Matthew Yee

Which high school did you attend? Sydney Grammar School

Which degree are you studying? What year are you in? 3rd year, Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Information and Media)/Bachelor of Laws

What led you to choose UTS for your studies in Law? I chose UTS for a combination of reasons. Firstly, UTS:Law has a strong reputation for being an extremely ‘hands-on’ faculty. I much preferred this practical approach over, say, a more theoretical methodology like that offered at the University of Sydney. Secondly, I was extremely intrigued with the Information and Media major and what it had to offer.

How have your studies at UTS helped you in finding a career path? Most employers view UTS:Law graduates as practical, hard-working employees. UTS:Law has a strong reputation for producing graduate lawyers in all sectors of top-tier Australian law firms.

Are you working while studying? How do you manage the competing demands of university and work? I currently work as a paralegal at a commercial law firm, and I also teach music on the side. As a law student, it’s very important to have good time management with regards to study and work. Try not to procrastinate too much, always write things down and maintain a calendar. But at the same time, also ensure that you don’t lose track of the bigger picture. Have an amazing social life, meet new people, try new things, travel!

How has your learning experience at UTS prepared you for your career? UTS:Law has provided me with a strong practical framework which I have applied to my professional career. My law degree has taught me the requisite academic knowledge and combined it with a practical understanding of the legal profession.

What sets UTS students apart in your field? As an Information and Media student, I’m finding that the focus of my major is incredibly relevant in today’s digital society. I’m currently learning about emerging digital technologies and the regulation of the media and the Internet, and it is extremely applicable to many important global issues.Once again, I have to reiterate how practical and hands-on UTS really is. As a communications student, I am always in the computer labs designing and creating projects; while as a law student, I am always either trying to get class participation marks in Constitutional Law or in the moot courts participating in legal competitions like mooting and client interviewing.The UTS:Law and Communications faculties also have some outstanding lecturers and academics and it is extremely worthwhile to get to know them. Every single lecturer I have dealt with has always been welcoming and friendly, and happy to provide tips or advice. Many of them are former or practicing professionals themselves, and have worked, or are working at the very top of their respective fields.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? The most rewarding aspect has been my exposure to so many different academic and social disciplines. As a combined law student, I have studied I.T. and web design subjects alongside dispute resolution and constitutional law subjects. In addition, the various legal competition and sporting and club days will always keep you on your toes. 

What sort of work do you hope to be doing after you graduate? Ideally, I would like to continue working in a commercial law setting. Next year I will be applying for legal clerkships with some of Australia’s top-tier law firms.

What is the most useful thing you have learned from your degree so far? Probably time management and the ability to think like a lawyer.

Has anyone in particular at the University had a significant influence on your studies? Definitely! She isn’t a tutor or a lecturer, but she is a life-long friend that I met at UTS and has made a profound difference in my life, both academically and as a person.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? At the end of the day, university is not just about academics and study. It’s about who you meet, what you do and the amazing experiences you have. If you choose UTS:Law, you are almost guaranteed a fantastic legal education. As such, you should try to make the most of your experience by being as well-rounded an individual as possible. If you get in to your course, everyone knows you’re capable. So don’t lock yourself up in your room studying all night long; make sure you try everything that UTS:Law has to offer you – from the pub crawls to contracts moots to the law revues.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at UTS:Law, or the University as a whole? Part of attending university is about meeting the brilliant young thinkers and intellectuals with whom you will be studying for the next five years. These people are the future prime ministers, partners at law firms and academics of our generation. The personal relationships you make with other people will be a central element of your university experience. Make long lasting friendships with everyone, form study groups, talk to your lecturers, join student clubs, contribute to the student newspaper, participate in all the Law Students' Society events (like Law Ball, Law Cruise, Law Revue, pub crawls, and legal competitions), and just get out there and have a blast. The next few years will be the best years of your life, so soak it up!