Katherine Sharah

Which high school did you attend? Brigidine College, Randwick

Which degree are you studying? What year are you in? 4th year, Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Social Inquiry)/Bachelor of Laws

What led you to choose UTS for your studies in Law? I chose to study Law at UTS because I liked the structure of the course. I was also able to combine Law with the Social Inquiry major in which I was also very interested, as it would allow me to investigate issues facing society, develop my research skills, and undertake an internship in a government or non-government department.

What influenced your decision? At the UTS Open Day I met two students who were close to completing their Law/Social Inquiry degrees. Their passion for the course, combined with their explanation of their experiences and the practicality of the degree, influenced my decision to study Law/Social Inquiry at UTS.

How have your studies at UTS helped you in finding a career path? The Law degree exposes you to a broad range of subjects. It gives you a reasonable understanding of the different types of law, which in turn helps you decide whether you would want to pursue a career in those areas. I have found each subject interesting, however I really enjoyed Criminal Law, Family Law, Contracts, Equity and Trusts and Real Property. In that sense I have narrowed down the areas in which I would like to further my experience.

Are you working while studying? I am lucky that I haven’t had to work while I’ve been studying, which has allowed me to focus entirely on my studies.

How has your learning experience at UTS prepared you for your career? The UTS:Law and Communications subjects have prepared me for my career in many ways as they have provided me with skills that employers are looking for. I’ve learnt to write clearly and concisely, to think analytically and to question and be critical of matters I read and hear. I have developed strong research skills and improved my time management and organisation skills. The assignments have furthered my ability to be able to work independently and also experience what it is like to work in a group in terms of leading and participating as a team member.

What sets UTS students apart in your field? UTS:Law students are set apart from other law students because of the practical nature of the course. UTS also acknowledges and rewards students for their academic achievements through initiatives such as the High Achievers Mentoring Program, which partners high achievers with experienced legal professionals. I was chosen for the program and was mentored by Michael Sexton QC, the Solicitor General of NSW. The program gave me an insight into the practical workings of the law in the Government.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? The most rewarding aspect of my degree is that I am gaining legal knowledge and skills which I will be able to apply in many situations to help people resolve their legal issues.

What sort of work do you hope to be doing after you graduate? When I graduate I would either like to work as a solicitor, or use my legal knowledge and social research skills to develop policies or research issues which may influence public policy.

What is the most useful thing you have learned from your degree so far? The most useful thing I have learnt from my degree so far is the importance of writing in plain English.

Has anyone in particular at the University had a significant influence on your studies? All of the lecturers have influenced my studies in different ways and imbued me with a variety of skills – from the completion of essays and problem questions; to tips on how to study for exams, read cases and legislations; to understanding the importance of thorough research and referencing.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? Law is a demanding course, but when you invest your time and effort it is very rewarding and enjoyable because you see the application of the content that you learn in every aspect of society. UTS has very experienced, enthusiastic and approachable law lecturers who impart their knowledge and encourage you to ask questions and think about the law. If you are interested in learning about how the legal system of our society operates, and want to embrace the challenge of contributing to that system, you will enjoy studying Law at UTS. UTS provides the option of combining your law degree with other faculty degrees. I have found that the Communications Social Inquiry major complements the Law degree. Together they foster an understanding of society’s contemporary issues, while giving the student the necessary tools to assess these issues from a legal perspective. If you are interested in the humanities subjects such as Modern History, Geography or Studies of Religion, the Social Inquiry/Law combination is a good option to consider.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at UTS:Law, or the University as a whole? I have really enjoyed my experience at UTS. The University has a friendly atmosphere, and is close to public transport, shopping centres and the courts if you want to watch a proceeding in your spare time.