First in Family: Starting Law Without a Legal Network

Written by: Laura Ashwin

When I first started law school, I often felt like I had been dropped into a world where everyone else already knew the rules. Some of my classmates seemed to speak a language I didn’t understand, casually talking about networking or career paths that I’d never even heard of before. I didn’t come into law with family connections or a readymade network, so for me, everything was new.

That lack of familiarity sometimes made me feel like I was already behind. I would sit in lectures wondering if everyone else knew something I didn’t, or whether I was missing out on opportunities simply because I didn’t know where to look. Being the first in my family to study law meant I didn’t have anyone at home to explain what the profession was really like or to guide me through the unspoken expectations of law school.

But what I’ve learned is that starting without a network doesn’t mean you start without a future. Instead, it means building one for yourself. For me, that meant saying yes to things I might not have felt fully ready for, putting my hand up for volunteering, talking to people at events even when it felt intimidating, and applying for roles that I thought might be a stretch.

One of those “yes” moments changed everything. I applied for a legal assistant role at a law firm, not knowing if I had a chance. To my surprise, I got the position. That experience has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey so far, not only because it gave me practical insight into the profession, but also because it reminded me that you don’t need to know everything before you begin. Sometimes you just need to take the opportunity when it comes and learn along the way.

Being first in family has its challenges, but it has also taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of taking chances. I’ve realised that no one ever feels completely ready, and waiting until you do might mean missing out. Whether it’s applying for a job, joining a student association, or reaching out to a mentor, those small steps add up to something bigger.

If I could tell my first-year self anything, it would be this, you don’t need to have it all figured out, and you certainly don’t need a family network in law to succeed. What matters is your willingness to show up, to keep going even when it feels unfamiliar, and to take every opportunity that comes your way. Because often, the opportunities you least expect end up being the ones that shape you the most.

Law School Beyond the Books: Discipline, Balance, and the Hidden Curriculum

Written by Matusa Logathas

When I started law school, I thought the hardest part would be keeping up with readings, learning cases, and being prepared to get cold-called in class. And yes, that’s part of it. But I’ve realised what no one really talks about in orientation is the hidden curriculum: the things you learn outside the classroom. For me, that has been discipline, balance, and resilience.

Most of these lessons didn’t come from textbooks. They came from 4am alarms, rugby training after a long day, shifts at work, hours working on clubs, volunteering, and the constant feeling of trying to “do it all.” It hasn’t always been neat or easy, but it’s where I’ve grown the most.

The “Do-It-All” Law Student

Law school sometimes makes you feel like you have to do everything at once: study full-time, work part-time, volunteer, network, join societies, play sports, and still have a social life. Somewhere along the way, I fell into that trap and still seem to be stuck in.

On paper, my schedule looked impressive with classes, work, volunteering, rugby, training, early mornings, and late nights. In reality, there were weeks when I felt like I was running on empty. I’d be in lectures but too tired to properly focus, or I’d hand in something that felt rushed because I simply didn’t have enough hours in the day.

Working regular shifts and volunteering has been rewarding, but it has also taught me the importance of knowing my limits. Just because something is a “good opportunity” does not mean it is the right opportunity for that season of life.

What I’ve learned is that balance is not about squeezing everything into your calendar. It is about learning when to pull back, when to say no, and when to prioritise rest. I’ve had to remind myself that law school is not a sprint, it is a marathon. If you try to win every single lap, you burn out before you even reach halfway.

Early Mornings, Big Dreams

My day usually starts at 4:00am or 5:00am, with a morning Pilates class or a run. Some people think that’s ridiculous, and maybe it is, but for me it is one of the few parts of my day that feels completely mine.

Those mornings aren’t really about exercise, they’re about discipline. When I show up for myself that early, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. If I can do the hard thing before sunrise, I can handle readings, assignments, and even the chaos of a long day of work or volunteering, followed by rugby training at night.

There’s also comfort in having a routine. Law school can feel unpredictable. Deadlines sneak up, research gets more complicated the deeper you read, and sometimes everything just hits at once. Starting the day with something consistent keeps me grounded. And while it’s not glamorous (most of the time it’s me half-asleep with coffee or a white monster in hand), it has taught me that consistency matters more than motivation.

The Hidden Curriculum

The most important lessons I’ve learned in law school aren’t in the syllabus. No one teaches you how to manage your energy after a 16-hour day, or how to juggle volunteering and work on top of assignments, or how to bounce back after a disappointing grade. No one marks you on asking for help when you need it, or on finding the confidence to speak up when you feel unsure.

Being a part of the Canadian Law Students Association has shown me this more than anything. First-years often come in worried they’re not “good enough” or that they’re the only ones struggling. But the truth is, everyone struggles. Law school can be isolating if you let it, and the hidden curriculum is about realising that you don’t have to do it alone.

The things that matter: resilience, community, confidence, balance — aren’t written in casebooks, but they’re what make the difference between surviving law school and actually growing through it.

What I’d Tell My First-Year Self

If I could go back to day one, I’d tell myself this: you don’t need to have it all together. You won’t know everything, and that’s okay. Success doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from showing up again and again, even on the days you feel like you can’t.

I’d also remind myself that the 4am alarms will be worth it, that rugby will teach lessons about teamwork and grit just as important as anything you learn in class, and that working and volunteering will shape you in ways no textbook can. The moments you feel overwhelmed don’t mean you’re failing. They mean you’re human.

Most of all, I’d say this: don’t underestimate the hidden curriculum. The discipline you build, the balance you fight for, the resilience you earn, those will matter as much as any doctrine or case you memorise.

Closing Thoughts

Law school will teach you about statutes and case law, but the real growth happens in between the lines. The discipline to keep showing up, the balance to know when to pause, and the resilience to bounce back, that’s the education you don’t find in lecture notes.

So, if you’re feeling like you’re stretched too thin or barely holding it together, you’re not alone. The hidden curriculum is tough, but it’s also the part that shapes you the most. And in the end, it’s what turns you into more than just a law student. It’s what helps you become the kind of lawyer, and person, you actually want to be.

Student Spotlight 2

In Part 2 of our Student Spotlight series, we continue our conversations with award recipients who stood out for their academic achievements. These interviews offer a deeper look into how students approached challenges, built confidence and found balance across their studies and broader pursuits. Whether you’re curious about how others manage competing demands or just want to get to know some of their stories, this instalment rounds out a rich and generous snapshot of excellence at our law school. 

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Student: Charli Broadhurst

Charli received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. She is a second-year law and criminology student and recently won the Griffith Law School Junior Moot Competition!

Q: What motivated you to aim high academically from the start of your law degree?

A: Coming out of high school and going straight into law school led me to aim high

academically, pushing myself to maintain the same results I had become accustomed to.

However, I quickly learned that law school is so different from any other educational path I

had experienced previously. My early grades were not what I was used to, and I began

questioning whether I belonged in this field. Over time, I realised that the start of law school is a massive learning curve. You aren’t just learning content; you learn the language and logic of law itself. As I adjusted and persisted through the demands of my first trimester, my understanding began to broaden, and my academic performance steadily improved.

Q: Are there any extracurricular activities that have helped shape your learning or confidence?

A: Notably, becoming involved in the Griffith University Law Students’ Association (GLSA)

brought me incredible opportunities to make my closest friends and amazing mentors. From

the social side of law, breakfasts and pub crawls held by the GLSA, to becoming involved in

mooting competitions, my learning was shaped by the great minds I surrounded myself with.

I gained practical insight into the pathways a law degree can offer.

Q: Any early lessons you’ve learned about managing stress that you can pass on?

A: In terms of managing stress, I won’t lie; I’m a natural stress-head, and the workload has become overwhelming at times. What helped most was developing a detailed calendar system that balanced university, work, and social life. This structure allowed me to avoid burnout and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I also became disciplined in prioritising my time by task importance and assessment weight, ensuring that I dedicated the right amount of effort to each assignment without overcommitting to less impactful tasks. Law school is hard for a reason, but staying organised, seeking out community and giving yourself the space and grace to learn will allow you to have the best experience.

Student: Tiffany Humble

Tiffany received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, the Fletch Worland Prize for Contracts 2 (achieving the highest grade in Contracts 2) and the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in First Year (for the top 3 highest achieving first year LLB students). She is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Federal Court of Australia in the Pacific Judicial Integrity Program.

Q: As an international student with a background in English and Psychology, what inspired you to study law? 

A: I started my law degree after completing previous degrees in English Literature and

Psychology. My academic background has helped me to develop strong skills in

persuasive writing and academic research. I thought these skills would be highly

transferable to the study and practice of law. Reading long 19th century novels might

seem like an unusual pathway into law, but it taught me how to interpret complex

texts, follow detailed narratives, and critically evaluate competing interpretations,

which are all skills essential to legal analysis.

One of the main reasons I chose to study law was the diversity of career

opportunities it opens up, not only in legal practice, but also in policy development,

government, and advisory roles. I was also motivated by a personal goal to become

a more assertive and confident verbal communicator, particularly in high-pressure or

formal settings. Participating in a variety of moot competitions has helped me make

progress towards this goal.

Q: Do you have any advice for other students aiming to succeed in Contracts?

A: In my experience, to succeed in Contracts, it is crucial to follow the IRAC structure

when answering hypothetical problems. Make sure to state the rules clearly and to

support these with relevant case law (always cite your sources). I think the analysis

section is particularly important, as it’s your chance to demonstrate not only that you

understand the law, but also how it applies to the specific facts and why the legal

outcome follows. I always try to make my writing well-organised, logically

sequenced, and easy for the reader to follow. I’ve learned that what may seem

obvious to the writer is not always clear to the reader, so I take care to spell out each

step of my reasoning to avoid any gaps in logic.

Attending workshops has been especially helpful for developing these skills. I’ve

found the instructors are very helpful for going through practise problems and

demonstrating how to apply the law to different contexts. It’s also a good opportunity

to bring up any questions you have about the lecture content. I keep a list of

questions as I go through the readings and lectures for any concepts that I found

confusing or didn’t quite understand. I make sure to bring these up during the

workshops, and if the instructor isn’t able to answer them then I email the lecturer.

Q: What are you looking forward to in the rest of your degree?

A: Looking ahead, I am excited to continue participating in moot competitions to further

develop my courtroom advocacy skills. I’m also looking forward to applying for

clerkships and gaining practical experience in a range of legal fields to better

understand where I might want to focus my future practice.

Student: Mahesh Rajamohan

Mahesh was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. is a fourth year Law and Business student (m. Accounting) who has been the Treasurer of the Griffith Law Students’ Association for two years running. He has completed an internship at MinterEllison and, most recently, participated in the Vis International Commercial Arbitration moot in April. 

What area of law are you most interested in? Has that changed since you started?

I am most interested in Commercial Law, Family Law and Litigation more broadly. Yes, it certainly has. At the beginning, I had no idea about the different types of law, apart from the label 'Corporate Law'. With a deeper understanding now, I recognise the differences between areas like Contract Law and Property Law, or Corporations Law and Consumer Law.

Congratulations on participating in the 2025 Vis International Moot in Vienna. How has it shaped your experience at Griffith Law School?

It was a transformational journey which has converted my theoretical understanding into practical experience. I learned how to become a true legal advocate. I became more disciplined in the art of language, using words in various ways to engineer creative, logical arguments. I created a sense of team spirit which will always remain with me.

What advice would you give to your first year self?

I would tell First-Year me to slow down and take a proper break in Trimester 3 of that first year. My failure to do so made me enjoy my second year less and postpone my participation in competitions. The acceleration also made a negligible impact on when I would graduate, so I would thoroughly emphasise that I should take more decent break. Additionally, I would tell myself to stop stressing. In the past 4 years, stress only ever fed my procrastination. After overcoming it, I wish I knew this sooner. I regret not enjoying my university life more, especially since this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: early adult university. I would also recommend going to the gym - it is a huge confidence booster!

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Each of these students has carved their own way through the challenges and opportunities of law school. We’re grateful to them for sharing their strategies and stories. Whether you’re in your first year or final year, I hope these insights stay with you as a reminder that success is right around the corner.

10 Non-Legal Career Options for Law Graduates

By Paige Jayden Levesque 

Graduating with a law degree doesn’t mean you have to become a practising lawyer. In fact, many law graduates discover their passions lie outside ‘traditional’ legal practice and the great news is, the skills gained from legal study are highly transferable. Whether it’s critical thinking, communication, research, or risk analysis, these abilities are in demand across a wide range of industries.

So if you’re a law student feeling unsure about pursuing a career as a solicitor or barrister, don’t give up! There are so many career opportunities available to legal graduates. Here are 10 exciting and viable non-legal career options that law graduates can confidently explore.

1. Policy Advisor or Public Policy Analyst

If you’re interested in shaping the laws rather than just interpreting them, working in public policy may be your calling. Policy roles exist in government departments, NGOs, and international organisations. You’ll use your legal research skills to analyse legislation, draft submissions, and help develop new laws or reform existing ones.

Why it fits law grads: Law graduates are well prepared to interpret complex legal systems, balance competing public interests, assess impacts of legislation and write persuasively.

2. Management Consultant

Consulting firms often hire law graduates for their analytical abilities, structured thinking, and client communication skills. As a management consultant, you’ll work on solving high-level business problems, optimising operations, or improving organisational strategy.

Why it fits law grads: As a law student you’re trained to dissect complex issues, manage client expectations, and deliver logical, evidence-based advice.

3. Compliance and Risk Officer

Companies in regulated industries (like finance, health, and energy) need professionals who understand the law. Compliance officers help organisations stay within legal and ethical boundaries, while risk managers identify and manage threats to the business.

Why it fits law grads: Law graduates have crucial knowledge in regulation, governance, and due diligence. They also have an understanding of how to analyze and advise clients on risk vs reward decisions, which makes them a natural fit for these roles.

4. Human Resources or Industrial Relations

HR involves more than payroll and onboarding. It’s also about navigating employment law, managing disputes, negotiating enterprise agreements, and ensuring workplace compliance. Many law grads find satisfaction in working closely with people while using their legal knowledge to balance the interests of employers and employees.

Why it fits law grads: Understanding contracts, employee rights, and employer obligations is core to navigating employment law and HR.

5. Legal Publishing or Editing

Publishing houses, legal databases (like LexisNexis or Westlaw), and education providers need people who can write, edit, and review legal content. This can include summarising cases, updating legal commentary, or developing training resources.

Why it fits law grads: You know the language of law and can explain it clearly, both these skills are crucial in publishing and communication.

6. Journalist or Legal Correspondent

Whether it’s political commentary, investigative journalism, or podcasting, media outlets need people who can research thoroughly, write clearly, and explain complex issues to the public. Law graduates with a passion for writing often thrive in journalism, especially in areas that intersect with politics, justice, or human rights.

Why it fits law grads: Legal education trains you to critically evaluate facts, build narratives, and make compelling arguments. Additionally, law school refines your writing skills by helping students to write efficiently and for the understanding of clients (or the general public).

7. Entrepreneur / Start-Up Founder

Many successful entrepreneurs have legal backgrounds. Whether it’s launching a tech product, a social enterprise, or a consultancy, your legal knowledge can help you navigate contracts, protect IP, and understand regulation while you build your vision.

Why it fits law grads: As a law graduate you are equipped with public speaking and writing skills and have learned how to work with others, and how to take charge and complete tasks on your own. You’re resilient, logical, and detail-oriented; these are all traits that every founder needs.

8. Academia or Teaching (Non-Legal)

If you enjoy writing and research, you might pursue further study in fields like politics, philosophy, business, or education. Or you could explore high school teaching in social studies, civics, or history through a postgraduate teaching qualification.

Why it fits law grads: Your ability to simplify and communicate complex ideas makes you an engaging educator or academic. As a recent law graduate, you have first-hand experience learning various complex topics and may have great ideas on how to adapt the education experience for students so diverse needs are accommodated.

9. Legal Tech or Product Management

As the legal world embraces automation and AI, law graduates are increasingly working with legal tech companies. Roles in product development, project management, technology design, or incorporating advanced technology into workplaces allows you to help build tools that reshape how law is practised and accessed.

Why it fits law grads: You understand the value of technological resources in increasing the efficiency of lawyers and businesses alike. Moreover, legal graduates have skills to navigate this rapidly developing industry and the legal hurdles that may arise such as privacy and IP law.

10. Corporate Strategy or Operations

In-house roles at large companies often need employees who can think strategically, understand contracts, manage compliance, and communicate cross-functionally. These aren’t legal roles, but your background offers a competitive edge in risk-informed decision-making.

Why it fits law grads: Legal training prepares you to approach business challenges with logic, structure, and foresight. Moreover, law school has prepared you to lead discussions, draft documents and juggle various responsibilities efficiently.

Law isn’t a one-way street to becoming a barrister or solicitor. In fact, a law degree can be one of the most versatile qualifications, don’t limit yourself by not exploring your options and interests. With curiosity, creativity, and confidence, your legal background can support a fulfilling career outside of legal practice.

Click the link below for more non-legal career opportunities for legal grads!

Student Spotlight 1

Each year, our law school community recognises students who have achieved outstanding academic success. In this two-part Student Spotlight series, we speak with some of the award recipients to learn more about the people behind the prizes. From study techniques and course highlights to personal motivations and career goals, these students generously share their experiences and advice. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, connection or practical tips, this is a chance to celebrate your peers and also see yourself in their journeys!

Student: Amy Hamilton-Jones

Amy received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence and was recognised as one of the five highest performing Juris Doctor students for 2024. She previously completed a Bachelor of Arts with an Anthropology major at The University of Melbourne. Recently, Amy has started a new position as a Winter Clerk at Clayton Utz!

Q: Any particular study tips for others?

A: Succeeding in law school is really about having a multitude of little habits that keep you on track. Having strategies to help me focus, like pomodoro timers and study music, is always beneficial. I also commit to attending all of my classes, regardless of how busy the trimester gets. Most importantly, I would recommend creating and sticking to a consistent study routine. And you want to make sure it is tailored to you. As I’m a morning person, I will always get to the library early and do my most demanding tasks first thing. Having a routine in place means that study stops being a choice that requires your will power. Instead, you simply show up each day out of habit and get it done. Finally, taking time to rest and avoiding burnout will benefit your study in the long-term! No matter how many assignments I have due, I will never do an all-nighter or study through the whole weekend.
Q: As a recent clerk at Hamilton Locke and Clayton Utz, do you have any advice for students for clerkship applications?

A: For clerkship applications, I would recommend putting the most emphasis on what makes you stand out as an individual. Everyone applying will have a strong academic record. Rather than simply focusing on your grades, you should discuss the things that make you different from other applicants. For example, within my clerkship interviews, I had a lot of questions about my previous degree in anthropology and experience as an editor at the Young Diplomat Society. The clerkship application process is so competitive and having small things that make you memorable will go a long way.

Q: How have you balanced your extracurricular activities with your study?

A: Balancing work, study and extracurriculars is definitely one of the hardest parts of law school! Having a system for staying organised does help a lot though. I use Notion to plan out my week in advance and to create weekly and daily to do lists. That way I can visually see everything that I have on. This also allows me to allocate specific time slots to working on extracurriculars, like my editing and law society commitments, rather than just getting caught up in study. 

Student: Lily Puffett

Lily was a proud recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. She is a third year Bachelor of Laws student and is currently interning at RedeMont in their Dispute Resolution team. 

Q: What skills or knowledge have you found most useful during your studies so far?

A: Some of the most useful pieces of information I have learnt so far through my studies

is being comfortable with the process of learning and that it is okay to not have

everything figured out. One of the most challenging aspects of a law degree is the sheer volume of information we have to grapple with. It is not uncommon to finish a subject with 200 pages of notes and understanding this information for an assignment or before an

exam can feel like an impossible task. Learning is not a comfortable process and what I believe makes a great law student is their ability to manage stress during times of intense study. It takes resilience, dedication and confidence to continue on a path which is inherently uncomfortable. But this in my opinion is what makes a law degree so useful. No challenge is too great, for we’ve been taught to build steps when faced with the steepest of paths.

Q: Why did you choose to study law?

A: The reason why I chose to study law was not necessarily because I knew I wanted to

become a lawyer but because I enjoyed communication and writing. As much as

people will tell you how important it is to have a career goal in mind, I view this

process as a journey. Being open to new experiences and trusting your gut allows

you to become your own guiding light. Regardless, if the news as of late is telling us anything, undertaking a law degree is a step in the right direction. Knowing your rights, the rights of those around you and how to communicate with them is extremely useful for so many aspects of life.

Q: Any advice for other students hoping to gain internships or legal experience?

Some advice I can offer for those seeking to gain internship experience is to take the

time to understand the firm. Making sure the firm aligns with your values and

promotes a positive culture is extremely important to help you build strong

professional connections. Legal experience allows you to get a clearer picture as to what is involved in practicing a certain area of law. How an area of law is taught in university is often very different to how it is applied in practice. Hence, don’t be disheartened if your experience is different to what you expected. All experience is good experience and allows you to narrow in on what you’re truly interested in. Good luck and happy studying!

Student: Jordan Garrett

Jordan received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Voiceless Animal Law Prize (awarded to the top performing student in Animal Law). She is a final year Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology student, and has recently taken a position as a Legal and Administrative Clerk at McTaggart Grant Lawyers after completing her internship. 

Q: What advice would you give to other students who want to excel in their studies?

A: After nearly six years of university studies, there are a few things I wish I had realised earlier. First, more study hours do not necessarily equal better grades. I used to study every single day, rarely giving myself time off. However, everything changed after my back operation which allowed me to enjoy life like I was not able to before. I thought investing less time on study would come at a cost, but rather than hindering my grades, it in fact did the opposite. Since then, I have consistently achieved High Distinctions, and more importantly, I am more satisfied and fulfilled in life. So, I guess my main takeaway from this advice is your studies are an important aspect of your life, but they should not be your life. It just goes to show that balance really is the key.

Another lesson I have learned is the importance of recognising how you respond to stress. Don’t get me wrong, stress is part of life. But over time, I realised that much of what I felt was driven by my own reactions. Simply put – stressing won’t write your paper. It only makes it harder to focus when you're working, and even harder to switch off when you’re not. I know it’s easier said than done and I am still working on it too, but if you’re actively taking steps toward your goals, you just need to trust the process and it will all gradually fall into place.

I will leave you with a couple of my favourite quotes which sat on my desk to motivate me throughout my studies:

1. You wouldn’t plant a seed and then dig it up every few minutes to see if it has grown. So why do you keep questioning yourself, your hard work and your decisions?

2. The key to transformation: don’t attach your self-worth to your results. Attach it to your effort.

Q: What did you enjoy most about studying Animal Law, a niche law elective? Would you recommend it to others? 

A: What I enjoyed most about studying Animal Law was how refreshingly different it was from the compulsory core law courses we are required to take. It felt like stepping into a whole different realm – one that challenges traditional legal thinking and brings in broader ethical and regulatory issues. Having had pets my whole life, I had an interest in animal welfare, but had no idea there was such a specialised area of law dedicated to it. That curiosity led me to enrol, and I found the subject both eye-opening and engaging. I would definitely recommend it to others who are looking for a unique and thought-provoking elective outside the usual scope of their studies. 

Q: As a final year student, what has been your favourite experience in law school so far?

A: Honestly, there is not so much a favourite experience as such like a specific event or course of study, but it is the friendships I have been fortunate enough to make along the way. University friends understand you like no other friends do, and the bond is truly a special one. Some of my best friends I have met through Griffith, and that would no doubt be one of the things I will cherish the most from law school.

These stories remind us that there is no single path to success! From different goals and approaches, each student spotlighted here has offered something valuable to take away. Hopefully you now have a practical study habit, a mindset shift or simply a name that you can recognise on LinkedIn. I hope you have found inspiration and connection nonetheless! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll share even more insights. 

Tackling the Trimester

Welcome to TRIMESTER 2 2025 — and TO THE FIRST POST OF THE NEW blog run by the Griffith LSA!

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Welcome to Trimester 2, 2025!

Whether you are fresh from the break or feel like you didn’t even get one, we’re so glad to have you back for another trimester of law school life. This post is your go-to guide for starting strong! It is packed with key dates, study tips and support from your GLSA to help you tackle the weeks ahead.

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1. Key Academic Dates

Save these in your calendar now:

• Last date to add a course: 27 July 2025

• Open enrolment for Trimester 3: 4 August 2025

• Last date to drop a course for Trimester 2 (without fees): 11 August 2025

• Mid-trimester break: 11 - 17 August 2025

• Public holiday: 29 August 2025

• Last date to drop a course without academic failure: 14 September 2025

• Trimester 2 final exam timetable published: 19 September 2025

• Public holiday: 9 October 2025

• Trimester 2 exam period: 16 - 25 October 2025

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2. Four Smart Strategies

Start with Structure

The foundation of a successful trimester is having a clear structure in place. Begin by blocking out your class times, assignment deadlines and the exam period. I love using my Google Calendar as it is accessible on my laptop and phone at all times. However, whether you prefer a paper planner or a digital calendar, find a system that works for you and stick to it! Aim for consistency in your weekly routine. Creating the calendar now takes away the later stress and makes everything else easier to manage later on.

Take Advantage of What’s On Offer

There are plenty of resources designed to support you, so make the most of them. Borrow your textbooks through the GLSA to save money and stress. Come along to our social and wellbeing events to build friendships and take a break from studying. If you’re looking for academic support or accountability, consider joining or starting a study group. And, most importantly, ask for help early! 

Study Smart, Not Hard

Effective study is not about putting in endless hours! Most law students do not have the time to dedicate to hours of revision due to personal commitments outside of university. Practice problem questions regularly to build your skills and confidence. Summarise notes in your own words to deepen your understanding and memory. Make use of active recall to study more efficiently and retain information long-term.

Make It Sustainable

Success in law school doesn’t mean sacrificing your health. Schedule real breaks into your week to boost your productivity! Learn to say no to burnout culture and avoid the glorification of all-nighters or overwork. Protecting your mental health is essential to long-term success, both in law school and beyond.

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3. How the LSA Can Help

We’ve got a heap of things coming your way this trimester:

• Textbook Program: Save money and stress by borrowing a textbook from the GLSA! Simply visit the stock list on the website and email education@griffithlsa.org.au to place a hold.

• Student Spotlight: Keep an eye out for a future blog post involving tips and tricks from high-achieving students.

• Zen Den: Our curated Zen Den is a personal sanctuary designed for neurodiverse students. It offers alternative lighting, a sound machine, bean bags and a variety of fidget toys. It is available on the website by booking only.

The start of the trimester can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mia Camerson, our Education VP, via email at: education@griffithlsa.org.au 

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