[Suedehead]

Hi

I've had experience with The University of Queensland where I did my undergrad degree and The University of Melbourne where I am just finishing up my Masters now. I've also lived in Sydney and know people who did their law degree at Sydney Uni. My summation of my experiences and what I have heard from others is that the best uni for you comes down to what you want to do with your degree. If you want to be a barrister in NSW then Sydney Uni would be the best choice - moreso for the old boys' club connections available than teaching quality. However, the University of Melbourne is a much more commercially astute institution while at the same time maintaining a strong academic tradition which I think is a winning combination for potential employers. I don't think that the UNSW law school has a particularly significant reputation in Australia - though it sounds like they are doing a smashing job of marketing themselves internationally.

[s2000]

i'm currently in 4th yr law at Usyd. there aren't that many asians, mostly white people with some indians and asians but the asians mostly speak english (westernized asians like myself).

but the teachers are all practising barristers or were practising barristers with various textbooks under their belt. also, high court of australia's justice michael kirby often gets invited to law school to do speeches etc.

and australia's prime minister john howard also went to law school at usyd. another big alumni.

me personally, i hate law, it's so boring but if you liked law then usyd is probably the best law school in Australia. UNSW is also very popular but it has the reputation of being an 'asian' university, with over 90% of students (commerce and law ones especially) being asian.

[strange_man]

I think I've decided, please tell me what you think!

Based on the fact that a) I want to be a solicitor, b) I like the look and feel of the Uni more, and c) It has been more highly ranked in world rankings, I think undergraduate law (no double degree) at the University of Melbourne is the way to go.

From what I've heard, USyd is too barrister-minded whilst UNSW is not traditional and elite enough - though I definitely agree that both are still world-class universities.

What do you guys think?

[freeier]

have you gotten the offer ?

[strange_man]

I have! I have recieved offers for Monash and UMelb, and I'm waiting for USyd, UNSW and ANU to make my final decision.

I posted my reply in another forum which has particular membership from the two Sydney unis and got quite a bit of flack from it...hoping the same doesn't happen here!

Although looking at Sydney alumni it DOES appear that more of them have gone places with law...argh this is confusing!

[s2000]

usyd law school is currently building a new faculty on the camperdown campus too. ready in 2008 i think so you'll have the best facilities if you go there. and u don't have to travel to the city and be stuck in that old campus on phillip street.

[Suedehead]

Originally Posted by strange_man

Although looking at Sydney alumni it DOES appear that more of them have gone places with law...argh this is confusing!

Whether someone has "gone places with law" is quite subjective - depends on where you want to go/ want to do really. Consider what sort of law you see yourself specialising in. Then, I suggest looking at whether there are a broad range of subjects in that area available at a Masters degree level at the uni in question - this can give you a helpful guide as to whether the teaching staff have strengths in you area/s of interest.

[strange_man]

Thank you for your replies!

I guess it comes down to this:

If it is more profitable for me to take a double degree (as this will enhance my chances in HK), then it's University of Sydney.

If I can get by with just a Law degree, then it's the University of Melbourne.

What do you guys recommend I do?

[expat sam]

Hi Strangeman,

I have a law/commerce degree and practised for a few yrs before moving into investment banking - is law really what you want to do? It is really boring and even as a corporate lawyer, all you are doing is drafting and analysing legislation. Investment banking is more varied - you get involved with corporate advisory and strategy, and if you are comfortable with numbers, it is a lot easier to analyse a financial model than a convoluted legislation.

I have no regrets doing a law degree because it shows potential employers you are in the top 5 percentile. However, I would highly recommend you pick up a commerce finance degree as well. That way, you will have an opportunity to do internships at both banks and law firms and from those internships, you can decide which profession you are more suited to.

Personally, I would get straight into finance when you graduate - you will certainly have the edge over the candidates with just a finance degree. And another reason if you want to return to HK: HK is the finance capital of Asia!

[strange_man]

Hi Sam!

Oh I definitely am coming back to HK, without a doubt. My only decision is whether doing JUST an LLB will be enough for me to diversify (i.e. still go into commerce-related fields) or will I need to do Law/Commerce to gain that extra lead.

Either way, to be a lawyer itself I need to do one year postgrad here anyway, so it will be a total 6 years of studying if I do a double degree!