In my second year of study, I undertook a pro bono placement at AED Legal Centre, a community government funded legal centre that specialised in legal matters concerning clients with both physical and intellectual disabilities. I would go in one day a week for four months and undertake administrative work such as calling clients, filing documents, compiling correspondence, sitting in on new client meetings and a range of other tasks. This was my first insight into how a legal firm runs and it was an eye catching experience as I was exposed to a range of legal matters and dealt with clients across all walks of life. It really made me want to be a lawyer and give back to the community when I have the opportunity to.
In my third year of study I completed a professional experience internship program at Victoria Legal Aid, working in their migration and immigration department for five months, one day a week. This was an amazing experience as Victoria Legal Aid is a large organisation with various departments dealing with a wide range of legal matters, and just rocking up to the office once a week was an overwhelming experience. In this placement I was able to complete more advanced legal work, helping to draft Court Applications and documents relating to Visa and migration issues. I worked closely with experienced lawyers and barristers and was given an opportunity to attend Court a few times. I really enjoyed this experience as I was assisting less fortunate individuals in desperate circumstances and it felt good to provide assistance as a law student.
Over the summer of 2015/2016, I shadowed a Criminal Defence Barrister throughout a murder trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria. This was an amazing experience and was one of the best things I have ever done. I sat in court for two weeks and listened to every word spoken, taking down notes for my barrister where appropriate and doing small research for him at times. Witnessing a murder trial for the first time was an incredible experience itself, however being able to read all the evidence material closely in chambers and have a more intimate knowledge of the facts of the case was an added bonus and really added to my overall experience. I would recommend shadowing a barrister to any law student, regardless of whether they want to practice law or not. It gave me a first-hand look at how our legal system operates and I hope to undertake more of these in the future.