For Bachelor of Law (Honours) student Jordan Taranto, a two-month placement at Abbotsford Convent provided the opportunity to gain practical legal experience while exploring a future in arts and entertainment law.
Attending the Convent one day each week, Jordan supported the governance team by researching, editing and drafting a range of contracts, including agreements for artists, creative partners and other activities.
Jordan was drawn to the placement because it offered the chance to experience an in-house legal role in an arts-focused organisation.
“My goal is to combine my legal career with my interest in arts and entertainment.
Seeing that this placement allowed me to work with an organisation that promotes the arts, I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine my two interests and gain experience in the field I aim to work in.”
One project that stood out was an agistment agreement, which allows a livestock owner to access land for their livestock to graze. It was a new type of agreement for Jordan and an opportunity to work on a contract from the ground up.
“I had never heard of this type of agreement and it was interesting to research and learn about this unique type of law. Moreover, it was an agreement which I got to work on from the ground up and I learnt a lot about making a strong and concise contract.”
The placement helped Jordan apply skills developed through the law degree, including researching legislation and developing the ability to write clear and concise contracts.
Luke Gianfriddo, Governance and People Manager at Abbotsford Convent Foundation, said Jordan made a valuable contribution to the organisation’s work at the intersection of art, culture and law.
“Attending one day each week, he supported us to review and update contracts that help guide our engagements with artists and creative partners.”
Jordan with Luke Gianfriddo, Governance and People Manager at Abbotsford Convent Foundation.
The experience strengthened Jordan’s interest in pursuing a career in arts and entertainment law.
“By doing this placement I have seen that this is a real possibility and something quite achievable. Moreover, thanks to the work I have done in this placement I feel more confident that I have developed some skills that will assist me in taking my first steps into a career in arts and entertainment law.”
Jordan’s advice to other students considering a placement is simple:
“Do it. Placements have been my favourite part of university. I did my first one in second year and was terrified but after completing it, I made so many great connections and got great real industry experience I still use today.”