Nicholas Bentley
UTS as an institution was down to earth and friendly. There is no ivory tower attitude and everyone...
What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? After attending the UTS Open Day I knew I had found the right university for me. Though I had no idea what courses I was interested in, UTS as an institution was down to earth and friendly. There is no ivory tower attitude and everyone you meet is unique and interesting. Ultimately, I ended up choosing law after meeting several of the older UTS law students. They were not only intelligent and engaging, but were genuinely interesting, well rounded people. For me it is the people at UTS who make it the unique and engaging place that it is.
The ability to just study law, or to combine it with another degree, also attracted me to UTS. Despite the fact that I eventually combined my legal studies with a business degree, it was apparent that everything at UTS was flexible. In my first year I was able to receive a sports scholarship that allowed me to manage strenuous sporting commitments with my study goals. It was all these factors combined that led me to choose UTS.
If you are working while you are studying, what does your job involve? During the first few years of my degree I was lucky enough to work in a small solicitor office. After undertaking a summer law clerkship in my fourth year I worked at a law firm as a clerk while completing my final year of core subjects. This year I am working as a Tipstaff in the Supreme Court of NSW while completing my research honours thesis.
As a law clerk in a large law firm you gain an understanding of how the concepts and notions taught in law school are applied in practice. I worked in a litigation and dispute resolution team, which required me to undertake lots of legal research, document proofing and court attendance. There were some days where I would be taking notes in the Federal Court during a hearing, and would then be sitting in class that very evening. This mix of practical and theoretical learning was a great experience that I will always value and which only UTS could easily provide, since it is located just outside the Sydney CBD.
This year while writing my thesis I am working full time for a Supreme Court Judge. As a Tipstaff I assist the judge in court and in chambers. The role involves continuous legal research, judgment editing, and liaising between the Court registry and parties involved in proceedings.
How do you balance study and work commitments? Fortunately for me, at UTS you are able to pick your subjects for the entire upcoming year, while also being able to create your class timetable so that you can plan ahead to fit study in with your workdays and other commitments.
UTS supports its law students early on through the Law Peer Mentoring Program, run jointly by the Faculty and the UTS Law Students’ Society. Through this program older students give study and social advice to first years so that students can gain an understanding of the demands and requirements of law school. Getting this guidance early on was critical for me in learning how to balance my work and study commitments.
I feel very lucky to be able to work full time while writing my thesis. The Law Honours Program is very flexible and doesn’t require you to attend any set classes during the semester. I am able to visit my research supervisor after work hours, fitting in with my work schedule and extracurricular commitments.
How have/will your studies at UTS contributed to your career? How have they informed the way you work? UTS: Law is renowned for its practicality. In class you do not just learn what the law is, but you also gain an understanding of how to apply the law to scenarios and issues that occur in our everyday society. At both my law firm, and as a Tipstaff, I have been able to continuously apply what I have learnt at university to my work. Indeed, both my former and current employers have commented on how UTS students seem to require less on the job training, as they leave law school ready to face real world legal problems.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? The most rewarding aspect has been the social and career building activities offered by UTS. As a UTS law student I was able to compete in university and intervarsity negotiation, client interviewing, mooting and witness examination law competitions throughout my studies. I was also able to give back to the UTS student body as a competition director and Vice President of the UTS Law Students’ Society, while also serving as President of the University Union in my 5th year. All of these ‘outside of the classroom’ experiences really complemented my learning, allowing me to develop as an individual as I prepared to commence my future legal career.
What would your advice be for someone who is looking at studying Law at UTS? If you want to enjoy your university experience while knowing that you are giving yourself the best possible chance for a successful future career, then UTS:Law is for you. I would suggest that you attend the open days and law info events offered by the University and the Law Faculty. Talk to the law students and the academics and discover what wonderful opportunities await you as a UTS Law student.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at UTS:Law, or the University as a whole? I know that I will reflect on my years at UTS as some of the most enjoyable. Everyone at UTS is given the ability to do so much more than simply attend classes. It is these opportunities that allow you make your university experience extremely unique and rewarding. As a UTS Law student you are able to discover what interests you, both in and outside of the law. By UTS fostering your interests and desires, it makes learning and working all the more enjoyable.\
