Law students association
La Trobe Law Students’ Association is one of the most dynamic and active student run organisations on campus. Our dedicated team aims to ensure student life for law students is exciting, memorable and rewarding. Not only do we have an active social calendar, we are committed to the professional development of our students through seminars, workshops, competitions and publications. Please visit our external website.
For general enquires please contact the President Claudia Pirvu by email: president@latrobelsa.com or telephone: (03) 9479 3881
The LSA committee
The committee comprises of a 9-member executive headed by the President. Each member of the executive (except the president) heads a portfolio. Committee members are organised into the following portfolios:Activities
Our Activities team aims to ensure there is never a dull moment on the La Trobe Law social scene. Just a sample of what has happened in 2009:- O-Week Activities including Law Camp, Party Bus Party
- River Cruise (held in April)
- Law Ball (held in August)
- BBQs
Contact - activities@latrobelsa.com
Committee Members- Thomas Lyle and Katherine McDermott
Careers
Working closely with Careers and Placement Officer Kris Young, the careers team organise workshops, networking evenings , careers weeks and a host of other events to give law students all the information they need to kick off a fantastic career.
Notable events are:
- Seasonal Clerkship Week
- Careers Cocktail Evening
- Careers Week
Contact - careers@latrobelsa.com
Committee Members- Amanda Kaczmarek and Jessica Connolly
Competitions
We believe that competitions enhance legal education. We run the following competitions for students:Witness Examination - This competition gives our students the chance to live out their Boston legal fantasies. The competitors are barristers and must establish or disprove) a particular charge or fact situation through the questions they ask the witnesses.
2010 Winner
Timothy Martin
First Year and Senior Moot
A moot is a simulated appellant (or higher) court where the competitors are barristers who need to win their case uniquely using legal arguments.
2010 Senior Moot Winners
Daniel Diaz and Ben Mawby
2010 Junior Moot Winners
Katherine Eglezos and Amy Hirth
Client Interviewing
This competition gives students the opportunity to perfect their communication and client interviewing skills. Competitors are solicitors who receive a mystery client, and within a given time frame must learn about the client’s problem and begin to advise them.
2010 Winners
Negotiation Competition
Teams of two solicitors representing parties to a dispute are given a set amount of time to negotiate an agreement. Teams must keep in mind the need to make an agreement, the interests of their own respective clients and ethics.
2010 Winners
Results Released in late October
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot
This is again a simulated court, but instead of a domestic appellant court, this competition takes place is an international tribunal. One of the most challenging yet rewarding competitions, the IHL Moot is a must for all those with an interest in international law.
2010 Winners – Justin Orders and James MacDonald
La Trobe always sends competitors to the Australian Law Students’ Association Competitions held in conjunction with its annual conference.For those interested in other external Moots such as Vis Moot or Maritime Law Moot, please contact the Law School’s Mooting Co-ordinator Magda via her email address: M.Karagiannakis@latrobe.edu.au.
Vice-President – Isobelle Clare Jones
Contact: competitions@latrobelsa.com
Committee Members – Emily Boutard and Rami Sandhu
Education
It is important that we can support our students in their academic pursuits. The education team organise public lectures and seminars for students as well as managing LSA-Faculty relations. The Education portfolio also play a key part in voicing student concerns and feedback in relation to teaching and learning and the La Trobe LLB circiculum.Some of the events coming up include: First year mentoring program Brendan Cassidy Memorial Lecture Justice Speech Mental Health Awareness Initiatives – Social Sports Teams
The Vice-President Education is also one of the representatives (along with the President) who attends the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) Council held in April, July and September annually. For more information about ALSA please visit the ALSA website
Vice President – Natalie Fifield
Contact: education@latrobelsa.com
Committee Members – Jamila Cruz (Graduate and Equality), Daniel McCoach (External Affairs)
Publications
- Seasonal Clerkship Guide - to reflect the new emphasis on seasonal clerkships because of the introduction of new LIV Guidelines
- Orientation Guide - to ensure first years settle into law studies
- Competitions Guide - so that students are confident in entering competitions
- Elective and Education Guide - to assist students in selecting subjects
- Inter alia - the LSA’s current affairs and news magazine
- Careers Guide - the one stop publication for legal careers
- Alternative Careers Guide – the one stop publication for non-legal careers
Vice-President – Timothy Martin
Contact: publications@latrobelsa.com,
Committee Members – Louisa Tang, Anna Sinclair and Daniel McCoach
Marketing
The La Trobe Law Students’ Association values the partnerships and links we have with the wider legal and professional community. The marketing portfolio’s role is to be the point of contact for our external partners. For more information about opportunities for your firm, business or organisation to be involved with the La Trobe LSA please contact Bonnie McPherson via marketing@latrobelsa.com to request a prospectus.Vice-President – Bonnie McPherson
Contact - marketing@latrobelsa.com
Finance
All our accounts and other financial obligations are managed by our Vice President (Finance).Vice-President – Martin Przybyszewski
Contact - finance@latrobelsa.com
Administration
The backbone of our organisation, the Administration team oversees internal publicity, website and IT management as well as the collation and dissemination of organizational documents such as the Rules and Regulations of the Association as well as meeting agendas and minutes.Vice-President - VACANT
Contact - administration@latrobelsa.com
Committee Members - Daniel Bui (IT), Akshaya Ravi (Publicity)
Other Organisations
The La Trobe LSA is a member of the Australian Law Students’ Association. In 2010 – 2011 Claudia Pirvu, will also represent La Trobe through her elected position as Marketing Officer for the ALSA.
The LSA also encourages students to participate in the wider community by joining professional organisations, and participating in their events. There are a number of professional legal bodies that offer student membership and services. Some of which include:
