General Notices
1. Monash Team Reaches Top 10% Worldwide in the Vis Arbitration Moot
A team of six law students recently represented Monash University at the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong and Vienna. The team also participated in a Pre-Moot Competition in Budapest.
The moot problem involved an international trade dispute based on a complex commodities transaction. The applicable laws included the Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG), the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rules of arbitration, finance and trade laws. The team began research in November 2014 and prepared detailed written memoranda in anticipation of the oral arguments that took place overseas in March and April 2015.
Team members included Ryan Abotomey, Andrew Bisset, Katerina Dandanis, Ian Yuying Liu, James Maguire and Nikita Matchado, coached by Dr Lisa Spagnolo.
The team reached the final 32 of 300 teams in Vienna placing Monash University in the top 10% of international participating law schools. Monash University was the highest ranked Australian law school for 2015. Two speakers – Andrew Bisset and Katerina Dandanis – achieved individual advocacy awards.
Participating in the Vis Moot allowed the students to improve their research and advocacy skills and experience the collegiality that exists in legal education and the legal profession. Students were given the chance to meet and network with judges, arbitrators, scholars and other law students worldwide. They learned to think more strategically and deeply about the law and its application in a global setting, as well as how different legal systems interact.
The students learned how to work together as an effective and professional legal team and grappled with the challenges inherent in a (close to) real life case whilst being judged by experienced arbitrators. As almost all students who undertake the Vis Moot will tell you, it is the most demanding but most rewarding experience of their time at Law School, and one which shapes the careers of many.
Applications for the 2016 Vis Moot Team (LAW4807) will open in July 2015. Anyone interested in this incredible, challenging and unique opportunity should contact members of this or last years’ Vis Moot teams to find out more, and express their interest in becoming involved once the announcement calling for applications is published.
2. Mental Health Programs
A range of upcoming Mental Health Programs are available for Monash staff and students. The more popular programs include but are not limited to, health awareness, stress release, first aid training and meditation sessions.
Most of these programs are free!
For more information on dates and venues download Mental Health flyer
3. Peer Support – English Program
Peer Support is an English Program operated by the MSA and CCD where trained students (facilitators) are able to assist students with English language in their assignments.
-The program runs 20 minute drop in, one-one sessions for students who would like extra help.
-The service is available from Week 3-Week 12 from Tuesday-Thursday at 11am-2pm each day.
-The service operates in the John Medley Library in the Campus Centre.
monash.edu/students/conversational-english
http://msa.monash.edu/peersupport
4. New Externship Opportunity: LAW4803 VCAT Self Help Centre Externship
VCAT Self Help Centre Externship – A new clinical externship will be available from second semester 2015.
Students participating in this externship program will work with staff members of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in its Self Help Centre.
Students will attend VCAT for one full day each week over a 12 week period, providing unrepresented parties with information about VCAT’s practices and procedures that will help parties make or defend claims in diverse areas such as planning and environmental, tenancy, consumer, guardianship, mental health, equal opportunity and building and property law.
5. Would you like to save money on public transport? Join the myki Commuter Club now
Monash offers all staff (including sessionals and casuals) and non-concession students (including international students), the opportunity to participate in the Monash Commuter Club scheme. The scheme offers public transport users a 10% discount on 365 day passes (yearly pass).
By joining the myki Commuter Club, not only are you doing your bit for the environment, but you can also:
receive a 10% discount on your 365 day Myki pass
use your myki on metropolitan trains, trams or buses all year round
avoid fare increases and the need to top up your myki for 12 months.
Download the myki Commuter Club flyer