospective housemates so that you sharehouse that is a pretty good mix are on the same page on what you between being social and friendly want from a share-house as there while also being able to have your are defi nitely some dodgy houses or own space. I think it’s a good way to untidy/incompatible housemates out become a more self-suffi cient person, there. since I have learned how to balance
29 Religiously-affiliated off-campus accommodation: These options are often regulated as boarding houses and are associated with a faith. On average, they offer rents significantly below the private student accommodations, however, the trade-off is that they require more community expectations of residents in accordance with their respective ethos.
Name Location Rates Comments
Flo Harris Lodge Petersham $285 - 335/week Affiliated with the Petersham Baptist Church. inclusive of all bills, However, Flo Harris accepts students of all all meals, and weekly faiths and none. laundering of bed sheets.
Arundel House Ultimo $320 (shared) - 380 Female-students only. Intimate with only (private)/week 39 students. Associated with St Barnabas’s inclusive of all bills, all Anglican Church, Broadway. You do not have meals to be religious to apply.
Residents are expected to contribute approx. 1 hour of rostered chores a week.
Xavier House Stanmore Rates are unpublished. Male-students only. Catholic ethos. Small However, expect rates to be community of 23 students in a heritage within the $200-300 range. Contact Xavier House for mansion in Stanmore. Very close to Stanmore more information: https:// train station and buses. www.sydneycatholic.org/ directory/listing/xavier- house
Rents inclusive of all bills, all meals, wifi and facilities.
30 International Students Legal Support
As international students embarking on a rigorous course in Australia’s largest city, you may find your external pressures as demanding as academic commitments. However, there is a comprehensive range of international student legal support available at both university level and externally at the community legal centres.
The University of Sydney
Student’s The Student Representative Council engage in student activism, and (SRC) is the peak representative provide legal support for students Representative Council body for undergraduate students. It in need. The SRC funds two services (undergraduate) features 35 elected Councillors and targeted at students: student office-bearers who campaign,
SRC Legal Service The SRC provide free legal advice, a Book a Zoom appointment by calling: referral service and representation in 02 9660 5222. Please note that in- court where appropriate, matters that person appointments are currently the SRC deals with include: being suspended owing to COVIDSafe restrictions. • Police & court matters • Traffic, transport offences, and Find out more information about fines the SRC’s Legal Service at: http:// • Immigration law & visas srcusyd.net.au/src-legal-service/ • Employment law • Consumer rights • NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) appeals • Witness & certification of documents via a Justice of the Peace, etc.
SRC Caseworkers The SRC provide a team of Find out more about the SRC’s Caseworkers who provide free, Caseworker service at: http:// independent and confidence advice, srcusyd.net.au/src-help/ support across a wide range of issues affecting all students such as: To get involved in off- or on-campus student activism and how to get • Academic rights & institutional involved, please visit the SRC at: appeals http://srcusyd.net.au/get-involved/ • Special consideration & special arrangements • HECS & fee refunds • Academic misconduct & dishonesty allegations • Show cause & exclusion • Tenancy & accommodation issues • Harassment & discrimination • Financial & tax help (July - October)
31 Sydney University Similar to its undergraduate postgraduate students. SUPRA counterpart, SUPRA participates operates two services accessible only Postgraduate in student activism, advocacy, and by postgraduate students: Association offers legal support albeit these (Postgraduate) infrastructures are focused on
SUPRA Postgraduate SUPRA has a team of Caseworkers • Academic dishonesty and who provide free, independent advice plagiarism Advocacy Service on practically any issue you might be • Fees and finances, etc. facing: Email them at: [email protected]. • Academic appeals & show Good edu.au to book an appointment. Cause Remember to attach any supporting • Harassment, discrimination and document(s) and detail your issue in bullying your first email. • Special consideration & special arrangements Please visit SUPRA’s Postgraduate • Research supervision Advocacy Service for more details: • Academic progress https://supra.net.au/cpt_helps/ postgraduate-advocacy-service/
SUPRA Legal Service SUPRA Legal Service Pty Ltd provides • migration* advice free legal advice, representation • motor vehicle accidents in court, and a referral service to • victims compensation postgraduate students who are • other general complaints SUPRA members. *Schedule an appointment by sending Our solicitors can assist you with a an email to: [email protected]. wide range of legal issues, including: Specify your problem areas as much as you can and attach supporting • Administrative law (government documents. Once received, your etc.) email will be forwarded to a Solicitor/ • Consumer complaints Registered Migration Agent within 24 • Intellectual property hours. • Institutional disputes • Credit and debt Please visit SUPRA Legal Service’s • Criminal law own site to more detail about their • domestic violence offerings: https://supra.net.au/cpt_ • employment law helps/legal-service/ • family law (advice only)
Off-campus legal support
Outside of The University of Sydney, a number of community legal centres (CLCs) have set up dedicated solicitors who provide specialist advice on issues affecting international students.
Redfern Legal Centre Redfern Legal Centre operates an Please fill in this form, describe your independent legal service specialising problem and Redfern Legal Centre in matters concerning international will contact you and book you in for students called the International a session with their International Student Legal Service NSW. This is an Student Solicitor Sean Stimson: initiative funded by Study NSW, the https://redfernlegal.wufoo.com/ Fair Work Ombudsman, supported forms/contact-redfern-legal-centre/ by the City of Sydney, and is available to tertiary students across NSW. Alternatively, you can discuss your problem area and book appointments by phone at: 02 9698 7645. 32 Queer Support
Regardless of context, international students often face many struggles while pursuing their studies, whether that be securing visas, paying fees, finding part-time jobs, or finding support and friends. LGBT+ international students also face their own unique sets of challenges. Fortunately, so many LGBT+- focused support are here for you. Here is a short sample!
Sydney Law School
Sydney University Law The Queer Portfolio is a unit of students are encouraged to apply to SULS that creates and offers a range be a part of the Queer Portfolio. For Society (SULS) Queer of LGBT+ events and resources to more information, contact Bru, the Portfolio LGBT+ law students: conferences, Queer Officer. the Queer Welfare Handbook, and a Queer Mentoring Programme! Law Email: [email protected]
The University of Sydney
The Queerspace A hang-out space open to all queer- For further information, email the identifying and questioning students, contact below. located in Manning House on Address: G10, Ground Floor of campus! Queerspace is also home Manning House, University of Sydney to QuAC (Queer Action Collective), Email: [email protected] an autonomous collective for queer- identifying students at the University.
SHADES A student-run society for LGBT+ https://www.usu.edu.au/Clubs- students, which organises several Societies/Our-clubs-societies/Just- social events – online and in person! for-fun/Shades.aspx You can expect game nights, parties, speed-friending events, and movie Email: [email protected] nights.
Pride Network A network of LGBT+ staff and Website: https://www.sydney.edu. students across the entire University au/about-us/vision-and-values/ of Sydney community. Offers a diversity/pride-network.html Canvas page, featuring online events and a blog!
Queer Action Collective A group fighting for queer rights on Website: https://srcusyd.net.au/ campus and in the wider community! student-office-bearers/queer/ (QuAC) Meetings are held weekly at the Queerspace, with discussions focusing on how to support the community and achieve political goals.
SUPRA Queer Network A network for LGBT+ postgraduate Contact the SUPRA Queer Officer at students at the University of Sydney! [email protected]. The Network hosts social and chat events. Go check the Facebook page!
33 Sydney
Twenty10 An organisation for LGBT+ young Address: 37 Shepherd St, people (ages 12-25) offering a Chippendale, NSW 2008 – very close hangout space, mental health advice, to Broadway, Victoria Park, and, of sexual health service, advocacy, course, the University of Sydney and and emergency accommodation for Sydney Law School. vulnerable LGBT+ youth. Twenty10 Website: https://www.twenty10.org. also offers inclusivity training and au/ consultation for businesses and Email: [email protected] organisations.
Queer Group, Headspace A group for LGBT+ people (ages 12- information. The closest Headspace 25) offering opportunities to hangout centre to the Law School is in with other LGBT+ people, from Camperdown. Address: Level 2, 97 diverse backgrounds! It is connected Church Street, Camperdown, NSW to Headspace, the National Youth 2050 – close to the University of Mental Health Foundation, which Sydney. offers young people (ages 12- Email: headspace.camperdown@ 25) health advice, support, and sydney.edu.au
ACON A Sydney-based organisation which Address: 414 Elizabeth St, Surry offers LGBT+ counselling and Hills, NSW 2010 support, HIV counselling, substance Website: https://www.acon.org.au/ support counselling, and free Email: [email protected] workshops! Located in the heart of Surry Hills.
The Gender Centre A non-profit which offers a variety Address: Ground Floor, 41-43 of services for the transgender and Parramatta Rd, Annandale, NSW gender nonconforming communities: 2038 counselling and psychological Website: https://gendercentre.org. support, accommodation services, au/ case management services, tenancy Email: [email protected]. support services, rural and regional au support, and senior citizens support, among others.
34 Nationwide
QLife Australia
QLife Australia is a service that Website: https://qlife.org.au/ provides a hotline, webchat, and peer Phone number: 1 800 184 527 support and referral for all people in General enquiries: https://qlife.org. Australia, eager to discuss sexuality, au/contact-us identity, gender, bodies, feelings, and relationships. QLife is available from 3pm to midnight, every day.
National LGBTI Health Alliance
The National LGBTI Health Alliance Address: 100 Harris St, WeWork is an organisation that offers Pyrmont, NSW 2009 information on a variety of LGBT+ Website: https://www.lgbtiqhealth. services in Australia, and information org.au/ regarding ageing and aged care, Phone number: 02 7209 6301 mental health and suicide prevention, Email: [email protected] palliative care, and workplace disability and inclusion.
Organisation Intersex International Australia
This is a not-for-profit company that Website: https://ihra.org.au/ promotes human rights, health and Email: Find the contact form at bodily autonomy. The Organisation https://ihra.org.au/about/contact/ offers a variety of services, including advocacy, peer support, workplace and service consulting, custom training and education, and policy development work.
35 Exploring Sydney
New to the city? We’ve put together a When at Darling Harbour: guide of the must-visit attractions of • Get dessert from the famous our waterside city, rounded up with Gelato Messina located in Darling tips and tricks so you can make the Square. most of your new home. • Check out the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Opera House Chinese Garden of Friendship. • Meet Australia’s favourite The one and only, Sydney Opera animals right in the heart of the House. Stroll along the harbour and city at the Wildlife Sydney Zoo or take in the magnificent architecture SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium. in all its glory for free, or opt for a ticketed-guided tour inside the TIP: Darling Harbour is a 10-minutes famous landmark. walk from Town Hall Station, and a short stroll from the neighbouring Tip: Watch a show! Cabaret, comedy, Chinatown, Barangaroo and Pyrmont. dance, musicals, opera, ballet - there’s You may also catch the light rail or the something for everyone. If you’re ferry from Circular Quay and alight at ready to splurge, dine at Bennelong for Barangaroo Wharf or Pyrmont Bay a showcase of Australia’s magnificent Wharf. produce. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Do the BrideClimb! Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and experience the incredible views of the city (definitely one to cross off the bucket list).
Darling Harbour
Looking for fun activities in the city with harbourside views? A mere 3km walk from the Opera House: Darling Sydney Fish Market & Harbour has got it all. The plenitude Blackwattle Bay of dining establishments at Darling Square, Darling Quarter, Cockle Located at the edge of Blackwattle Bay wharf and King Street Wharf, Bay and next to Wentworth Park in 360-degree views of Sydney’s skyline the suburb of Pyrmont, the Sydney atop the Darling Harbour ferris Fish Market is only a short distance wheel, fascinating museums and The from the city centre. Seafood lovers Star Sydney. will be spoiled by choices with some
36 of Aussies’ favourites like Oysters, Prawns, Marron, Spanner Crab and Barramundi. Enjoy outdoor by the water - beware of the food-stealing seagulls!
Chinatown & Burwood
Craving Asian food? Head down to Chinatown in Haymarket or straight Luna Park to Burwood for the best Sichuan restaurants and bubble tea spots in As you enter through the wide-eyed and theatrical Luna the city. Park Face, let your inner child out at Sydney’s local amusement park as you wander into a world of classic Tip: Get fresh and hot cream puffs amusement park rides and fair foods. Entry is free, but from Emperor’s Bakery little shop the rides are ticketed. COVID Update: Luna Park may window, located at the main entrance be closed due to COVID-safety, so be sure to check their of Chinatown. If you’re craving website for updates. korean BBQ, check out 678 BBQ, also located in Chinatown. Tip: Parking at Luna Park is very expensive. So catch a bus, train, or ferry if you’re planning to spend the entire Beaches day there.
Sydney = Bondi Beach. Catch the wave at Sydney’s most iconic beach. Take instagram-worthy photos at the Bondi Icebergs pool or if you’re looking to stretch your legs, try out the Bondi-to-Coogee Coastal Walk.
Still keen to get your beach glow? Hop on the ferry at Circular Quay to Manly Beach or head up north to the Palm Beach, but remember: safety first! Always swim between the red Taronga Zoo and yellow flags (hello Tort Law) and never outside them (we wouldn’t Catch a 12-minute ferry ride from the CBD to Australia’s want to end up on an episode of largest zoo, located in the suburb of Mosman. Home to the Bondi Rescue). Kangaroos and Koalas with views of the Sydney Harbour, but expect ‘Zoo-food’ if you’re planning to dine there. Tip: Always check the weather conditions - Sydney’s weather can Tip: Check for discounted entry tickets on sites like change drastically within a very short Scoopon and Groupon. time frame, Also: sunscreen - bring lots of it!
37 Itching to venture outside the city or planning a roadtrip Exploring the Region with your mates? We’ve put together a list of the most iconic regional destinations in NSW and ACT.
Blue Mountains, NSW - 1.5 Newcastle, NSW - 2.5 hour Canberra, ACT - 3.5 hour drive hour drive drive or 3.5 hour bus ride from Central Station The spectacular scenery and Relaxing little harbour city situated in breathtaking bushwalks, the Blue the Hunter Region on the East Coast Capital city of Australia and home to Mountains is a must-visit world- of NSW and north of Sydney. Go Parliament, it’s almost our duty as heritage destination during your time there for the stunning coastline and law students to visit the city. Smaller at Sydney Uni. If you’re not planning beaches (especially if you’re big on than Sydney, Canberra’s an exciting to spend a relaxing weekend there, surfing) and quaint-town charm. mix of history, university students you should be able to complete a and politicians, along with a plethora bushwalk or visit a natural attraction Attractions: of museums, galleries, wineries, and explore the local town, Katoomba, • Macquarie Pier - Watch the large breweries and modern architecture. all within a day trip. shipping vessels as they leave and enter the the working harbour Attractions: Attractions: • Nobby’s Beach - surfers, family • Australian Parliament House - the • Three Sisters - Blue Mountain’s goers, and local dolphins. Spot heart of Australian parliamentary iconic landmark unusual rock the historic lighthouse! democracy formation • Newcastle Civic Theatre - • Australian War Memorial - an • Jenolan Caves - Book cave tour Georgian revival building with archive of Australian history tickets ahead of time to avoid rich baroque interior giving it that • Old Bus Depot Markets & disappointment old hollywood charm. Tickets are Kingston - Sunday markets inside • Leura Village - East of Katoomba, not expensive either. an industrial former bus depot a charming little town filled with • Fort Scratchley - Former coastal located in Kingston character heritage homes defence, now a museum. • Telstra Tower - like Sydney’s • Katoomba area - High Tea at • Merewether Beach - clean and Westpac tower, but Telstra the Hydro Majestic Hotel with less crowded beach. Grab lunch • Australian National University - spectacular views of Megalong with the beach view at the spot the law students aspiring to Valley Merewether Surfhouse. become future politicians • Scenic World - Scenic Railway, • City Hall - Located next to the Skyway, Cableway and Walkway Civic Theatre, another heritage- - a tourist attraction for amazing listed building. views of the Jamison Valley. • King Edward Park - Picnic or a shrimp on the barbie?
38 So, there you have it! Do make sure to look at the Queer Welfare Handbook, published by SULS, for a list of further supports and interviews with LGBT+ lawyers from around the world. The Handbook is available at https://www. suls.org.au/publications.
As a side note, if you’re a vivacious writer, or love to edit, do have a glance at Yemaya, the annual interdisciplinary Journal of Gender and Sexuality published by SULS. You can find all of our latest issues inside the link above. Just maybe - you can contribute to the next issue!
From the bottom of our hearts, welcome to Sydney Law School. I wish you an absolutely marvellous start to your degree and year. For those who are currently affected by the border closures, we hope to personally welcome you to the community when you join us!
Check out our Guides!
For more helpful tips on studying, careers and wellbeing, check out our other guides for more content!
These guides can be found on our website: suls.org.au/publications
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