The Monash Law Students Society exists as a voice for law students and provides them with a vast range of facilities and services. It operates not only to promote social activities, but also to further the academic and professional interests of law students. In 1994 over 1200 of the 1500 students in the faculty are members of the society.
The activities of the society are organised by a committee of twenty-five students, elected annually by the members. Each year the society organises a number of competitions, including a mooting competition, witness examination competition, academic paper competitition and a legal letter drafting competition. Social functions organised by the society include lunchtime `barbecues and bands' at which copious amounts of draught beer are served, first-year and second to fifth-year camps, ski trips, year-level dinners, a Melbourne Law/Monash Law sports day, a comedy revue and, of course, the social highlight of the year, the infamous Law Ball. Held at the Hyatt in 1994, it was attended by 1200 law students.
The society also produces a number of publications, including a quarterly students' newsletter, Clayton's Law, and an annual academic journal, Oracle. Students are encouraged to contribute to both publications. A Careers Directory is also published as part of the society's career service, as is an extremely useful counter-faculty handbook. The careers service also organises a vast number of lectures, careers seminars and guest lecturers within the law school.
The society also runs a tutorial service in conjunction with the faculty's formal tutorial program. Demonstrating their willingness to help younger students, final-year students conduct the tutorials. The society also tapes a range of lectures every day for the benefit of students with timetable clashes or other commitments. The strong camaraderie which tends to develop among law students is evidenced by the popularity of the valedictory dinner and final-year students' yearbook.
Finally, there is the most popular service of all - the coffee room, complete with free tea and coffee, a microwave, fridge, daily newspapers and comfortable chairs.
Further information on the LLS can be obtained by contacting the society in room G16 on the ground floor of the law school, or by telephoning 905 3398.
A number of other student societies operate within the Faculty of Law. These are listed below.
Monash Feminist Legal Issues Collective
Contact person: Jo Renkin (Telephone: 416 1246)
Advocacy Club
Contact person: Danny Hirch (Telephone: 848 8918)
Malaysian Law Students' Association
Contact person: Chen Hean (Telephone: 803 2991)
Social Justice Action Group
Contact person: Claire Harris (Telephone 803 2391)