Lloyd Wood

Are you working while studying?  What does your job involve? Is it related to your degree? Yes, I am currently working as a paralegal at Gilbert + Tobin lawyers, after completing a summer clerkship with the firm over the summer of 2014/2015. I am situated in the Corporate Advisory team and specifically working with lawyers who specialise in equity capital markets. The job encompasses a range of tasks, including preparation of behind-the-scenes document work but also opportunities to be involved in client meetings, completion meetings and client networking events. I’m studying a combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business (majoring in Finance), so both elements of my studies relate to the general area of work I am involved in.

How do you manage the competing demands of university and work? Outside the 12 or so hours of face-to-face contact in classes / lectures, I have found you don’t really need all that remaining time to study, and chances are you won’t be using it for study anyway. If you restrict your time through other beneficial pursuits, you can begin to study more efficiently. Further, the theoretical concepts you are taught at university are complemented by the practicality of applying it while working, if you are in your chosen industry. If not, juggling the competing demands of both will set a good work ethic that is applicable to any industry and certainly looked at favourably by any future employer.

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? I was drawn to undertake my law degree at UTS as it was recognised from people I had spoken to that the degree here was taught in a very practical manner. I also appreciated the proximity of the university to the centre of the city and the flexibility to choose your timetable across a range of time slots, including night classes. These elements were particularly important when balancing work commitments with university classes.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? The friendships you make during your degree are invaluable, as they develop into career networks once you graduate. You’re likely to start with a cohort of students and continue each year with that same cohort if all goes to plan, and while some may disappear along the way, those you end up with at the finish line will be a group of like-minded, driven students, who you will no doubt have contact with in whatever industry you pursue for years to come.

Where would you like your double degree to take your career? Primarily I intend to stay in commercial law as that is where I am now and I have the opportunity to receive excellent legal training and develop a career with the firm I am at. However, having a Business degree alongside my Law degree is an excellent complement and may also allow an easier transition into industries such as investment banking or in-house legal in major corporate entities.

Are you involved in extra-curricular activities such as the Mentoring program, Brennan program, Mooting, LSS? How has this experience aided your career/personal development? As a final year student now, I have had the privilege of being engaged in almost all extra-curricular activities offered within the UTS Faculty of Law. This has included participation in all legal competitions, Peer Mentoring, the Brennan Program and most notably, the UTS Law Students’ Society, where I served several positions on Council, including as President. These experiences have been the defining aspects of my time at UTS and played hugely significant roles in both career and personal development, whether through the practical skills of competitions or the development of a professional network through various mentoring programs. Choosing to involve myself in everything on offer has made my university experience a memorable one. Your own experience is in your hands – get involved, meet new people and challenge yourself. You won’t regret it.