Paolo Mezzatesta
Studying law at UTS is a rewarding & enriching experience. It's a constant challenge but one with a...
What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? I decided on UTS law because the JD program structure and evening classes provided the most flexibility. It allowed me to get to classes after work and even provided priority classes for post graduate students.
If you are working while you are studying, what does your job involve? I am employed in Federal Government as a Ministerial submissions writer in a sensitive area of humanitarian law. Studying courses like Human Rights Law and Admin Law have given me a new and more nuanced perspective on the work I do and informs my research and recommendations.
How do you balance study and work commitments? UTS actually made it quite simple to balance work and study by scheduling classes outside of normal working hours and providing a large number of units in ‘off-campus’ mode. The combination of those factors gave me the freedom to study full-time (including summers) without compromising my work hours or causing me to fall behind in assessable tasks.
How have/will your studies at UTS contributed to your career? How have they informed the way you work? My degree has opened up quite a few doors in the Federal Government department in which I work. On a broad level my exposure to case law and statute has really assisted me to competently interact with and appreciate the administrative law I deal with in my daily tasks (for instance how review bodies operate, natural justice and procedural fairness). Additionally, the core capabilities I’ve picked up along the way, such as deeper critical thinking and managing my time have improved my ability to ask the right questions and work towards workable solutions in every aspect of my career.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? The most rewarding aspect of the JD program was getting a chance to dip my toes into the advocacy role. Even though it is not a career I envisage myself pursuing, the advocacy unit opened my eyes to how exciting a law career can be if you wish to take that path. It was an excellent environment with the appropriate guidance to try something new and to discover a talent I didn’t realise I had.
What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? Studying law at UTS is a rewarding and enriching experience. It is a constant challenge but one with a resounding sense of deep accomplishment at its end. I would say to anyone thinking about Law, think outside the box and study at UTS. The location is central, the staff is accessible and interested in your questions and concerns and the atmosphere is never intimidating or limiting.
Find out more about our JD program at our information evening.
