Kiara Colantuono
Kiara Colantuono (pictured above) is in our Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology degree, and is Vice-President of the Criminology Students Society (CSS).
The CSS was established in 2016 with the introduction of La Trobe’s Bachelor of Criminology. It is a student-run organisation representing undergraduate and postgraduate Criminology students at La Trobe.
The CSS organises social, academic and careers-oriented events. It is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive community for students and works with the La Trobe Law School to improve the student experience.
“Through the CSS, I have made meaningful connections with fellow Criminology students, gained mentorship from postgraduate members, and established fantastic relationships with School staff,” she says.
“I have had the opportunity to organise and host social and careers events like our welcome picnics and panel sessions on career options in Criminology and social justice. These opportunities have been instrumental in both my personal and professional development.”
Find out more about the CSS on the website and LinkedIn.
Samuel Chung
Meet Samuel Chung. He is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of International Relations and Diploma in Languages (Chinese).
“I chose to study law, international relations and Chinese because I was interested in practically everything at the end of Year 12 and did not want to limit my choices with a highly specialised degree,” he explains.
During his studies, Samuel has undertaken a clinical placement at the Wills and Wishes Clinic at Whittlesea Communication Connections and participated in the Vis Moot, the largest international commercial arbitration competition in the world. He recently completed a placement at Victoria Legal Aid.
“I have had the opportunity to grow, not just academically, but also emotionally, personally, professionally and socially, through my involvement in a range of exchange programs, extra-curricular activities, student clubs and networking events,” he says.
When he graduates, Chung says he would like to “put all three of my degrees to use.”
“I see myself working at an international law firm, in a government department or in an academic setting in the future.”
Abbey Cutler
Meet Abbey Cutler. She is in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts (Indonesian language).
Cutler’s parents met at La Trobe, so the choice to study here too felt like “carrying on a family tradition.”
As part of her double degree, Cutler has travelled to Thailand to attend a peace conference, to Indonesia to live with a host family, and has undertaken a clinical placement at the Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service.
“It helped to refine my key legal skills in research, client interaction and document preparation,” she says.
When she graduates, Cutler hopes to travel, then return to Australia to work in law. “I am particularly interested in the social aspect of law and how disputes can be resolved,” she says.
Find out more about the La Trobe Law School on the website and LinkedIn.
