In 2010, twenty CDU law students took part in CDU’s clinical program. In 2011, twenty four students will take part in the program…
These are their stories.
2011 Clinical Students
Name: Mr Daniels Obiokolie
From: Sydney, NSW
Studying: BLAWS (3rd Year Student)
What was your experience of CDU’s Legal Clinic?
“As an external student without practical experinece in the law prior to the placement, my participation in the placement at HRLCS was quite exposing and interesting. Having completed studies in Family law and Dispute Resolution beforehand, the placement was both a confirmation and an elucidation of what these areas of law entail. HRLCS is well suited for the type of exposure that any law student will require. The fact that they are located in the boundary between two states that have great legal history, the friendly disposition of the staff, who are always willing to assist, and the diversity of legal areas covered, make HRLCS one of a kind.
I am indeed grateful to all those who made this placement possible and will encourage every law student in CDU to have a feel of it. Great idea!”
2010 Clinical Students
Name: Ms Lusitania Dacosta C. Lopes
From: Darwin, NT
Studying: BLAWS (3rd Year Student)
What was your experience of CDU’s Legal Clinic?
“Attending the placement at Hume Riverina Community Legal Service was the best time ever in my entire study of law at Charles Darwin University. It was a big challenge for me just to go out there alone to unknown places and experience the real world of lawyers and to work with them on how they apply the law into practice. I learnt that experiences with the real people are the best lesson ever - it is when you listen to their problems and help the people guide their way ahead that you feel the goodness of helping others. The placement also improves our lawyering skills - these attributes will be essential for us in the future. Personally, the future looks clearer now after undertaking the placement. Thankyou CDU for the opportunity, it was an experience i will never forget”.
Name: Mr David Fryer
From: Adelaide, SA
Studying: BLAWS (3rd Year Student)
What was your experience of the CDU’s Legal Clinic?
“Taking part in CDU’s clinical program at the HRCLS has, by far, been the most fulfilling aspect of my studies to date, and the experience surpassed any expectation I had prior to commencing. The HRCLS was an extremely inviting and welcoming environment. During my tenure, I was able to develop and foster positive working relationships with colleagues and clients alike. The staff embraced their roles as mentors and ensured I was included, and gained exposure in, all elements of legal practice within a busy working environment. My attention to detail and a better understanding of the variety of legal issues faced by members of the community are skills I was pleased to further develop through my experience. The clinical program provided an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into the ‘real world’ of being a lawyer. It is a program I would recommend to any law student and is an experience I will draw upon for some time to come”.
Name: Ms Tamara Spence (pioneering clinical student)
From: Cobar, NSW
Studying: BLAWS (4th Year Student)
What was your experience of the CDU’s Legal Clinic?
“I was amongst the first group of clinical students in 2010 – as such we were the guinea pigs! The staff at the HRCLS were fantastic and made us feel comfortable. We were challenged and given exposure to client’s but never felt like we were in too deep. There was constant consultation with the solicitors and the whole experience gave me a unique opportunity to see what it would be like to embark on a legal career. I had not envisaged practicing law, but this gave me the confidence and the inkling that maybe I could do it if I wanted too. I highly recommend this experience to all law students”.
Name: Ms Rhiannon Noble
From: Melborne, VIC
Studying: BLAWS (4th Year Student)
What was your experience of CDU’s Legal Clinic?
“My experience at the HRCLS was a rewarding one. The staff and volunteer lawyers were always more than happy to help with any questions I had and took the time to make sure I felt comfortable and welcome and that my learning experiences were varied and extensive. The internship offered external students the opportunity to adopt a more hands on role to learning. It took the laws we were learning in class and turned them into real life experiences. The HRCLS was an invaluable experience and one I am very thankful to CDU for having had.
