Nicholas Testro (Australia)
I chose to study the Melbourne JD program because it was a graduate entry program at a renowned university. As someone who had spent many years at university already, the course allowed me to complete my studies and pursue a career in the legal profession relatively quickly.
The calibre of the teaching staff was, for the most part, exceptional. Staff clearly possessed great expertise in their respective fields, were often enthusiastic and encouraging. Most staff practised, or had practised, as lawyers, so knew what the legal profession valued in its members. The excellent lecturers and support they offered, together with the first rate library and electronic databases, were highlights of my time in the Melbourne JD. The broad range of assessment tasks also kept the course interesting and relevant. Weekly guest speakers, from High Court judges to solicitors and heads of government departments, provided valuable insights into the possibilities law offered.
I completed articles of clerkship at a small Melbourne firm following completion of the JD, and stayed on for a further 6 months following admission. I then worked as associate to two Judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria, which was a wonderful experience. The skills learnt in the JD were invaluable for both these roles, particularly research and writing skills (legal documents, correspondence, briefs, memos), and also the general insight into the practical aspects of legal practise provided by experienced teachers.
I currently work in native title, as a Legal Officer for Cape York Land Council Aboriginal Corporation in Cairns. I work with some very talented lawyers, in one of the most interesting, but difficult, areas of law. The work involves substantial travel throughout Cape York in the dry season, and sometimes other parts of Australia. Working in native title in parts of the country most Australians have never seen is a great privilege, though I could never say it’s easy.
During a typical day at work, I might meet with the Principal Legal Officer and/or colleagues to discuss legal, logistical or political issues that I am grappling with. I might attend a mediation with respondent parties to negotiate draft native title determinations; or I might attend a 1-3 day meeting in a remote location in Cape York to provide information to, and obtain instructions from, client groups. Other days I might stay in the office and draft court documents and letters, and speak by telephone to the National Native Title Tribunal, clients or other parties’ legal representatives.
The Melbourne JD is a very demanding course, but one that can provide all the tools needed to start a legal career. It has given me the skills I needed to embark on my own diverse career in law. I would recommend the course to anyone considering applying.