31/10/2011. This article was originally published in the Australasian Law Teachers Association newsletter. The Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) is the peak national body representing law students, and Law Student Societies (LSSs) across Australia.
Many law students aspire to working in big shiny buildings in their capital cities with high paying salaries. However, increasingly students are breaking this trend‘ becoming aware of the excellent career opportunities that exist outside of this realm and pursuing alternatives. Irregardless of the path graduates will take ALSA recognises the processes involved to progress into these graduate pathways are lashed with a variety of issues.
ALSA focuses on balancing and addressing the competing interests of the various law students across each state and territory, the developments in law schools, government policy and social implications of studying law. With such a cross section of issues that arise therein, the education focus for 2011/2012 will work in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders in the legal education sector to address the following priorities:
- Higher educational issues inclusive of base funding to law degrees and access for students;
- The welfare and wellbeing of students;
- Learning and teaching methods used within law schools, and innovation in the curriculum;
- Social justice initiatives within law student societies available to law students;
- Incorporating rural, regional and remote practice into the legal curriculum.
Through various projects, advocacy and representation for students, ALSA recognises these key issues require the attention of the government and education community. ALSA produces a voice for law students on these issues. Over the pending months ALSA will be developing strategies to address these key issues primarily through the education working parties (Higher Education, Curriculum Review, Depression and Mental Health and Social Justice).
ALSA invites you to follow the Vice President (Education) on Twitter for regular updates on @ALSAvpe.
Aimee Riley
Vice President (Education)
Australian Law Students’ Association 2011-2012
ALSA acts as a lobbyist for Australian law student interests by writing submissions to government bodies and maintaining relationships with relevant legal bodies.
In July ALSA elected a new Executive and Committee, who lead the organisation with individual LSSs across Australia in order to establish its policy and strategies to best represent Australian law students. For more information please visit our website.
