RMIT’s first Bachelor of Laws cohort ready to take on the world

The graduating class of the Bachelor of Laws program (LLB) are RMIT’s first graduating cohort since the introduction of the undergraduate law degree into the College of Business and Law.

In the Bachelor of Laws degree, students develop the foundational legal knowledge required for a career as a legal practitioner or with legal or non-legal roles in a variety of law-related fields.

The course also provides students with the ability to analyse a problem involving a question or questions of law and, through research, provide a solution to it.

Students have developed skills in effective writing, drafting, advocacy, interviewing and advising, negotiation, teamwork and presentations over their degree.

“My journey through the Bachelor of Law program has been a transformative experience, offering both intellectual challenges and personal growth,” said Paul Nicoladis, one of the graduating cohort.

“It has been a fulfilling mix of highs and lows, that have prepared me for a future legal career, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided,” he said.

“It was not easy being the first batch in the LLB program,” said June Macaraeg-Casem, another graduating student.

“After our first semester, and our feedback, RMIT made some changes with the course subjects.

“I saw this as positive premonition of things yet to come. It is proof of the power we yield to shape the experience of the cohorts after us.”

“I see it as carrying the pride of RMIT LLB so that even after we graduate, I must strive for greatness in order to pave the way for future, successful generations of RMIT LLB students.”

Through RMIT’s extensive industry connections, students were able to gain valuable experiences throughout their degree, both in the real-world and through industry-informed learning experiences, that helped to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.

Bachelor of Laws students Paul Nicoladis (L) and June Macaraeg-Casem (R) will graduate this year.

“During my first year in the Bachelor of Law program, one impactful experience that stands out is my assignment related to Torts Law and interviewing a client,” said Paul.

“This assignment was a significant milestone in my legal education, as it allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical, real-world scenario right off the bat.”

“In the assignment, I had the opportunity to act as a lawyer, conduct a mock interview with a client who had a potential tort claim and receive instant feedback from the principal lawyer/assessor.

“It required me to demonstrate not only my understanding of the law but also my ability to communicate effectively with a client, display empathy, and ask questions in a clear and understandable manner.”

This truly assisted my understanding of emotional intelligence and being career-ready.

“The most memorable part of the course for me was our Law, Business and Human Rights collaboration,” said June.

“We worked on critically analysing a human rights issue based on a case organisation. This experience gave me a great sense of achievement, I think mostly because I realised that that this is what I want to do after RMIT: work on Human Rights.”

When asked what her career goals were, June had a clear short and long-term plan mapped out.

“I plan to work more on the Administrative and policy making side during my early career,” she explained.

“My dream is to eventually partner up with like-minded lawyers to put up our own firm that would give our clients a well-rounded approach to their legal needs catering to not just the surface of their problems but also their underlying issues, in collaboration with other service providers, giving them an innovative justice approach.”

Paul has lots of advice to offer for students considering the Bachelor of Laws at RMIT.

“Start by thoroughly researching the Bachelor of Law program at RMIT,” he said. “Understand the curriculum, the faculty, and the opportunities it offers.”

“Also, think about your long-term career goals and how the Bachelor of Law program at RMIT can help you achieve them. Are there specific areas of law you're interested in?”

“Look into the internship and experiential learning opportunities available through the program. Practical experience is invaluable in the legal field, so make the most of these opportunities.”

“Lastly, start building your professional network early. Attend networking events, join relevant student organisations, and connect with legal professionals to expand your connections in the field.”

June’s message to prospective students strikes a different tone.

“If there is one piece of advice I have, it’s this: find a friend, or in my case, I found five of them!” she said.

“I would study with them - each of us bringing our A game to the table; be in groups with them when group work is required in assessments and hang out with them when any of us just needed to unwind.”

“Although it is important to focus on your studies and feed your IQ, it is equally important to feed your EQ, and to find connections that will not only help you through your journey but will also give you a bond that will last you long after you graduate.”

20 September 2023

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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RMIT’s first Bachelor of Laws cohort ready to take on the world