Over 500 law students from around Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the United Kingdom will descend upon the University of New South Wales, Sydney, today for the 33rd annual Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) Clayton Utz Conference.
President of ALSA, Matthew Floro, said, “The ALSA 2011 Conference is the largest law student event in Australia and one of the largest student-run conferences annually, attracting the best law students not only from Australia but from around the region.”
Over seven days, delegates will participate in legal competition championships, speakers’ forums, ALSA Council meetings, and social events. This year’s Conference is sponsored by leading Australasian law firm Clayton Utz for the second consecutive year.
In another coup for the ALSA Clayton Utz Conference, General Peter Cosgrove AC MC will present the keynote address at the Opening Gala dinner to be held at the Hilton Grand Ballroom Sydney tonight.
“General Cosgrove will bring a unique perspective to his view on the law from his vast experience in the armed forces and dealing with the public and government,” Mr Floro said.
In addition to General Cosgrove, ALSA has secured the President of the Law Council of Australia, Mr Alexander Ward, to present the keynote address at the Closing Gala dinner to be held at Doltone House on Thursday 14 July.
ALSA has for many years taken the lead in recognising the problems within the profession and universities in relation to mental health.
ALSA will launch the second vodcast in its ALSAtv YouTube series on depression and mental health during the ALSA Clayton Utz Conference, featuring an interview with the Commonwealth Attorney-General, The Hon Robert McClelland MP.
The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation will present a workshop on health and wellbeing at the conference in conjunction with Resilience@Law.
“These initiatives place ALSA at the forefront of tangible benefits to students in the mental health space,” Mr Floro said.
Mr Floro concluded: “The 2011 ALSA Clayton Utz Conference is gearing up to be one of the most memorable events of your university career and I encourage all students to attend and experience the amazing opportunities open to you.”
