Life in the Melbourne JD - Rohan Hockings
After finishing a Bachelor of Medicine / Surgery with Honours at the University of Western Australia, Rohan went into medical practice and became team doctor for a professional football club in Victoria. Rohan undertook the JD to explore new possibilities in the law and in business.
"A typical week is fairly busy and obviously revolves around the contact hours on a Monday to Thursday. Outside of that the course offers frequent opportunities to become involved in the law school beyond the classroom. Of particular relevance to JD students are the guest lecture series at Tuesday lunchtimes and Law Student Society (LSS) competitions either during or after contact hours. I have participated in a number of LSS competitions and hopefully will be able to involve myself with the Melbourne University Law Review (MULR) at some point in the near future.
Assessments are varied across the different subjects though typically consist of some form of research essay at mid-semester and a form of examination, either open book or take-home, at the end of the semester. Probably the subject I have enjoyed most so far is Public International Law which I found to be particularly relevant in the current environment and I also have a particular interest in trans-national law so found it interesting on that level as well. One element I have been pleasantly surprised with in the JD is that even subjects where I don't have a particular interest within the law have been taught in a manner that cultivates a genuine interest in the subject matter, even if only for the duration of the teaching of that unit. In that respect I have been just as impressed with the subjects outside of my particular interests as those within them.
Beyond that, balancing commitments outside of the JD and allowing time for reading usually occupy my evenings. I work part time for a football team, exercise regularly with my dog, spend time with family and friends and enjoy a variety of standard recreational activities."