Life in the Melbourne JD - Felicity Ryburn
Felicity studied French, Immunology and Physiology as part of her Bachelor of Liberal Studies (International, Honours) degree at the University of Sydney. Before undertaking the JD, Felicity spent some time overseas, volunteered for Médicine Sans Frontière and did medical research.
"A typical week entails four days of seminar classes, guest lectures on Tuesday, reading and meetings for group work. I usually start the day by cycling to the Law School and a coffee. From 9am until 10am it is time for reading and preparing for class, and then there are two hours of seminar to engage in the topic of law and legal reasoning with many opportunities for discussion. Lunch can entail presentations by guest lecturers that have specific roles in the law as well as those engaged in topical issues confronting the law. This time can also be used for group work discussion, engaging in student competitions (i.e. mooting) and preparing for the next class. From 4 PM time is free to organise readings and prepare assignments. Seminars continue until Thursday, after which the small cohort of JD students likes to relax and recollect the week’s activities at the pub. Fridays are free for students to use as preparation for the next weeks reading, assignments, or for those engaged in casual work.
I have enjoyed all my law subjects to date. In particular, Public International Law showed a fascinating insight into the legal aspect of international relations, illuminating world debate over conflicts such as Russia’s intervention in Georgia and providing a basis from which to explore other aspects of international law such as trade and human rights. On the other hand, Property Law is both illustrative of foundational principles such as those regulating assets and the incorporation of native title into Australian common law. The seminar style has ensured close contact with the lecturers intimately involved in their subjects, e.g. a retired Federal Court judge for Dispute Resolution."