The Hub is your one-stop-shop for events, scholarships, news and more - specifically collated in a digestible format for current UQ Law students.
The Hub is free for you to browse 24/7, so be sure to save it to your bookmarks.
Are we missing something? If you have something to be highlighted below, please contact us at media@bel.uq.edu.au with the subject line Law Update: The Hub.
Scholarship opportunity for domestic students for Semester 2
If you are a full-time domestic law or law dual student and struggling finanically, UQ law school alumni have donated funds to help. Make an application by 14 August. We don't want you to drop out because you can't afford to study.
Three Minute Thesis (#3MT)
HDR students, ever tried explaining your research to someone and see their eyes glaze over? Maybe you should enter the 2020 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition? This year Three Minute Thesis (#3MT) is going virtual, which means there's no live audience. Instead, the competitor's entries will be played on Zoom and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 9 June. Add it to your calendar now or register to compete.
Semester 2 enrolment
The School encourages students to add Semester 2 courses now. For school planning purposes, it is important to determine student numbers in each course. Please access mySI-net to add courses for Semester 2. For a list of UG electives and PG courses on offer, access the webpages below.
Undergraduate: Enrol now.
Postgraduate: Enrol now.
LAWS5180 Legal Clinics
We partner with a wide range of community legal centres to offer you one of the most diverse clinical legal education programs in Australia. Each clinic offers you the opportunity to work in a social justice setting for academic credit through the elective law course, LAWS5180. Applications for Semester 2, 2020 are now open, apply now. Learn more and apply.
LawLink 2020 art competition
The Lawlink Programme was established by QLS in 2003 and aims to bridge the cultural divide between First Nations law students and the legal profession. First Nations students gain insight into the legal profession through formal and informal meetings and site visits to law firms, barristers' chambers, community legal centres and various courts. The art competition is open to all First Nations tertiary students or recent university graduates. The winning artwork will be used to support and promote the LawLink programme for two years, in addition to receiving $500 and also nominating a First Nations Charity for QLS to make a donation. Submissions close on 12 June at 5pm. Find out more.
National Council of Women of Queensland Lady Justice Bursary
The Lady Justice Bursary is in its third year of offering in 2020, and is sponsored by NCWQ Member Senior Sergeant Anna Dwyer and Joanna Robinson. The recipient of the Lady Justice bursary will receive a cash bursary in the amount of $1,000 to assist with study and living expenses, and honorary membership of our organisation for the following 12 months. We host frequent networking, personal development, and social events. There are 35 bursaries on offer. Basic eligibility criteria is as follows:
- A female Australian citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia
- Currently studying a Law or Justice at a Queensland tertiary institution (University, TAFE, or a recognised College)
- In at least their third year of study (or equivalent) in 2020.
To submit an application, visit the website, complete the form, and return it to bursaries@ncwq.org.au.
Mooting Competitions
A number of Mooting competitions have reopened and confirmed for online delivery. To identify which are running as planned, or those that have been cancelled, visit the website now. Applications are now open.
Peer writing assistance for international students
The Law Peer Writing Support provides individual consultations (maximum 30 minutes) to international students enrolled in one of the law undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Book now.
Ventures Activate | UQ Ventures
Looking for an internship over your mid-sem break in entrepreneurship? Ventures Activate is a three-week, remote internship program where you will work as a team to deliver a business project for an Australian startup, business or social enterprise. Register now to join the Ventures Activate Information Session Monday 18 May 12-1pm on Zoom where you can ask questions about the program and see if it's right for you! The program runs 22 June - 10 July Register and apply. Applications are now open and close 29 May.
Allens Indigenous internship
Hands-on experience specifically for promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students. This internship gives you an insight into the work of a commercial lawyer, life in a corporate environment and the chance to forge mentor relationships with lawyers all while exploring the practice areas we specialise in. Interns often return to Allens as clerks. Learn more.
LAWS5224 Special Topic B: Children, Young People and the Law
Interested in examining the impacts of the law and legal system on children and young people? The LAWS5224 course in Semester 2 coordinated by Professor Tamara Walsh will cover topics including children's human rights, youth justice and discrimination. Find out more about the course. Find out more about the course.
LAWS5181 Law Journals
Prof. Cassimatis invites students that have successfully completed LAWS3705 or LAWS5154, and are interested in developing research & editorial skills, to apply to enrol in LAWS5181 'Law Journals' in Semester 2, 2020. Applications close Friday, 29 May. Information and application form are available in the attached document. Please contact Prof. Cassimatis (Email: a.cassimatis@law.uq.edu.au) if you have any queries. Learn more.
Other programs
InsideSherpa Virtual Internships | Ongoing
Allens Indigenous Legal Internship 2020 | TBC
National Council of Women of Queensland Lady Justice Bursary | TBC
National Council of Women in Queensland Lady Justice Bursary | 1 June
UQSEC Next Step Virtual Internships | 1 June
McKinsey & Co Achievement Awards | 8 June
New Colombo Plan Scholarship (2021 study) | 26 June
CEFA Governor-General's Essay Competition (with a choice of topics) | 30 June
Fulbright Scholarships | 6 July (postgrad and HDR students)
John Monash Scholarships | 14 July
Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) Essay Competition | 31 July
The University of Queensland Law Alumni Association Endowment Fund Scholarship | 14 August
AAL Essay Prize (on the impact of contagious disease on contracts) | 31 August
Lawyers of Distinction Wellness Scholarship | 1 March, 2021
"It's not like Suits." | Watch Ted Cawrey give advice above in his recent interview with Sean Tran on The Witness Box. Watch the full interview with the Entertainment Fiance Lawyer who's worked on films such as Slumdog Millionaire and The Dressmaker here.
How do you find online study? How do you stay connected? How are your toilet paper supplies? We ask all the top questions of Georgia – a fourth year Law/Arts student. Watch now.
Law FAQ exam resource
We understand that some students are concerned about upcoming exams. As such, we have developed an online FAQ resource specifically for law students.This resource is now available and covers a number of queries about exams, study workloads and clerkships. Visit FAQs.
The UQ Book Club is now live!
Now more than ever, we may find ourselves turning towards literature. Whether we are picking up a book for the first time or rediscovering a beloved pastime. Literature can aid the ubiquitous need to escape from reality, to find a sense of hope and to provide comfort. The UQ Book Club will launch in May, taking us through self-isolation and into a post-pandemic era. Each month, the book club will champion and discuss works of Australian literature as part of an interactive online community. Learn more.
UQ Law School Zoom Backgrounds
We're bringing the university to you with weekly releases of law-specific Zoom backgrounds! Check out the Law Library release, Moot Court & Boardroom options, The Forgan Smith backgrounds and the new Study Nook options.
Survey on the social impacts of Covid-19
Researchers at The University of Queensland’s Institute for Social Science Research are conducting a survey that focuses on the impacts that COVID-19 have had on work and care situations, and how these situations have evolved and changed since the outbreak of the virus. This survey will be important in helping to understand more about how individuals and families are managing and coping with this pandemic and will help direct resources and policies to where they are needed the most. Click here to participate in the survey.
Other life & wellbeing opportunities
International UQ Law Students Facebook Group | Join Now.
YHC Lawyers & UQLS Buddy Program | Sign up for a buddy now.
The UQLife Virtual Village | Join the village now.
Trans and gender diverse experiences: an ongoing initiative of the UQ Ally Action Committee | Find resources.
UQLS Tutoring Directory - students looking for tutors | Register here.
UQLS Tutoring Directory - tutors looking to offer their services | Register here.
UQLS Study Group Directory - students looking for form study groups with other students | Register here.
This week
25 | The Witness Box - Ted Cawrey of Blueprint Law
25 | UQLS & YHC Lawyers PALS: Foundations & Contracts
26 | UQLS Competitions How-To and Q&A Sessions – Mooting
26 | UQLS & YHC Lawyers PALS: Torts & Criminal Law
26 | BELSET How to Get Jobs Webinar - Virtual Networking & Personal Branding
26 | Caxton Legal Centre and QUT - Justice in Focus Series: Human Rights, Protection, Freedom and COVID-19 (Register here.)
27 | Virtual Employers @ BELSET: EY
27 | Coffee & Careers
27 | Pagoda Projects Remote Internships: Winter Information Session
28 | BEL Career Mentoring Program Information Session
29 | LawyersWeekly 30 under 30 Broadcast
29 | UQ ATSIS Unit and UQLife for live Murri Trivia (National Reconciliation Week)
29 | Apply for Ventures Activate (remote internships)
Next week
1 | UQLS & YHC Lawyers PALS: Property & Trusts
Upcoming
10 June | HDR Presentations: A Critical Examination and Evaluation of Natural Law Theories in Formulating and Shaping Usury Jurisprudence
10 June | HDR Presentations: Patent Protection in Bhutan and its impact on plant genetic resources
18 June | BOOTCAMP: Everything you want to know about working in a Law Firm (College of Law)
22 June | HDR Presentations: Representative Democracy and Political Constitutionalism in Practice: Opposition to Indigenous Representative Bodies in Australia
22 June | HDR Presentations: The Unifying Function of a Constitution through Ethnic Federalism: A Critical Analysis of the Ethiopian Constitution
Positions and programs
UQSEC Next Step Virtual Internships | 1 June
Land court Associate 2021 | 30 June
UQLS Directories - connecting students, tutors and study groups.
UQLS Tutoring Directory - students looking for tutors | Register here.
UQLS Tutoring Directory - tutors looking to offer their services | Register here.
UQLS Study Group Directory - students looking for form study groups with other students | Register here.
The above initiatives are run entirely by the UQLS and work to put students in contact with study groups and tutors, they do not broker any ongoing agreements between individuals.
UQ Careers Directory
Our new online careers directory is tailored specifically for BEL students and brings you the best internships and graduate programs in Australia. Search for the top employers and career opportunities by industry or degree, find valuable info to help you know where to apply, and check out the employer profiles and graduate reviews. Explore the UQ Careers Directory.
Employability consultations
Have all your employability questions answered by an Employability Specialist without stepping on campus. Book in your preferred time and discuss anything from resume advice to graduate jobs. Book now.
UQLife Meals and Mates
Are you an international student who is facing hardship and cannot access government funding? This 4-week program has been developed in conjunction with Study Brisbane and the QLD State Government to provide access to nutritious meals and social connection to our international students who are not able to access federal government funding. Learn more.
Free Nutrition and Fitness Consultations in the Virtual Village
The School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science students will be holding free nutrition and health and fitness consultations as part of their course placement. Get free individualised nutrition, diet and fitness advice based on your medical history and health goals as well as access to a comprehensive health plan and small group sessions. The consults will be available for all UQ students and staff, and all sessions will be supervised by accredited Dieticians and Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientists.
Start booking appointments now & begin the pre-screening process!
Find a nutrition consultant >>
Find a fitness consultant >>
Allens COVID-19 in the spotlight: insights & analysis
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt Australia's economy, Allens addresses challenges and provide clarity around unfolding legal issues. View resources.
Indigenous Student Emergency Support fund
An emergency fund has been established to mitigate the significant challenges and financial hardship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families are experiencing due to COVID-19. All gifts and donations to the fund will be matched by the university. You can support the fund here. You can read more about this fund here.
UQ Financial Hardship support
UQ has recently increased funding, allowing more students to access support. Apply for assistance
Tenants Queensland
Access a number of resources related to your living arrangements via Tenants Queensland. Resources include examples of letters to landlords and other forms you may need. View more.
Accessing food and groceries
If you are self-isolating and unable to obtain basic essentials, there are a number of ways you can get access to these items from supermarket deliveries, meal delivery services and UQ Help Hampers. Learn more.
Bulk billed health consults
UQ Health Care is working hard to support the health of our community including bulk billed and phone appointments. Book your appointment now.
Other useful resources [external]
Information for rental issues | Tenants Queensland fact sheet
Information for rental issues | RTA educational resources
Australian Government (financial hardship) | Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Australian Government’s Department of Health WhatsApp Channel | Sign up for alerts
Caxton Legal Centre inc | COVID-19 fact sheet and video series
Information for International students | The Australian Government.
Other useful resources [internal to UQ]
The BEL Student Employability Team | Help with finding employment, career planning, connecting with industry and building their employability skills during this time.
BEL International Services Unit | International undergraduate students in their first semester at UQ can contact their advisers for advice or assistance.
BEL Student Experience Team | Advice for domestic undergraduate students, and international undergraduate students in their second semester or beyond.
Postgraduate administration officers | Advice for all domestic and international postgraduate students.
UQ Virtual Village | A virtual space that brings everyday connections into one platform to help students transition their study and social life online.
Laptops for Loan | The Library's scheme is available to students on a case-by-case basis.
UQ Union | Advocacy and support.
Counselling, accommodation and financial support | Access a range of support via my.UQ
UQ Union Financial First Aid | Apply for assistance.
Pub Choir in times of COVID-19
We can't go to the pub, so thousands are logging on to sing from the comfort of their couches instead. UQ graduate and Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen tells how she's keeping the music alive. Read the article and watch the video.
These young Queenslanders are taking on Clive Palmer’s coal company and making history for human rights
In a landmark case, 25 young people aged 13 to 30 are mounting a legal challenge to the massive, Clive Palmer-owned Galilee Basin coal project. This will be the first time human rights arguments are used in a climate change case in Australia. Read the article by UQ Associate professor Justine Bell-James now.
Be worried when fossil fuel lobbyists support current environmental laws
The fossil fuel lobby, led by the Minerals Council of Australia, seem pretty happy with the current system of environment laws. In a submission to a review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, it “broadly” supports the existing laws and does not want them replaced. Read the article by UQ Associate Professor in Environmental and Planning Regulation and Policy now.
We need to plan for life after JobKeeper now. We need to make it portable.
An estimated 700 000 employers, accounting for 4.7 million workers have signed up to the JobKeeper scheme - but it has not been without its issues. Professor John Quiggin explained on The Conversation. Read now.
Test yourself in local trivia
The Brisbane City Council has released its own local knowledge trivia questionnaire online. Kill some time by completing the quiz today! Complete quiz.
Podcast suggestion: Ear Hustle
Ear Hustle brings you the daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration. The Ear Hustle team works in the San Francisco Bay Area, both in San Quentin State Prison’s media lab and from offices on the outside, to produce stories that are sometimes difficult, often funny and always honest. Episodes offer a nuanced view of people involved with the American prison system and those reintegrating into society after serving time.
Insurance and climate change: Dr Justine Bell-James on ABC's Future Tense
The ongoing negative effects of climate change are putting stress on the global insurance market. Some analysts doubt industry players and governments have fully come to terms with the issues involved and should begin rewarding communities and individuals who practice resilience. There are also concerns about some of the financial mechanisms that insurance companies have put in place to share the risk. Learn more.
‘Winter is Coming’: a chilling warning for public interest journalism
Wendy John asks once-jailed journalist Peter Greste (UNESCO Chair in Journalism and Comm, School of Communication and Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) if anything can be done to thaw the chilling effect of Australia’s tougher national security laws. Read more.
Podcast Suggestion: Allens Confidential
Produced by two junior lawyers at Allens, Geneva Sekula and Caitlin Burke, this podcast gives you a candid, behind the scenes look into what it's like to work at Allens. Listen now.
UQ licences wild yeast from Jacaranda tree to Newstead Brewing Co to make beer
Thirsty? Researchers are raising a glass to a Queensland first: beer brewed using wild fermented yeast, hand-picked from a jacaranda tree at The University of Queensland. Read more.
Download some of the best Zoom backgrounds for those pesky meetings.
Video conferencing services are becoming hugely popular, as they allow you to virtually meet with others when in-person conversations aren't possible. For Zoom, this has led to the discovery of its virtual background feature..... check them out now.
UQ Winter Wellness Challenge
Get ready for the UQ 10,000 steps Winter Wellness Challenge commencing 1 June 2020 – an activity challenge for UQ staff and students. Walk around the park, run around with the family or dance in your kitchen - it doesn't matter how you get your 10,000 steps a day- just that you do them! Get together with friends or colleagues and create a team (min 5 and max 20 per team), nominate a team captain, register your team and get ready to get moving. This is open to all staff and students and their friends and colleagues. Find out more.