Law Student Gazette

1. Semester 2 2012 Exchange/Study Abroad

Applications for Semester 2 2012 exchange and study abroad are now being accepted

If you have any queries after you have completed steps 1 to 6 shown in the above link please email law-international@monash.edu, otherwise submit the form with all required documents at the Law Student Services counter no later than 30 November 2011 so your units can be assessed.

Double degree students please ensure you have both faculties sign your application before submitting.

For those students who do not meet the required credit points by 30 November and need their Semester 2 2011 credit points to be included to meet the eligibility please also submit your form by 30 November.  Your application will be assessed after the Semester 2 2011 results are released on the 5 December which will still leave enough time for you to submit to Monash Abroad by 31 January 2012.

1. 2011 Costello Lecture – Enlarging Our Vision of Rights

Speaker Monash Alumnus, Mr Brian Walters SC, prominent barrister and human rights advocate (BA/LLB 1977) Introduced by Tim Costello AO (BJuris 1976, LLB 1978, DipEd 1979), CEO, World Vision Australia Last year the Rudd Government rejected the recommendation of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee for a Human Rights Act. Not the Victorian Charter is under challenge. Is it asking too much to have human rights protection in Australia? Or do we in fact ask too little? With dangerous climate change now a reality, perhaps it is not merely the rights of humans we should seek to recognise and protect. Brian Walters SC is a Melbourne senior counsel. He is a former president of Liberty Victoria and has written and spoken widely on human rights issues. He has also had a long involvement in environmental issues, including co-founding ‘Wild’ – Australia’s wilderness adventure magazine – and campaigning on numerous environmental issues from the Franklin River to the forests of East Gippsland.

Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Date: Thursday 15 September, 2011
Time: 6.00pm – 7.15pm
RSVP: Tuesday 13 September, 2011 law-marketing@monash.edu or (03) 9905 2630

2. The High Court and Refugee Policy: Implications and International Comparisons

Date: Wednesday 14 September, 2011
Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Venue: Monash University, Faculty of Law, Lecture Theatre L1 (Basement level), Wellington Road, Clayton Campus
RSVP: castan.centre@monash.edu or (03) 9905 3327
Full details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/events/2011/refugee-policy.html

Public Seminar – All Welcome

This seminar will discuss the recent decision of the High Court of Australia on the so-called ‘Malaysian solution’ (‘M70’). The speakers, from the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Political Science at Monash University will address both the legal and political implications of that judgement. In particular, the seminar will discuss the importance of Australia’s international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, comparisons with regional arrangements in the European Union and the political ramifications of the judgement.

Speakers

Dr Susan Kneebone is a Professor and a member of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law in the Faculty of Law, Monash University.  Her teaching and research interests are International Refugee Law, Forced Migration and Citizenship and Migration Law. She has published a number of books and articles on refugee law, forced migration and human trafficking.

Maria O’Sullivan is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Monash University and an Associate member of the Castan Centre for Human Rights. She teaches Administrative Law and International Refugee Law. Maria is the author of a number of international and national publications on refugee law, including European asylum law and policy.

Professor James Walter is Professor of Political Science in the School of Political and Social Inquiry. He has broad interests in Australian politics and history. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and of the Royal Society of Arts and Manufactures (UK). Professor Walter has published widely on Australian politics, history, biography and culture.

NB: If this particular educational activity is relevant to your immediate or long term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim one ‘unit’ for each hour of attendance.

3. The Success and Challenges of Transitional Justice in Sierra Leone

Date: Monday 26 September, 2011
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
RSVP: castan.centre@monash.edu or (03) 9905 3327
Full details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/events/2011/sierra-leone.html

Sierra Leone, a country that experienced ten years of one of the most brutish civil wars between 1991 and 2002, can offer answers at least to some of the myriad of accountability questions raised in transitional justice arena.   Sierra Leone essentially established two institutions: a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (SLTRC) and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The SLTRC assembled together under single roofs many perpetrators of atrocities during the war and victims of the same war, as well as those who could have created the sociological, political and economic environment that led to the war in the first place. The SCSL is a unique hybrid tribunal of local and international law, established to indict, prosecute, and convict those who bear ‘greatest responsibility for war crimes’ committed within the country during the period of the Sierra Leonean civil war.  This presentation will look at the political, sociological as well as legal successes and challenges of the SLTRC and SCSL, discussing the ramifications of setting up those two mechanisms simultaneously and the financial implication of setting up the court.

Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is a lawyer by profession, whose only brother was abducted and killed by rebel forces when Sierra Leone exploded into civil law. In 2003, he established The Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI) in Sierra Leone, a non-government organization working to entrench democratic governance and to protect and promote human rights. SDI plays a critical role towards democratic development in Sierra Leone given issues arising in the wake of a one-party governing system and a decade long civil war. Although the war officially ended in February 2002, socio-economic progress remains extraordinarily difficult to achieve in a political climate of corruption, harassment, violence and intimidation. Good governance by leaders with the interests of the common people at heart is the key to progress, and SDI’s unflinching commitment to this goal increases the prospect that history does not ever repeat itself.

During Sierra Leone’s transition, Emmanuel worked at both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The Victorian Bar kindly acknowledge Travel Bar who have sponsored Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai’s travel to Australia

NB: If this particular educational activity is relevant to your immediate or long term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim one ‘unit’ for each hour of attendance.

1. Research Practicum – New Unit

The Faculty of Law has established a new Unit to commence in 1st Semester 2012 – an externship for Monash Law students to undertake research work on placement at public sector agencies. Eligibility is for later year students with 48 credit points remaining to complete with strong academic results.

Students will undertake a formal 18 day placement at one of ten agencies
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)
Judicial College of Victoria (JCV)
Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages
Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH)
Office of the Victorian Auditor General (VAGO)
Collingwood Neighbourhood Justice Centre (DOJ)
The Red Cross
The State Trustees
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)
Office of Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability
Assessment includes a research project under the guidence of a field supervisor, with assistance from an expert member of Monash staff. Students will also participate in an assessed seminar program to support their work on placement.

Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 5 October, 2011

Enquiries email kathy.laster@monash.edu

http://www.law.monash.edu.au/current-students/study-opportunities/research-practicum/index.html

1. PG Learning Skills Classes at the Chambers

Friday 16 September
9 – 10 am Advanced writing seminar. Legal style.
12 – 1 pm Advanced writing seminar. Developing claims
2 – 3 pm Finding your voice (using others’ ideas effectively)
3 – 4 pm Argument structure and cohesion

Book on https://my.monash.edu.au/news-and-events/bookings/library

2. Change to Learning Skills advice (Drop-in) Sessions at the Law Library, Clayton

These sessions will now be held at the following times.
Tuesdays 12 – 1 pm, Wednesdays 12 – 2 pm, Thursdays 1 – 2 pm
Just come to the Research and Learning desk – no appointment necessary.

1. Faculty Managed Internship

Friends of the Earth Middle East, Israel

Applications are now open and close Friday 23 September, 2011

Three months during the period November to February

Application & Eligibility details –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/current-students/study-opportunities/internships/friends-earth.html

Student Mobility Funding may be provided, please see eligibility criteria –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/internships/student-mobility-fund-2.html

Queries please contact Cathy Meredith via email:
cathy.meredith@monash.edu or phone (03) 9905 3311

2. Faculty Managed Internship

Herzog, Fox & Neeman, Israel

Applications are now open and close Friday 16 September, 2011

Minimum of 4 weeks from mid January to mid February

Application & Eligibility details –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/internships/herzog-fox-neeman.html

Student Mobility Funding may be provided, please see eligibility criteria –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/internships/student-mobility-fund-2.html

Queries please contact Cathy Meredith via email:
cathy.meredith@monash.edu or phone (03) 9905 3311

3. Faculty Managed Internship

Reprieve Australia, USA

Applications are now open and close Friday 16 September, 2011

Minimum of 3 Months November to February

Application & Eligibility details –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/internships/reprieve-australia.html

Student Mobility Funding may be provided, please see eligibility criteria –
http://www.law.monash.edu.au/internships/student-mobility-fund-2.html

Queries please contact Cathy Meredith via email:
cathy.meredith@monash.edu or phone (03) 9905 3311

4. Family Court Of Australia Legal Associate Opportunities

The Family Court of Australia is recruiting Legal Associates to commence early in 2012 to work closely with Family Court Judges on legal research and advice, assistance with judgment writing, editing and attendance in Court.  A detailed Position Description is contained below for your information.

The Court invites applications from students who will complete studies by the end of 2011 and who have achieved Honours grades.  The role requires advanced interpersonal and communication skills and a capacity to work to a high standard.

For further information please see Legal Associate position

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV (including names and telephone numbers of two referees), a copy of your academic record and a short letter setting out your interest by email to fcoajob1205@familycourt.gov.au by Friday 16 September 2011

For specific inquiries, students are welcome to call Jane Reynolds, telephone 8600 4089.

5. PHD Scholarship

Indigenous Civil and Family Law Needs

There is an opportunity for a well-qualified student to take up a PhD
scholarship connected to a large national Australian Research Council
funded project.  The ARC project is undertaking research on the civil
and family law needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in
Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria. The
research team is lead by Professor Chris Cunneen (JCU), Professor
Larissa Behrendt (UTS) and Melanie Schwartz (UNSW). Further information
about the project can be found on our website
http://www.jcu.edu.au/ilnp/index.htm
or http://bit.ly/mVrT9x

We are looking for a postgraduate student who would like to develop and
undertake a research program that is attached to the broader project.
There is an expectation that the research students will travel as part
of the research team, and assist with focus group meetings.  The
postgraduate award will be approximately $26,999 pa for three years.
Indigenous candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you would like to find out further information on the scholarships,
please contact Fiona Allison on (07) 4042 1886 or
Fiona.allison@jcu.edu.au. All information about enrolment can be found
at http://www.jcu.edu.au/grs/scholarships/index.htm which is the link to
the Graduate Research School at JCU. We are keen to assess suitable
candidates as soon as possible, with an expectation of enrolment for the
beginning of 2012.

3. Prof Prac Information

Undertaking Professional Practice units are a fantastic way to develop practical legal skills alongside your academic studies at Monash.

The Law Faculty offers students the opportunity to participate its one of a kind clinical legal education program which is conducted at two centres – Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (MOLS) and Springvale Monash Legal Service (SMLS).

MOLS and SMLS are community legal centres which offer members of the community with free legal assistance in a wide range of issues (neighbourhood disputes, fines & infringements and motor vehicle accidents, family law disputes and criminal law matters, just to name a few!) Clients are assisted through student-run clinics – that’s where you come in!

As professional practice students, you will work with real clients with real needs. You will have the opportunity to interview clients, draft legal documents, work under the supervision of leading practitioners, attend court and in some matters, appear on behalf of your clients!

MOLS runs two professional practice unit and volunteer programs. You can enrol in the general law program at MOLS or the specialist family law program at the Family Law Assistance Program (FLAP).

SMLS offers professional practice and also has a volunteer program.

There are two 12-point professional practice units to choose from:

1) Law 5218: Family Law Assistance Program

2) LAW 5216: Professional Practice (at MOLS or SMLS)

We encourage you to enrol in professional practice units as soon as you have completed prerequisite units (please refer to the unit guide). This will also give you the opportunity to enrol in Advanced Professional Practice units (LAW 5149) following completion of any of the subjects above.

As professional practice units are 12-point subjects, it runs on a trimester basis so students can get the most out of the program. Please refer to the university calendar for dates. For assessment details, please refer to the undergraduate handbook. Application forms are available at law faculty student services.

You can read more about MOLS, FLAP and SMLS on the law faculty website. You can also read more about MOLS and FLAP on the community law website – http://www.communitylaw.org.au/monashoakleigh/

So don’t miss out on prof prac and enrol by 1 October 2011 to begin on Monday 14 November 2011. We look forward to seeing you!

1. 2011 Costello Lecture – Enlarging Our Vision of Rights

Speaker Monash Alumnus, Mr Brian Walters SC, prominent barrister and human rights advocate (BA/LLB 1977) Introduced by Tim Costello AO (BJuris 1976, LLB 1978, DipEd 1979), CEO, World Vision Australia Last year the Rudd Government rejected the recommendation of the National Human Rights Consultation Committee for a Human Rights Act. Not the Victorian Charter is under challenge. Is it asking too much to have human rights protection in Australia? Or do we in fact ask too little? With dangerous climate change now a reality, perhaps it is not merely the rights of humans we should seek to recognise and protect. Brian Walters SC is a Melbourne senior counsel. He is a former president of Liberty Victoria and has written and spoken widely on human rights issues. He has also had a long involvement in environmental issues, including co-founding ‘Wild’ – Australia’s wilderness adventure magazine – and campaigning on numerous environmental issues from the Franklin River to the forests of East Gippsland.

2. Monash Law School’s 18th Lucinda Lecture

“Interpreting the Constitution – Words, History and Change” The Honourable Robert French AC Chief Justice of The High Court of Australia

For further information please see Lucinda lecture

3. Registration for the workshop “Rights and Realities: Children and the Australian State” is Now Open

This multidisciplinary one day proposes to bring together academics, researchers and practitioners working on Children’s Rights in Australia to exchange ideas and promote collaboration. It is necessary to examine how collaboration across disciplines can bring Australian children’s rights from the realm of theory into reality. The motivation behind the workshop is the belief that shared knowledge, concentrated academic research and excellence can help bring about social policy change. While the workshop is concerned with children’s rights as a whole, it will particularly focus on the child’s relationship with the Australian State–that is, their legal and political rights. The workshop will be held at the Crawford School, ANU, Canberra on 18^th November 2011. More information about the workshop is available at www.rightsandrealities.com. Registration can be completed online. For further information please see (5.9.11-Children and the Australian State Workshop.pdf) For queries about the workshop, please contact Mhairi.cowden@anu.edu.au or joanne.c.lau@anu.edu.au

4. The Rule of Law

Proudly presented by the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and Monash University Faculty of Law To be delivered by The Rt Hon the Lord Igor Judge Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales

5. “The Success and Challenges of Transitional Justice in Sierra Leone”

The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law and the The Victorian Bar invite you to this public lecture with Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai,founder of The Society for Democratic Initiatives, Sierra Leone

Full details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/events/2011/sierra-leone.html

Sierra Leone, a country that experienced ten years of one of the most brutish civil wars between 1991 and 2002, can offer answers at least to some of the myriad of accountability questions raised in transitional justice arena.   Sierra Leone essentially established two institutions: a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (SLTRC) and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The SLTRC assembled together under single roofs many perpetrators of atrocities during the war and victims of the same war, as well as those who could have created the sociological, political and economic environment that led to the war in the first place. The SCSL is a unique hybrid tribunal of local and international law, established to indict, prosecute, and convict those who bear ‘greatest responsibility for war crimes’ committed within the country during the period of the Sierra Leonean civil war.  This presentation will look at the political, sociological as well as legal successes and challenges of the SLTRC and SCSL, discussing the ramifications of setting up those two mechanisms simultaneously and the financial implication of setting up the court.

Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is a lawyer by profession, whose only brother was abducted and killed by rebel forces when Sierra Leone exploded into civil law. In 2003, he established The Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI) in Sierra Leone, a non-government organization working to entrench democratic governance and to protect and promote human rights. SDI plays a critical role towards democratic development in Sierra Leone given issues arising in the wake of a one-party governing system and a decade long civil war. Although the war officially ended in February 2002, socio-economic progress remains extraordinarily difficult to achieve in a political climate of corruption, harassment, violence and intimidation. Good governance by leaders with the interests of the common people at heart is the key to progress, and SDI’s unflinching commitment to this goal increases the prospect that history does not ever repeat itself. During Sierra Leone’s transition, Emmanuel worked at both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The Victorian Bar kindly acknowledge Travel Bar who have sponsored Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai’s travel to Australia

NB: If this particular educational activity is relevant to your immediate or long term needs in relation to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim one ‘unit’ for each hour of attendance.

6. Voice of Experience – Women in Law Cocktail Night

Gaining insight about what leading female professionals now know about success in the legal profession.

Keynote Speakers • Honourable Rosemary Anne Balmford – Victoria’s first female Supreme Court Judge • Honourable Felicity Hampel – Judge of County Court • Bronwyn Lincoln – Partner at Freehills Students will be able to ask any questions from the attending legal professionals as we aim to have a ratio of 1:3, legal professionals to students. The legal professionals will include judges, barristers and partners from major law firms (such as Baker and McKenzie, Minter Ellison, Norton Rose, Middletons, Arnold Bloch Leibler etc, just for a sneak peak!). For JD students who wish to attend, please email monashlawambassadors2011@gmail.com to arrange tickets.

1. Research Practicum – New Unit

The Faculty of Law has established a new Unit to commence in 1st Semester
2012 – an externship for Monash Law students to undertake research work on
placement at public sector agencies. Eligibility is for later year students with 48
credit points remaining to complete with strong academic results.

Students will undertake a formal 18 day placement at one of ten agencies

• Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)
• Judicial College of Victoria (JCV)
• Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages
• Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH)
• Office of the Victorian Auditor General (VAGO)
• Collingwood Neighbourhood Justice Centre (DOJ)
• The Red Cross
• The State Trustees
• Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)
• Office of Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability

Assessment includes a research project under the guidence of a field supervisor,
with assistance from an expert member of Monash staff. Students will also
participate in an assessed seminar program to support their work on placement.

Information Session

Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 5 October, 2011

Enquiries email kathy.laster@monash.edu

http://www.law.monash.edu.au/current-students/study-opportunities/research-practicum/index.html

SETU Online Surveys Opening Soon

The SETU online surveys will be opening soon  – Sept 2nd for the T3-57 Units and Sept 30 for the Semester 2 Units. You will receive an email from the University’s Quality area once your SETU surveys are ready for you to complete  – so please don’t delete this email or filter it out. You can access these online surveys via your my.monash portal. We would really appreciate it if you could please complete a SETU survey for each Unit in which you are enrolled  –  we do really want to hear your thoughts about your Units and the teaching in them. The online SETU survey has 2 parts – one is for you to rate the actual Unit and the other part is about the teaching within that Unit. You may also make some comments about the Unit if you wish – but please can you give us constructive criticisms and  possible suggestions about how to improve the Unit.   Please don’t write any comments which are of an offensive nature, and/ or may breach the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy

http://www.monash.edu.au/equity-diversity/policies/equal-opportunity-policy.html and /or refer specifically to individual teachers.

Thank you very much for your assistance with this matter and we do use your feedback to continually improve the Units that we offer.

1. PG Learning Skills Classes at the Chambers

Friday 9 September

These last two seminars will be repeated on 16 September at a different time.  Book on https://my.monash.edu.au/news-and-events/bookings/library

2. Welcome Dr Jan Pinder

Rosemary Shaw, Learning Skills Adviser at the Law Chambers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, has left Monash to take up a new position. To replace her, Dr Jan Pinder will be joining the Law learning skills team for the remainder of the year. Jan has many years experience and qualifications as an educationalist, and has been running Law HDR writing circles for the past couple of years. She will be available for consultations at the Law Chambers on Tuesdays and at the Law Library at Clayton on Wednesdays. As well, Trish Hughes will be at the Chambers on most Fridays through the trimesters, running scheduled seminars, and can also be contacted for consultations. See the Law Learning Skills website for contact details http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/classes/law/learning-skills.html

.: End of Student Gazette 05.09.201 :.