Straight A’s may have helped in high school and sure a 99.95 TER may be good, great even but good grades on their own won’t get you the job of your dreams - this is where I come in. You may think a high distinction average will get you snapped straight up at a top tier firm  and sure, that will help, but solicitors have told me time and time and time again that grades aren’t the only thing they look for. They love students with personality, passion and above all extra curricular activities, and for that: I will be your best friend this year.
 

Although your law degree at Murdoch can be as long as five or six years, it is never too early to start getting involved and thinking about what you want to do with your law degree when you (finally) graduate. Now I’m sure compared to the many social events we run and the exciting competitions you can participate in, education can seem pretty dull - but after all education is the reason you are enrolled at uni in the first place and if it’s not...I’d suggest you drop out now and enrol in an much easier degree because at times Law can be ever so challenging but we are here to offer advice, help or even a shoulder to cry on when you don’t get those grades you expect.
 

As EVP this year, myself and my committee will strive to make your education at Murdoch this year worthwhile.
 

If there is one thing you participate in this year, this is it. The Mentor Program allows a first year student to be buddied up with a student from second year and above. These students are the best source of advice for you because, after all they have done it all before and you can learn from their mistake and use their words of wisdom to your advantage. The BBQ allows the mentors and mentees meet up for you to answer those many questions I’m sure you will have. The BBQ will be held in the Law School courtyard outside Law Cafe.
 

The annual Law Careers Fair is attended by all 4 law schools in WA and also the top national and international law firms. It allows students to have a chat to firms about their career options after graduating. If you are still in the earlier years and feel like talking to law firms is a bit daunting, students are able to grab free promotional gear from all the firms (past years have seen free gym towels, thongs, USB’s, notepads, post-its, pens and more). This year it will be held for the first time in the QV. 1 building at the end of St Georges Tce.

Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) Conference – July 12th to 19th, Adelaide

ALSA is a national organisation that represents the rights and interests of law students from all over Australia. ALSA is a key lobbying group for legal education and organises national competitions for essay writing, negotiation, client interviewing, witness examination and mooting every year, so if you win one of our in-house competitions, you are sent to the national conference to compete against the best of the best. The annual ALSA conference usually consists of more than 500 law students. This year it is being held in Adelaide.

The ALSA conference isn’t only a week of seminars and competitions. It also includes many social events, including an Opening Ball, two Theme Parties, a Cocktail Party and a Closing Dinner, and day trips are organised during the week as well! You don’t just have to win a competition to go – ANY law student from around Australia is welcome to attend, and the more students we have to represent Murdoch the better!
 

As you can see, it is super important to get involved in MSLS and there are many ways to participate. These three to six years will fly by and before you know it you will be in your final year and deciding where you want to work, so it’s a lot easier to start early to make it easier for yourself in the long run. Please take advantage of the many opportunities MSLS has to offer you – it’s why we are here!
 

For more information regarding the Education Portfolio, or any other aspect of the Murdoch Student Law Society check our website at www.msls.asn.au or feel free to contact me – I’ll be happy to help!

Kate Ajduk
Vice-President (Education & Social Justice)
evp@msls.asn.au