Interested in finding out more about Student Exchange?

The next deadline for applications is Friday 17th December (for exchange in Semester 2, 2011) so come along to a helpful info session and talk to a friendly Exchange Adviser, as well as your Faculty’s Academic Student Adviser & get all the info you need about studying abroad in 2011 or beyond!

LAW
12.00 – 12.45pm, Wednesday 8th Sept
Law LT

The UWA Student Exchange programme offers you an opportunity to experience this and a great deal more! You can choose to study at one of over 101 partner Universities in 21 countries for one or two semesters and receive credit towards your UWA degree at the same time!

For more info check out: http://www.international.uwa.edu.au/studentnet/exchange

What: Western Australian Disability Collective, Institute of Advanced Studies and UWA Equity and Diversity Office screening of the film “A Good Man”
When: Thursday 23 September, 6:00pm
Where: Social Sciences Lecture Theatre
Cost: full price – $17.50,  concession – $12.50 (tickets available at the door)

A Good Man: Fourteen years ago, Rachel suffered a stroke just a day after she and her new boyfriend Chris had told their parents she was having a baby. Rachel is now a quadriplegic, which means she cannot walk, speak, or move her arms. Her husband Chris is the self-appointed family man who never leaves her side. His sheep farm has seen better days, so Chris has come up with a creative solution for their financial troubles: he is going to open a brothel.

In A Good Man, filmmaker Safina Uberoi follows Chris?s family and friends during the building and the opening of the brothel. She sketches a touching and surprising portrait of this family, who manage to take care of Rachel with a lot of humor and the ability to put things in perspective, while the prostitutes are taking up residence in the new business. Chris?s tenderness stands in sharp contrast to his plans of becoming a sex industry entrepreneur. Is he making the right move? And what about Rachel, who spends each night in a little room behind the brothel?s reception desk because she cannot stay home alone? What does she think about all of this?

Following the screening (approx 80 mins), director Safina Uberoi will discuss the film with the audience.

A Good Man was the Winner of Sydney Film Festival Best Documentary and Audience Award

What: A conversation with Afghan human rights activist Suraya Pakzad
When: Thursday 9 September, 12.00pm
Where: E-Moot Court

Want to know what is REALLY going on in Afghanistan?

Daily reports from Afghanistan focus on the climbing death toll of NATO forces and the deteriorating security situation, but what is the reality on the ground for civilians nearly nine years after the overthrow of the Taliban?

Thanks to support from Amnesty International, renowned Afghan human rights activist Suraya Pakzad is flying directly from her work with remote Afghan women to speak to Australian audiences.

Named among Time Magazine’s “100 most influential people of 2009″, Ms Pakzad will speak about her ongoing work with Afghanistan’s most disadvantaged women in villages, prisons and shelters; where today young women continue to be jailed for adultery if they complain to the authorities of being raped.

She will talk about the extraordinary obstacles she faces on a daily basis and how the position of Afghan women has not significantly progressed since foreign intervention. Ms Pakzad also raises questions about how the international community can engage on a more equitable and effective level with the people of Afghanistan.

Come along to the E-Moot Court to hear Ms Pakzad on Thursday 9 September at noon for an event hosted by reporter Sophie McNeill, who has documented Ms Pakzad’s work in Afghanistan for SBS television?s Dateline program.

We’ve got another set of careers seminars for you in the next few weeks.  These seminars will be taken by two leading practical legal training (PLT) providers.  They both perform a similar function but offer very different services.

Anyone who is thinking about an alternative method to getting admitted or just wants to get their head around articles, PLT and the ins and outs of actually being recognised as a lawyer I’d strongly suggest you get along to the presentations by:

College of Laws – Tuesday 7 September Emoot at 1pm
ANU Legal Workshop – Thursday 9 September Emoot at 1pm

Catering will be provided after each session.

Please RSVP to Brandd03@student.uwa.edu.au as places are limited.

We’ve got another set of careers seminars for you in the next few weeks.  These seminars will be taken by two leading practical legal training (PLT) providers.  They both perform a similar function but offer very different services.

Anyone who is thinking about an alternative method to getting admitted or just wants to get their head around articles, PLT and the ins and outs of actually being recognised as a lawyer I’d strongly suggest you get along to the presentations by:

College of Laws – Tuesday 7 September Emoot at 1pm
ANU Legal Workshop – Thursday 9 September Emoot at 1pm

Catering will be provided after each session.

Please RSVP to Brandd03@student.uwa.edu.au as places are limited.

What: Women in the Law Mentor Scheme Breakfast
When: 7 am, 23 September 2010
Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Riverview Room
Cost: $25 member/$30 non-member

What: National Family Law Moot Preliminary Final
Where: Family Court of Western Australia (entry from Terrace Road or 3rd level steps from Perth Concert Hall forecourt), Court 3.5.
When: Friday 20 August, 4.00pm

The Law School invites you to come along and watch UWA Law School’s best Family Law mooters in action.

Support the UWA team as they face off against arch rivals, the team from Notre Dame.

The UWA team is:

• Alex McGlue
• Fiona Meaton
• Kelly Merris
• Ljubica Petrovic

What: “Ambition, meet Altruism: An introduction to how you can start a movement to solve the big issues in our world”
When: 6:00pm Wednesday, August 18th
Where: Mantra on Murray Conference Room 2, 305 Murray Street, Perth
Cost: Free! (To confirm your attendance email rsvp@teachforaustralia.org or contact 1300 832 832 by Monday 16 August)

Teach for Australia invites you to attend “Ambition, meet Altruism: An introduction to how you can start a movement to solve the big issues in our world” this coming Wednesday, August 18th.

Teach For Australia is an innovative not-for-profit organisation working to confront educational disadvantage in Australia by transforming outstanding graduates into exceptional teachers and inspirational leaders. Our vision is of an Australia where all children have excellent education opportunities

Throughout the program Associates receive training, support and networking opportunities designed to prepare them for leadership roles beyond the classroom that will impact education, business and society.

This inspirational evening is for students and graduates from any and every field who are interested in becoming Teach for Australia Associates; high-achievers who teach for two years in a disadvantaged school where their energy, enthusiasm and drive can help positively impact the lives of their students.

Learn more about social entrepreneurship and be inspired by Teach for Australia CEO and founder, Melodie Potts-Rosevear, who will present on “Ambition, meet Altruism: An introduction to how you can start a movement to solve the big issues in our world”.

Get informed about the most life-changing graduate program in Australia and meet other amazing students and graduates from a wide range of disciplines.

So you think you can Teach for Australia?

What: An Evening with the Profession III – Government and Community Legal Services
When: Wednesday 25 August 2010 from 7pm
Where: Moot Court

“An Evening with the Profession” is a seminar series that is aimed at getting distinguished speakers from various practice areas down to talk to students.  Speakers will be discussing what they get up to day to day, how they came to be in their position and any advice they have for anyone considering their line of work.  Each speaker will talk for 15 minutes, with an opportunity to follow up with speakers over a glass or two of wine afterwards.

The next evening with the profession will be themed non-commercial careers and feature the following speakers:

+  Matthew Keogh Commonwealth DPP

+  Andrew Robson Legal Aid

+  Madge Mukund Aboriginal Legal Service

Get along to the Moot Court August 25 at 7pm to hear about what they get up to day-to-day, how they came to be in their current roles and the best career advice they can give to anyone looking to follow in their footsteps.

Drinks and nibbles provided.

Please note that the last few evenings have been very well attended and places are limited so please RSVP to brandd03@student.uwa.edu.au as soon as possible.

What: Clayton Utz Interview Do’s and Don’ts
When: Wednesday 18 August 2010, 1-2pm
Where: Law Lecture Theatre

Clayton Utz will be talking about interview techniques.

Your application might’ve gotten you in the door but if you bomb the interview it’ll all have been for nothing, learn the Do’s and Don’ts of this vital skill.

What: DLA Phillips Fox ‘Life as a Corporate Lawyer’
When: Tuesday 17 August 2010, 12-1pm
Where: Economics Conference Room

DLA Phillips Fox will be down to talk about”what life’s like as a corporate lawyer”.

Catering will be provided afterwards.

What: Mallesons Stephen Jaques Managing Partners Chat
When: Monday 16 August 2010, 12-1pm
Where: Economics Conference Room

Mallesons Stephen Jaques will have their MANAGING PARTNERS down to talk to students and answer any questions that you have.

This is an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the greatest commercial lawyers in the country.

There will be a free BBQ afterwards.

What: Blackstone Future Framework Sub-Committee Open Meeting
When: Monday 9 August 2010, 5:00pm
Where: Moot Court

The Blackstone Society has been busy readying for the Future Framework (aka New Courses) era. A special Sub-Committee of the Society has come up with a proposed new structure for the Society which will suit the Future Framework era. The Sub-Committee has revised the Society’s existing Constitution to reflect this proposed new structure.

We want to hear your thoughts on this proposed new structure / revised Constitution. We invite you to attend a meeting with the special Sub-Committee on Monday 9 August at 5.00pm in the Moot Court.

Copies of the revised Constitution will be available from the Blackstone Society Common Room for those interested in reviewing it ahead of Mondays meeting.

What: Quad Law Cup – Academic Challenge
When: Friday August 13 2010, 5pm for a 5:30 start
Where: Upstairs at the Albion Hotel, Stirling Highway, Cottelsoe
Cost: Free!

Week 3 is Quad Law Cup Competitions Week. UWA will be facing off against the other Law Schools in Mooting, Negotiation, Trial Advocacy and Academic Challenge.

Mooting is on here at UWA on Monday 9 August at 7.00pm in the E Moot Court. Come along and see one of UWA’s best mooters in action and support UWA!

Academic Challenge will be held on Friday 13 August at 5pm for a 5.30 start upstairs at the Albion Hotel, Stirling Highway, Cottelsoe. Come along and see UWA clinch the Quad Law Cup. There will be a bar tab for spectators who come along to support our team.

What: Quad Law Cup – Mooting
When: Monday August 9 2010, 7:00pm
Where: E-Moot Court, UWA
Cost: Free!

Week 3 is Quad Law Cup Competitions Week. UWA will be facing off against the other Law Schools in Mooting, Negotiation, Trial Advocacy and Academic Challenge.

Mooting is on here at UWA on Monday 9 August at 7.00pm in the E Moot Court. Come along and see one of UWA’s best mooters in action and support UWA!

Academic Challenge will be held on Thursday 12 August at 5.30pm at a venue near UWA. Come along and see UWA clinch the Quad Law Cup. There will be a bar tab for spectators who come along to support our team.

What: Lavan Legal Healthy Living Workshop – Get fit and stay fit!
When: Wednesday 4 August, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where: E-Moot Court

Come and join in on a workshop covering what to consider and the skills required when it comes to building and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with energy. Don?t you want an energy and health through your studies and working life? Come and see how!

Marcel Minetto, Lavan Legal’s personal trainer, will lead the workshop. Passionate about people getting the best out of themselves, Marcel has worked with hundreds of people in the fitness and health industry in achieving this. Having been the WA Fitness First Personal Trainer of the Year in 2006, Marcel was then invited by Lavan Legal to take on the challenge of being hands on with its staff in starting a health and fitness service within the firm. Two and half years later, the programme is still going strong, with Lavans staff regularly participating in exercise sessions, assessments, challenges, talks and events.

Free healthy lunch for all who attend!

The First Year Mooting Competition involves a simulated hearing before an appellate court in which individual counsel argue particular points of law. The Competition is open only to students enrolled in Legal Process, Contract, Criminal Law or Torts. A simplified version of the Open Mooting Competition, the focus of the competition is the research and preparation of a List of Authorities and the presentation of oral argument. First Year Mooting is the only competition tailored specifically to first year students, and as such is an excellent introduction to Blackstone competitions as well as a chance to meet fellow students in the early stages of their legal studies. Experiencing the air of solidarity and mutual apprehension in the library in the days leading up to Round 1 is a must!

Given the significant degree of familiarity with the law required, mooters tend to devote themselves to preparation for the three days before the moot. The problems, set before the Full Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeal, concern only topics studied in First Year and are designed to promote argument in areas of the law that are unsettled or subject to recent developments. The competition aims to provide students with an introduction to mooting, as well as the opportunity to develop their research and analytical and advocacy skills, in the formal environment of an appellate court.

Questions regarding this competition can be directed to our Mooting Competitions Officer Jessie Smith at competitions@blackstone.asn.au

Competition Dates

Round 1A: 30th and 31st August 2010

Round 1B: 6th and 7th September 2010

Quarter-Finals: 20th September 2010

Semi-Final: 11th October 2010

Grand Final: 18th October 2010

Competition Materials

• Assessment Sheet
• Information for Associates
• Information for Competitors
• Information for Judges
• Problem Guidelines
• Sample list of Authorities
• Rules

GRAND FINAL THIS WEEK!!

International Humanitarian Law is the body of law that regulates conduct between opposing sides during times of war or armed conflict. The International Humanitarian Law Mooting Competition involves a simulated trial before the International Criminal Court, in which teams of two counsel represent the prosecution or the defence. The focus of the competition is the preparation of an Outline of Submissions and the presentation of oral argument.

Given the basic knowledge of international humanitarian law required, there is a generous preparation period before the moot and teams are provided with a case list suggesting relevant authorities. The problems concern alleged breaches of international humanitarian law and are designed to reflect actual criminal prosecutions, as well as address emerging issues in the law of armed conflict. The competition aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore the area of international humanitarian law, as well develop their research analytical and advocacy skills in a formal environment.

Questions regarding this competition may be directed to our Mooting Competitions Officer Jessie Smith at competitions@blackstone.asn.au

Competition Dates

Round 1: Monday 16th August & Tuesday 17th August 2010

Round 2: Monday 23rd August 2010

Semi-Final: Monday 30th August 2010

Grand Final: Wednesday 8th September 2010

Competition Materials

• Assessment Sheet
• Information for Competitors
• Information for Judges
• Rules
• Sample Submissions

What: Minter Ellison – How to Write a Great CV Seminar
When: Tuesday 3 August 2010, 12pm-1pm
Where: TBC

Seminar presented by a Senior Minter Ellison Human Resources Representative.

Attendees encouraged to bring their CVs for on the spot constructive criticism.

What: Blake Dawson “Queen of Hearts” Law Ball
When: Friday 20 August 2010, 7pm – Midnight
Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: $115 Members/$125 Non-Members

The mother of all Blackstone events is approaching and this year promises to be the biggest and best Law Ball to date!

Girls book your hair appointments, buy a fabulous dress, do your nails, bronze up your bodies, wax your legs, tweeze your brows, gloss your lips, glue on your lashes, whiten your teeth and botox your faces. Boys, dust off last year?s suit and shampoo your hair.

Blake Dawson and Blackstone present a Queen of Hearts inspired Alice in Wonderland Ball. That is all we can say, the rest shall be revealed on August 20.

Tickets $115 members/ $125 non-members, on sale from Wednesday 28 July at midday

What: Quad Law Show
When: Friday 13 August 2010, 7pm till late
Where: Club Bay View
Cost: $10 Members/$15 Non-Members

Join your future colleagues from UWA, Murdoch, Notre Dame and ECU Law Schools for a night of fun and frivolity at our favourite, and fittingly scary, haunt Clubba.

Cheap drink specials from 7:30-9:30pm

Tickets $10 members/ $15 non-members, tickets on sale from Wednesday 28 July at Midday

What: Norton Rose Amazing Race
When: Friday 13 August, midday – 4.00pm
Where: Starts at the Esplanade, Perth
Cost: $20 per team of 4

The Norton Rose Amazing Race is a scavenger hunt with a twist, run through Perths CBD.

This year’s Race is going to be the most intense and most outrageous Amazing Race yet! So find three mates and sign up your team of four at the Blackstone ticket selling table this week and next.

Entry is only $5 per person with great prizes on offer and a few drinks at the end of the day! You will need a digital camera and make sure you are wearing underwear…

What: Blackstone Penultimate Students Cocktail Party
When: Thursday August 4 2010, 6.30-10.30
Where: Etro Bar on King St in the City
Cost: $30 Members/ $35 Non-members

Forget the 3rd Year Dinner at Hans… this year Blackstone is going slightly more up market.

The Penultimate Students Cocktail Party – for students doing Admin and Evidence, and those of us who are slightly in between 3rd year and final year.

Guest speakers as well!

Includes canapes and a bar tab – get there early before it runs out!

Tickets on sale in the Law Courtyard Monday – Thursday – 12pm – 2pm

Sponsored by Clayton Utz

Join the Facebook group here!

The How-To session for the 2010 Allens Arthur Robinson Negotiation and Mediation Competition will be held on Tuesday 27th July at 1 pm in the Moot Court.

For anyone thinking about signing up for this competition, guest speaker Jackson Allen from AAR will be coming along to give some points on what the judges will be looking for.

For anyone thinking that they would like to get involved in Blackstone competitions generally, there …will be some other speakers introducing the competition and sharing their experiences.

It shouldnt go for any longer than 45 minutes and the sign-up sheets will be distributed at the end-make sure you’re there because they will fill up fast!!

Sponsored by Allens Arthur Robinson

Clients of law firms increasingly want to settle disputes without the time and expense involved in proceeding to court action. Therefore, skills in dispute resolution are essential for lawyers in all practice areas, not merely litigation. The Blackstone Society is keen to encourage students to keep alternative career paths in mind during their studies, and skills learned from competing in Negotiation will be of value to everyone, not matter what profession they plan to pursue after graduating from Law School.

The Allens Arthur Robinson Negotiation Competition involves a simulated negotiation of a legal issue in which teams of two negotiators represent different parties to the dispute. The focus of the competition is the achievement of a negotiation outcome that satisfies the goals and expectations of each team’s client. Given this objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-negotiation preparation is required. The competition aims to expose students to a form of consensual resolution of disputes that is increasingly prevalent in the community, while developing their skills of negotiation, perception and communication.

Queries regarding this competition can be forwarded to our Competitions Office Joey Leith at competitions@blackstone.asn.au

Competition Dates

Round 1: Tuesday 3rd August, Wednesday 4th August, Tuesday 10th August and Wednesday 11th August 2010

Round 2: Tuesday 24th August,  Wednesday 25th August 2010

Round 3:  Tuesday 7th September 2010

Semi-Final: Tuesday 14th September 2010

Grand Final: Tuesday 21st September 2010

Competition Materials

• Assessment Sheet
• Information for Competitors
• Information for Judges
• Rules
• Negotiation Guide
• Sample Problem

As you are no doubt aware, Blake Dawson will be adhering to the Law Society guidelines in regard to graduate recruitment for 2011.

Students in their final year, who have completed a vacation clerkship with us or who have been working with us as a law clerk, are eligible to be considered under the new priority offers system. This system also includes students completing their law degree in the first semester of 2011.

We are very pleased to advise that we are now accepting expressions of interest for a graduate position with us in 2011. If you would like join our fantastic team, we would be pleased to receive your expression of interest. To keep this process as simple as possible, please reply to this email attaching an updated CV and academic transcript. Expressions of interest will remain open until Monday, 12 July 2010. If you would prefer to be considered for a deferral offer for our 2012 graduate program, please let us know.  This will not be a factor in whether or not your receive an offer, it is purely for our planning purposes.  If you would like to discuss the possibility of deferral, please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Finally, SAVE THE DATE! Blake Dawson will be hosting a Graduate Information Night on Thursday 17 June 2010. The night is designed to give you an opportunity to hear a bit more about the firm and catch-up with some of our partners and staff.  There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask any further questions about the firm and our graduate program. The evening is completely optional – please do not feel that you need to travel from interstate or overseas to attend!  We will be sending out invitations and further details shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call and we hope to receive an application from you in due course!

Kind Regards,

Kiri King
People Development Coordinator
Blake Dawson

T 61 8 9366 8058
F 61 8 9366 8111
kiri.king@blakedawson.com
www.blakedawson.com

On behalf of
Lisa Cooney
People Development Consultant
Blake Dawson

T 61 8 9366 8127
F 61 8 9366 8111
lisa.cooney@blakedawson.com
www.blakedawson.com

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Articles of Clerkship 20100 Announcement 26 July 2010

.

The Legal Practice Board (Board) will cease operating the Articles Training Program (ATP) effective 31 December 2010.

The Admissions and Registrations Committee of the Board has approved the Leo Cussen Institute to provide the practical legal training (PLT) component of articles of clerkship in Western Australia.

Accordingly law graduates will continue to have the option of completing either an approved PLT course or twelve months articles of clerkship (including the PLT provided by the Leo Cussen Institute) to be eligible for admission in Western Australia.

The Leo Cussen Institute will offer the PLT programme for articled clerks in Western Australia from 2011. The training will be offered on-site in Western Australia. Detailed information about the 2011 courses will be published on their website (www.leocussen.vic.edu.au) in due course.

In the meantime, persons intending to register articles of clerkship in the near future should direct any queries to the Board’s Admissions & Registrations Coordinator, Deb MacDonald.

All currently registered articled clerks should be enrolled to complete the Board’s ATP on or before 31 December 2010. There are still some places available in the Board’s ATP courses, however, it is anticipated that the majority of articled clerks who register articles between now and the end of the year will complete articles training with the Leo Cussen Institute in the first half of 2011.

Please direct any queries to Deb MacDonald on 6211 3600 or via email dmacdonald@lpbwa.com

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Articles Training Programme Announcement 13 May 2010

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This correspondence is to advise all Western Australian legal practitioners that effective from the 31 December 2010 the Legal Practice Board (Board) will cease to operate the Articles Training Program (ATP).

The ATP is the primary means by which the Board is satisfied that articled clerks have met the PLT competencies for entry level lawyers as set out in the Uniform Admission Rules.  Currently, Western Australiais the only Australian jurisdiction that continues to offer articles of clerkship as a means of obtaining admission as an Australian lawyer.

The Board, after detailed consideration and consultation with the profession, in 2006 recommended the introduction of an alternative route to admission by the completion of a practical legal training course in WA.  It was recognised at that time that the future of articles of clerkship as a means of gaining admission was in doubt.

Whilst articles of clerkship in themselves will not be abolished, unless and until a provider is prepared to offer a course to replace the ATP, the practical effect of the Board’s decision is that from 1 January 2011 articles of clerkship will for all intents and purposes cease to be a means to obtain admission as an Australian lawyer in Western Australia.

Those persons who are currently registered as articled clerks and their principals should take immediate action to ensure the clerk registers for and completes the ATP course prior to 31 December 2010.  The Board cannot guarantee that another provider will offer a course equivalent to the ATP such as to enable current or future articled clerks to meet the PLT pre-admission requirements.

The Board’s decision was not taken lightly and was based on the following facts:

-  the Board’s core functions are regulatory in nature; should the Board continue to operate the ATP, the budget deficit for 2010/2011 is $604,452, compared to a projected surplus of $38,555 for 2009/2010, and an actual surplus of $67,727 for 2008/2009;
-  the conduct of the ATP is an educational function which the Board was obliged to undertake as no other provider was prepared to offer such a course in Western Australia;
in 2009 an alternative route to qualifying for admission as a legal practitioner was introduced by completion of course work known as Practical Legal Training (PLT);
-  since 2009 the number of law graduates seeking admission by completion of articles of clerkship has reduced dramatically;
-  whereas the ATP had reached the stage where it was largely self funding, with the significant reduction in the number of law graduates seeking admission by completion of articles of clerkship, the ATP is no longer self funding, requiring the Board to heavily subsidise its operational costs;
-  the profession cannot be asked to subsidise the operations of the ATP for a minority of law graduates when another route to admission is available;
-  the Board does not have the resources to continue to subsidise the costs of operating the ATP.

The financial implications of the drastic cut in ATP registrations and the resulting reduction in income is not a sustainable situation for the LPB. In those circumstances it would be financially irresponsible for the LPB to continue to operate the ATP.

Registered articled clerks who wish to fulfil their PLT pre-admission requirements through attendance at the ATP, will need to register for one of the ATP core courses to be conducted this year and to complete the same by 31 December 2010.  The basic Accounting, Property Law Practice and Commercial Law Practice courses will also be discontinued on 31 December 2010.

Clerks have been separately advised that to register for ATP courses they should access the information provided on the Board’s website at www.lpbwa.org.au.

Clerks may choose to take an alternative route to complete their PLT pre-admission requirements by completing the WA College of Law PLT Course or another PLT course that meets the PLT requirements for admission in another Australian state or territory.

The Board is investigating whether other PLT providers may be interested in offering courses for articled clerks to enable them to meet the PLT pre admission requirements.  However, clerks have been advised that they should not delay in making the necessary arrangements to complete their PLT requirements prior to 31 December 2010 on the basis that another provider may offer courses for articled clerks.

If practitioners are considering taking on a new articled clerk during this year they will need to consider the manner in which that clerk will satisfy their PLT pre-admission requirements in the absence of the ATP.

If you wish to discuss any issues arising from this advice, please contact either myself on 0412 439 149 or the ATP Course Director, Deborah Miltonon (08) 9272 9144.

Yours sincerely,

Anna Liscia
Chairperson
Legal Practice Board

The Freehills Perth graduate recruitment process is conducted in line with the recruitment guidelines as set out by the Law Society of Western Australia.

Freehills will be participating in the graduate priority offers system. Students eligible to be considered under the priority model must have completed a vacation clerkship with Freehills and must also be in their final year (this includes students completing their law degree in the first semester of 2011 and who are therefore eligible for commencement in 2012).

Eligible students who are interested in being considered for a graduate position are encouraged to email their expressions of interest directly to Charissa Mitsikas (see details below).

Feedback and assessment will be gathered during your clerkship and candidates will be made offers on the basis of clerkship performance and fit with the firm. No further interviews or applications will be necessary.

Key Dates

Monday 3 May 2010
- Expressions of interest for law graduate positions can be made by eligible students from this date.
- Please email Charissa Mitsikas, Perth Graduate Recruitment Consultant, at Charissa.Mitsikas@freehills.com with the following details: your clerkship intake (date and year); and your anticipated graduate start date and intake (Freehills has a February and October intake for graduate positions)

Monday 12 July 2010
- Expressions of interest close on this date

Friday 23 July 2010
- Priority offers made to former vacation clerks (from 9am

Tuesday 27 July 2010
- Priority offers must be accepted or declined (by 5pm)

For further questions or clarification of the graduate priority offer system and how it relates to Freehills? graduate program please contact Charissa Mitsikas via email (above) or T + 61 8 9211 7544

*** Grand Final THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

Wednesday 12 May, 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start, District Court of Western Australia (TBC). The Judge will be everyone’s favourite Torts Law lecturer, Dr Brenda McGivern.

The Grand Finalists are:

Hannah-Mei Andrews and Lauren Bourke

and

Andrea Bradley and Ilona Quahe.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Sponsored by Norton Rose

The 2010 Norton Rose First Year Trial Advocacy Competition involves a simulated trial in which teams of two counsel represent the prosecution/plaintiff or the defence. The focus of the competition is examination and cross-examination of witnesses to provide an answer to a particular legal problem, together with the presentation of brief opening and closing addresses. Given this fact-finding objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-trial preparation is required.

The problems, set before the Magistrate’s Court, the District Court or the Supreme Court and heard by a single presiding judge or magistrate, are designed to reflect real court practice, and are often based on actual civil and criminal matters. The competition aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the rules of evidence and an insight into the operation of the court system, while developing their skills of persuasive argument in a formal environment.

Trial Advocacy is one of the most dynamic and exciting competitions that Blackstone organises; if you harbour secret ambitions of yourself in a starring role in Law and Order this is the competition for you. You can also indulge your theatrical fantasies by volunteering as a witness.

The Coordinator of the 2010 Norton Rose First Year Trial Advocacy Competition is Joey Leith. Please direct all queries to competitions@blackstone.asn.au.

Competition Dates

Round 1: Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th March 2010

Round 2: Tuesday 13^th April 2010

Semi-Final: Tuesday 27^th April 2010

Grand Final: Wednesday 12^th May 2010

Competition Materials

-        Assessment Sheet
-        Information for Associates
-        Associate’s Timesheet
-        Information for Competitors
-        Information for Judges & Magistrates
-        Information for Witnesses
-        First Year Trial Advocacy Rules
-        Problem Guidelines
-        Sample Problem
-        First Year Trial Advocacy Guide

What: Minter Elison Healthy Living Workshop – How Climate Change Could Affect Your Health
When: Wednesday 12 May, 1.00pm
Where: E-Moot Court

This year Blackstone is putting on a number of “Healthy Living” workshops, aimed at informing you how to stay physically and mentally healthy during your time at UWA Law School and beyond.

The first workshop in the series is being put on by Cheryl Edwardes, Special Counsel at Minter Ellison. Cheryl practices in the areas of climate change, environmental regulation and environmental compliance and assists both public and private sector clients. Prior to joining Minter Ellison, Cheryl has a long and distinguished career in Western Australian politics, serving as the State’s Minister for the Environment from 1997 to 2001 and was also Western Australia’s first female Attorney General. As Minister for the Environment, she was involved in some of the country’s and the state’s most important developments in environmental law and policy.

Cheryl’s workshop will be on climate change and how it could affect your health and way of life.

So come along and meet Cheryl and hear what she has to say. There’s a free healthy lunch for all those who attend the workshop!

Onyx 2010 Edition 1 arrives 10 May 2010!

The Journal of the Blackstone Society UWA will be hot off the press and bursting with brilliant legal essays and critiques from sharp-minded UWA law students who walk among us. It’s a must read.

But, if dazzling academic writing and Onyx’s ability to expand your brain doesn’t convince you to pick Onyx up and peruse it perhaps this will? One free donut for every copy of Onyx picked up from the Law Courtyard between 12-2pm!

But hurry – only while stocks last.

Attention all Fresher and First Year students!

The next session of Blackstone’s new Academic Mentoring Program is on next Monday! Bring your friends!

Topic: Tips for writing law assignments and general Q&A
Date: Monday 10 May 2010
Time: 4pm
Place: Law Lecture Room 2 (Contract and Torts); Law Lecture Room 3 (Legal Process and Criminal Law)

Come along with any questions you have concerning writing legal assignments, answering problem-style questions, study tips or anything else you can think of.

Any queries please contact Education Vice-President Clare McKay at educationvp@blackstone.asn.au. We hope to see you there!

The ALSA Conference in Adelaide is coming soon!

The ALSA Conference is co-hosted by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia, and will see over 500 law students converge to attend the biggest social events, most prestigious competitions, and most stimulating educational forums. Delegates will attend the Opening Gala Dinner, Cocktail Night, Themed Night, and Closing Gala Dinner as well as a battle of the bands, movie nights, quiz nights, wine tours, brewery tours, the Amazing Race Adelaide. Educational forums will also be held on pressing legal issues including animal law, global poverty, refugee law and responding to international conflict. For more information, please visit the Blackstone website or alsaconference.com.au.

If you are interested in coming to ALSA as a competitor or general delegate this year, please come along to the ALSA Information Session next week. The Information Session will be held next Tuesday 11 May at 11am in Law Lecture Room 2 (LR2). If you cannot attend the session please feel free to email Clare McKay (Education VP) or check the information on the Blackstone website.

After placing third in both women’s and men’s volleyball in Week 3, second in mixed ultimate frisbee in Week 4, and 3rdish in The Great Run in Week 5, Blackstone clings to the top of the interfaculty sports ladder!

We need your help to stay there! Next week’s interfaculty sport is Athletics (think primary school athletics carnival).

If you can run, jump, throw or fancy yourself a top notch potato-sack-racer, Blackstone needs you! Email sports@blackstone.asn.au if you’re keen to play, or simply show up in the Law Courtyard just before 1.00pm on Wednesday 8 September.

PLSA invites all students and staff to a discussion on international and Australian initiatives in tackling climate change.

When: 6.30 pm for a 7pm start on Wednesday, 5th May
Where: Moot Court
Cost: Free!

Distinguished guests include Associate Professor David Hodgkinson, leading expert on climate change refugee law, and Josie Walker, senior solicitor at the Environmental Defender’s Office.

Attendance by all interested in international law and national environmental policies is encouraged, but most particular by those students considering Honours topics for next year.

Refreshments will be provided beforehand.

Students are invited to attend the Sir Ronald Wilson lecture being given by Hon Justice Michael Barker, Judge of the Federal Court:

When: Thursday 20 May 2010
Time: 6.30 – 7.30
Where: State Library of WA
Address: 25 Francis Street, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth

The Hon Justice Michael Barker, Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, is the speaker at this year’s Sir Ronald Wilson Lecture. Justice Barker’s speech is entitled “Being a Chapter III Judge” and, as in years past, will be a highly engaging presentation. Chapter III of the Australian Constitution refers to the Judicature. These provisions deal with the vesting of the Commonwealth’s judicial power in the High Court and other federal courts as created by Parliament and the vesting of federal jurisdiction by Parliament in any other
courts.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Michael Laurence Barker was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in February 2009. At the time of his appointment he was a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia (appointed August 2002) and President of the WA State Administrative Tribunal (appointed December 2004). Justice Barker holds the degrees LLB (Hons) (UWA) and LLM (York University, Canada) and is an accredited mediator.

Justice Barker was admitted to practice in Western Australia in December 1973. After practising as a barrister and solicitor in Perth for a number of years he undertook postgraduate studies in Canada. He was a member of the Faculty of Law, Australian National University, Canberra (1981-1985). In 1986 he returned to Perth to practice as a barrister and solicitor before joining the independent Bar in Perth in 1993. In 1991-1992, Justice Barker was one of the counsel assisting the ‘WA Inc’ Royal Commission. In 1990-1994 he was Chairman of the WA Town Planning Appeals Tribunal. He took silk in 1996.

To register or for more information email lawweek@lawsocietywa.asn.au or call (08) 9221 8705

Sponsored by Norton Rose

The 2010 Norton Rose First Year Trial Advocacy Competition involves a simulated trial in which teams of two counsel represent the prosecution/plaintiff or the defence. The focus of the competition is examination and cross-examination of witnesses to provide an answer to a particular legal problem, together with the presentation of brief opening and closing addresses. Given this fact-finding objective, no knowledge of the substantive law is necessary, and only limited pre-trial preparation is required.

The problems, set before the Magistrate’s Court, the District Court or the Supreme Court and heard by a single presiding judge or magistrate, are designed to reflect real court practice, and are often based on actual civil and criminal matters. The competition aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the rules of evidence and an insight into the operation of the court system, while developing their skills of persuasive argument in a formal environment.

Trial Advocacy is one of the most dynamic and exciting competitions that Blackstone organises; if you harbour secret ambitions of yourself in a starring role in Law and Order this is the competition for you. You can also indulge your theatrical fantasies by volunteering as a witness.

The Coordinator of the 2010 Norton Rose First Year Trial Advocacy Competition is Joey Leith. Please direct all queries to competitions@blackstone.asn.au.

Competition Dates

Round 1: Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th March 2010

Round 2: Tuesday 13^th April 2010

Semi-Final: Tuesday 27^th April 2010

Grand Final:  Tuesday 4^th May 2010

Competition Materials

-        Assessment Sheet
-        Information for Associates
-        Associate’s Timesheet
-        Information for Competitors
-        Information for Judges & Magistrates
-        Information for Witnesses
-        First Year Trial Advocacy Rules
-        Problem Guidelines
-        Sample Problem
-        First Year Trial Advocacy Guide

FAMILIES ON THE FRONTIER: A NEW MODEL REQUIRED FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THE EAST KIMBERLEY

Venue: MOOT COURT
Date: 26 APRIL 2010
Time: 10:00 to 10.45

GUEST SPEAKER: MAGISTRATE CATHERINE CRAWFORD

The Law School Equity Committee has invited Ms Catherine Crawford to speak to Students and Faculty. In 2008 Ms Crawford was appointed the Magistrate for the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. She lives in Kununurra and her circuit covers a vast area of the State?s north. Come and hear her speak about law and justice in the East Kimberley; how the State?s criminal justice system is failing individuals and families who live this far from our cities; how some laws can have devastating effects on those who are unprotected or who live in a different culture.

Catherine Crawford graduated from the Law School at UWA. She has completed a Master of Laws, in international human rights, in the UK, worked in private practice as a solicitor and a barrister. She was the Principal Legal Officer at the Western Australian Aboriginal Legal Service for four years following Mabo No 2, in which common law land rights for Aboriginal peoples were recognised by the High Court in 1992.

Date: 30 April 2010
Time: 5pm
Place: Starting point is Basement on Broadway (BoB)
Cost: $20
Theme: “Golfing Pro’s and Tiger’s H*’s” – dress in your finest golfing attire – Handicaps may be awarded early for those looking particularly good!

Feeling like those Mid Semester exams have got you down? Need another cheeky excuse to party on a Friday night? Introducing the inaugural Blackstone Pub Crawl – R U Crawling?

This is not your ordinary pub crawl, nor your ordinary round of golf…Like a normal round of golf, you’ll be competing to come out with the lowest score after 9 holes… but your strokes per hole depend on how game you are at taking some tricky ’shots’…

There might be a few extra “Tiger Challenges” thrown in for good measure to earn you a few extra bonuses! All will be revealed at BoB.

*This event is strictly 18+*

Tickets on sale FROM MONDAY 19 April between 12pm-2pm in the Law Courtyard

Join the facebook event here!

This year, Blackstone attacks the CBD in the name of charity for Prosh – and our theme is Mimes!

Here’s why:

1. Mimes are the simplest and cheapest costume theme of all. You just need the black-and-white shirt and a shitload of white makeup. This theme guarantees that even the laziest bastard in Blackstone can dress up to the theme!

2. Our Prosh skit is basically covered, and will look awesome – a massive version of Art vs Science’s Parlez-vous Francais, choreographed by our two resident dancing experts, Jess Dunn and Vanessa Varghese.

3. On a similar note, we can do some awesome stunts related to mimes or silence.

4. We will be impossible to ignore, and it will force people to pay attention when a huge crown of mimes descend on the CBD.

5. Our float will stand out from everyone else’s. Seriously, we will look awesome.

6. Most importantly of all, like all the most successful Prosh themes there will be uniformity – you will be able to tell when you are looking at a Law Student.

Get psyched up – silently!

(Find the Facebook event here)

DATE: 15 April 2010
VENUE: Bar 1907, 26 Queen St, Perth
TIME: 7pm – 10pm
TICKETS: $30 members / #35 non-members

The Blackstone Society’s Final Year Cocktail Party is a fantastic night for final year students. It is held at the beginning of the academic year as a ‘back-to-school event’ for students graduating in 2010. The Cocktail Party is a great night to dress up, relax and catch up with everyone’s news and travels over summer!

Date: 7 May 2010
Time: 7-11pm
Place: Grand River Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel
Cost: $75 Members, $85 Non-Members

1. Ever wondered what you get when you place some of the sharpest legal minds in the country in a room with plenty of booze and a couple of hundred law students?

2. Are you looking for an evening of scintillating conversation and high-brow wit?

If you answered yes to the first and no to the second, then the 2010 Blake Dawson Law Dinner Debate is the event for you!

Arguing the topic, “that women make better lawyers”, will be:

AFFIRMATIVE (from the profession):
-  His Honour Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of the WA Supreme Court;
-  Elizabeth Shaw, Solicitor with the State Solicitor’s Office; and
-  Justin Jones, Senior Associate at Blake Dawson.

NEGATIVE (from the UWA Law School):
-  Zarah Burgess;
-  Luke Villiers; and
-  Kristian Barron

Get ready for a night of raucous tomfoolery and gutter-worthy shenanigans!

TICKETS: $75 Members, $85 Non-Members
* Includes a 2-course meal and 4-hour drinks package! *

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 13th (12-2pm, Law Courtyard)

The College vs Faculty T20 Cricket match is being held on Wednesday the 27^th of October, 4pm at James Oval.

If you are good at cricket and able to play, please email sports@blackstone.asn.au. If you don’t know how to use email or you just want to come down and support our teams meet your Sports Reps right outside the Law Courtyard on Wednesday 27 October at 3:45pm.