Philippa Munton

Are you working while studying? I have always held a job (or three) throughout my law degree. I started my degree working in retail. I then began working as a U:PASS leader in Criminal Law (a job I have kept throughout my studies). Half way through my second year, I began working as an in-house paralegal at a bank. I also took on work as a research assistant for a barrister in employment and discrimination law. During my 2014/15 Summer holidays, I completed my clerkship at Minter Ellison, and will commence as a graduate in March 2016.  I am currently working two days a week as a paralegal at the firm.

How do you manage the competing demands of university and work? I have maintained a full-time study load throughout my degree, which means I have been limited in the number of days I can work (normally 3 full days). I was lucky that I had flexible work arrangements, so I could fit my work commitments around my university commitments. But university has always been my first priority, even with rent and bills to pay.

Communication has always been key. Ensuring that my various employers know when I have assignments and exams due, or when I have to leave early or arrive late because of class is essential. It’s remarkable how understanding people can be when you properly communicate your competing commitments with them.

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? When I chose to study law, I had already completed a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Philosophy and French) at another university, was working full time in retail and had already moved out of home.

I knew I needed a university that was located close to the city (so it was convenient for work) and had flexible class times so I could balance my work and university commitments (something I knew UTS did better than any other university). Having friends who were working as lawyers who had studied at UTS, I also knew UTS is a very highly regarded law faculty within the legal profession. All of these things led me choosing UTS:Law for my studies.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? Getting to know the academic staff. I have had classes with some of the most brilliant and gifted teachers, who are not only highly skilled in their area of law, but are generous with their knowledge. Whenever I have shown a genuine interest in a particular topic or subject, they are always encouraging, referring me to additional literature on the issue or making themselves available for a discussion. They have been an invaluable resource throughout my degree, and getting to know them has been incredibly rewarding.

Are you involved in extra-curricular activities such as the Mentoring program, Brennan program, Mooting, LSS? How has this experience aided your career/personal development? This year I represented UTS at the 2015 Oxford International Intellectual Property Moot, which is hosted in Oxford each year. It was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had throughout my university career (and not just because the UTS team won a couple of awards). I had the chance to network with people from all around the world, and meet fascinating individuals from numerous legal career paths, including judges, academics, barristers, solicitors and legal historians.

I have also competed in various competitions run by the LSS throughout my time at UTS, including the junior and senior negotiation and the client interviewing competition. All of these experiences have developed my practical knowledge and understanding of the law, and contributed to my legal skill set, which I have no doubt will come in handy throughout my legal career.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? My number one piece of advice would be to do as much as possible. Take any opportunity you are given. I am constantly reminded how genuinely lucky I am to be at an institution like UTS which presents its students with so many fantastic chances to learn and grow, not just as law students… but as people. But it won’t happen unless you put your hand up and get involved.

Find out more about our JD program at our information evening.