Antoine Najjarin

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? Firstly, I was adamant on studying a law degree since high school – my exposure to consumer rights and protections in ‘Legal Studies’ was, perhaps, the causative reason. It was an area of law that affected us at a personal level, and made me acutely aware of how close the legal system was in governing our day-to-day relations. After realising the direction I wished to take, the second issue quickly arose: which university? Herein I will consider the reasons for selecting UTS:Law over its sandstone competitors. Upon reflection, there may have been too many reasons, but for the sake of brevity I will address the significantly attractive features. The UTS Law faculty is quite renowned for its practicality in teaching and, thus, the quality of lawyers it often produces. This was a highly desirable quality, as every student considers employment prospects resulting from university study. Enrolling with a well-respected institution was a primary concern, and UTS was more than sufficient in this respect.  Further, UTS was the most generous institution in providing scholarship awards and financial assistance to students. In fact, I was quite privileged in receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Merits Scholarship.

If you are working while you are studying, what does your job involve? I currently work as a research assistant. This, primarily, involves researching cases and statute to assist legal counsel with urgent matters.

How do you balance study and work commitments? By being reasonable and practical with my limitations in, both, time and physical capacity. Every student must recognise their limitations, and undertake commitments accordingly. A stringent deadline assists in pushing oneself to work at full capacity; however, flexibility is also a necessary quality in adapting to challenging circumstances which may require more time than, initially, planned. Efficiency in utilising one’s time and resources is a discipline that develops with constant practice, and a hardened fortitude.

In saying this, I’ll have to reverberate the platitude that every student needs to “work hard and play hard” as it is incredibly essential to a balanced mental and physical lifestyle. Reserving time over the weekend for church services, exercise, family gatherings and friends is important in maintaining steady working commitments during the week. The quality of one’s work is often reflected by the quality of their greater life.  

How have/will your studies at UTS contributed to your career? How have they informed the way you work? Presently, the law faculty’s practical approach to teaching has assisted me in developing an efficient work ethic. This is essential as a research assistant, as I am often faced with an insurmountable number of articles, case law and statute that requires analysis within an allocated period of time. Being able to discern between relevant and irrelevant information at any given moment is an invaluable quality that I accredit UTS with developing. Further, the faculty’s focus on oral participation has positively contributed towards my communication skills in the workplace, as succinctly and accurately conveying ideas between colleagues is an essential attribute for any prospective lawyer.

UTS has, also, assisted me in developing a clearer future career path upon the completion of my studies. Exposure to commercial and international law, as well as the close entwinement of both areas of study is a personal interest of mine. I must accredit the vast array of electives available at UTS for assisting me in determining where my interests arise, as well as facilitating  international study to further realise a potential career path (as I will be studying international human rights law at Oxford University).

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? Initially, I was struggling to prioritise between the following three rewarding aspects: engagement with amazing lecturers; participating in mooting competitions; and the close community developed throughout my degree. However, I realised that each has facilitated underlying personal growth and development.

I remember starting university as quite a shy and inward student. I was crushed by the illusion of never developing into an adept legal advocate, or having the self-confidence to effectively communicate with lecturers and fellow peers. These concerns quickly dissipated. To attest to this, I was recently awarded the best oralist in the grand final of a mooting competition before the honourable Justice Leeming, Keith Mason (former president of the NSW Court of Appeal), and Professor Simone Degeling.

Through its staff, facilities and events, UTS fosters an incredibly constructive environment for personal growth. Developing confidence in my own ability has been, by far, the most rewarding aspect of my degree.

What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? To provide a terse statement of advice, I would suggest that any prospective law student engage with the vast competitions and extra-curricular activities available, as well as actively attempt to constantly challenge their current conceptions and understandings. In saying this, it’s important to never lose sight of your individual perspective which is an invaluable quality for prospective lawyers – especially, in driving law reform.