Joseph Watson

Which degree are you studying? Juris Doctor

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your postgraduate studies? I chose UTS:Law because of the positive feedback I had received from friends who had begun their law studies at UTS. Having already completed an arts degree majoring in History and with minors in Philosophy and Spanish, I understood the importance of having teaching staff who foster a learning environment of the highest standards. Through the numerous awards received by UTS for its excellence in teaching I knew that I would get the best here.

Are you both studying and working? How do you balance study and work commitments? In first semester I was privileged to be offered a role as a member of the U:PASS team. During that semester I spent several hours a week preparing and running sessions on Criminal Law for other students. I am currently working at a university residential college and am heavily involved there in the personal development of all of the students living there, as well as managing the day to day needs and activities of the college. This takes up basically all my other working time but is a great way to have input into the personal and professional development of students.

How have your studies at UTS contributed to your career? How have they informed the way you work? My studies at UTS have brought me a professional focus which I was unable to discover in myself beforehand. The opportunities for extracurricular activities related to my studies are never-ending and are a great way to develop an educated perspective on the legal profession and develop a network of contacts.

What sets UTS students and graduates apart in your field? I really think that the availability of the staff is second to none. This means that anyone can get real feedback and input on their work and where they need to improve. This is a real boost for anyone striving to improve in their quality of work and means students can continually increase the quality of their work throughout their degree. This creates an environment where students can work and not only learn about the law, but can develop and improve as students, and ultimately professionals, throughout their degree.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? Besides having hard work recognised, which is something amazingly satisfying, the most rewarding aspect is developing a network of friends with whom you don’t compete, but work together to each achieve your best. This is not only a great way of developing business skills but creates personal and professional connections which last into the future.

What is the most useful or important thing you’ve learned from your studies at UTS so far? The most useful thing I’ve learnt has definitely been the importance of critical thinking, as well as the tools to be able to do it. Each subject and aspect of study has been challenging and has required intellectual engagement. While this has been really challenging at times, it has pushed me to engage with difficult concepts and ideas and to understand them at a fundamental level.

Has anyone in particular at the University had a significant influence on your studies? While I could name several different people here, and I really do an injustice by naming only one, I would say that Geoff Moore has definitely had an impact. His ability to synthesise information and convey ideas and his serious and professional attitude to his teaching and the subject area of Property Law set a high standard for students to live up to and really helped me to take a professional attitude to my studies.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? Meet people and don’t be afraid to approach your tutors and lecturers. People are your greatest resource and they will be an invaluable source of ideas, advice and encourage (or even constructive criticism where it’s needed!).

Do you intend to maintain a relationship with or continue your involvement with UTS after graduating? If I were to pursue any postgraduate study I would do it at UTS. I would also really like to stay in contact with a good number of my teachers.

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