Dear UNSW Law Society members,

Welcome to your society – a place where you can have fun, meet new people, make friends that last a lifetime, learn new things, teach others from your experience, and give back to society.

Do you like to party?  The Social portfolio is your Gossip Girl communiqué into the socialite world of not-to-be-missed Law Camp, music talent quest Lawlapalooza, classy Law Ball, Pre-Law Indigenous Lawn Bowls, Intervarsity Sports Day and so much more.

Do you like to win?  The Competitions portfolio brings you the best quality law competitions this side of the Equator, including: arguing an appeal to judges – Beginners Mooting, or resolving a dispute to get your client the best outcome – Beginners Negotiation.  Don’t worry – we teach you what you need to know.  If you can act, why not be a distressed client for Client Interviewing, or a hostile witness in court for Trial Advocacy?

Do you have a sharp mind?  The Education portfolio produces nine publications, organises a number of speakers’ events, and acts a liaison to the Australian Law Students’ Association.  Find out about everything your Law Society and Law Faculty have to offer by reading the weekly newsletter, Innominate.  Come and listen to the best of the legal profession tell their stories at the Speakers’ Forum events.

Do you care about the less fortunate?  The Equity portfolio will put you in touch with initiatives to help the less fortunate and to take part in advocacy and awareness for disadvantaged and minority groups.  Read Court of Conscience  Sign up for Women’s Mentoring to be mentored by successful women in the legal profession. to learn about social justice issues.

Do you like exclusive benefits?  The Services portfolio is your ticket to the Law Society Card, which will provide you with exclusive discounts at certain stores around Sydney.  Watch out for the survey lunches and freebies, where Law Society members are given free food and goodies simply for who they are.  Bookmark www.unswlawsoc.org, befriend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or do all of the above, so you can learn about the latest Law Society events!

Do you want a job when you graduate?  The Careers portfolio is your connection to the legal profession.  If you want a summer clerkship the year before you graduate, get connected with the application process, read resume and interviewing tips, and learn the information you need to know about the different law firms – in the Summer Clerkship Guide.  Discover the world of government, alternative, and corporate careers.  Keep an eye out for firm presentations, barbeques, and cocktail evenings!

Your law degree is full of opportunities that are passing you by right this second.  As we seize the cliché, so should you seize the day and make use of what is before you.  If you don’t know what you can or should do at Law School, there are three steps that will help you find your niche:

1.     Read Innominate, the weekly newsletter, cover to cover, every single week.

2.     Surf the Law Society and Law Faculty website every few weeks.

3.     Ask people you meet about what you can do.  Don’t stop asking and inquiring about the ways you can get involved.  The more you ask, the more you will discover.

Before you take off on your journey through Law School, take a look at some of the values and objectives you can expect from your Law Society:

1.     Inclusivity: All UNSW law students are automatically members of the UNSW Law Society, without charge, as of right.  There are over a hundred active volunteers in the Law Society, and there is always room for more.  It doesn’t matter how old you are or what you’ve done, all you need is enthusiasm and commitment.

2.     Accountability and Transparency: The Treasury portfolio and Careers portfolio are committed to ensuring that the revenue, expenditure, activities and initiatives are pursued for the benefit of law students and the Law Society.  Members have a right to know what is going on.

3.     Professionalism: The Law Society is a professional organisation that seeks to serve its members in a professional and efficient way.  In doing so, executives of the Law Society develop an ethic that is required in the workplace and other non-profit organisations.

4.     Integrity: As the only student society dedicated to UNSW law students, the Law Society strives to achieve the highest standard in hosting events and running activities for our members.  Our aim is not simply to repeat what has been done in previous years, but to build on that in the current year and leave a legacy that benefits future years.

5.     Respect and gratitude: Nothing that the Law Society provides could be possible without the tireless contributions from hundreds of student volunteers, forty years in the making.  We respect the time, effort, and sacrifice that each individual donates towards making the UNSW law student experience that much better, and we are always grateful for it.

Whatever you dreamed about Law School - we bring it to life and add some special effects, without charge and with a smile.  Read Innominate – your weekly update, find out more at www.unswlawsoc.org and start asking about how you can get involved!

Yours in anticipation,

Jermir J Punthakey and Natalie Karam

Co-Presidents

UNSW Law Society 2010