It is well understood that undertaking a law degree can be considered as a challenge, to say the least. It involves a balancing act between a large study load, grappling with foreign concepts in unfamiliar legalese, undertaking volunteer work, involving oneself in university life and societies, maintaining part-time or full-time work, all the while juggling a social and family life.

What is it?

The LSS Mentoring Program is a voluntary program which in 2012 is automatically allocated in the timetable of all first year law students studying the core Perspectives on Law subject. The program is run by the LSS in conjunction with the UTS Faculty of Law in one hour sessions, for six weeks per semester from weeks 2-7.

This mentoring experience is one of four Mentoring Programs developed by the UTS Faculty of Law and is open to all students (international, juris doctor, full-time or part-time students). Other programs offered include mentoring programs for:

• High Performing Students: Where a student is placed with a practising solicitor, judge or barrister;
• Student Difficulties: For students whose performance is affected throughout their university life by extraneous circumstances or learning difficulties. These students are placed with a UTS Law Faculty member for a support-based private mentoring program.
• International Students: International students can face a number of difficulties when beginning their law degree, especially when English is their second language. This program offers a unique environment to learn colloquial English, as well as legalese, create a study group, and have any questions answered by an experienced senior international student studying law.

All mentors are trained and approved by the UTS Faculty of Law.

All enquiries in relation to these programs should be directed to Patrick Delaney, our Education (Internal) Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The experience

The program aims to help you understand what is expected of you as a law student at UTS. The program in 2012 will be led by high-performing senior students who understand the plight of the first year law student. The advice they give is directed at giving additional guidance and is often the first step in helping a first year student create a support network. It is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, make friends and may even help you create your first study group. The weekly lessons are tailored by your lecturers, and fellow students, so that what you are taught is directly relevant to your first year subjects.

The tips involve ways to manage your academic timetable, your study load, how best to format and create study notes, what is expected of you in the final exams and assessments, as well as tips on the first lessons of legalese and statutory interpretation.

How to become a mentor

Mentors are chosen from their past academic performance, their ability to communicate, understand, and relate to the mentees in each program. Mentors must at least be in their third year of a combined degree, or second year of a straight law degree to apply, and have, at a minimum, a credit average.

The program is popular and it is a great way to give back to the UTS student community. Mentors are fully rewarded for the time they give. These include a CV reference from the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Jill McKeough, a personal reference from the President of the UTS Law Students' Society, Emma Bechara, a co-op book voucher valued at $100, and the best performing mentor (chosen by the mentees) is given a Subject Prize at the annual Awards Ceremony.

The application process to become a mentor is outlined below.

Applications to become a Peer mentor for 2012 have now opened! Applications must be completed by the 10th of February.

Application can be downloaded here.