The Faculty of Law would like to thank the 2020 QUT Law Society (QUTLS) committee for their continued service and dedication throughout the year and warmly welcome the newly elected 2021 committee.
The QUTLS currently represents more than 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate studies and is the largest faculty society in Australia. Ordinarily, QUTLS has a full schedule throughout the year, catering to its members with networking opportunities, mooting competitions, industry seminars and social gatherings. However, in a year marked with many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, QUTLS not only adapted to the changing landscape but continued to thrive through their shift to servicing members in an online environment.
The 2020 Management Committee started the year off by expanding the QUT Law Society to over 40 positions to better cater for students and promote stronger representation. Producing a clear call to action video, QUTLS addressed the need for students to take a proactive and adaptive approach to their studies and careers in order to stay ahead within the legal industry that’s rapidly being disrupted by technology.
Get involved and make the futureWe are 6 days from O-Week and there's no better time to start getting involved. • Become a member of the QUT Law Society - qutlslcard.getqpay.com. • Get involved and grow. • Make an impact. Check out our upcoming events and initiatives: - Sign up to our Mentor/Mentee Program: facebook.com/groups/qutlsmentor - Attend the First Year Pizza Party: firstyearpizzaparty-event.getqpay.com - Particiapte in the Negotiation Competition - Audition for the QUT Law Society Law Revue - Join QUTLS Moot Club Don't stop at the QUTLS though, check out our phenomenal friends: University societies/groups: QUT Women in Law Lawyers Without Borders Student Division at QUT QUT Justice Society LLB Help Me Program QUT Law and Inclusion of Culture Changemaking organisations: The Legal Forecast QUTfoundry FINALLY, CHECK OUT THE: StartUp Weekend NextGen by QUT Creative Enterprise Australia and #QUTEntrepreneurship: In just 54 hours, experience the exhilaration of building a startup that could change the world! Meet experienced mentors, like-minded changemakers and industry connectors while you launch your brilliant idea – and celebrate your amazing achievements at the SW After Party! --- 13 to 15 March, QUT Gardens Point Campus --- Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/swnextgen QUTLS Members be sure to use your discount code! #SWNextGen #QUTCEA #QUTEntrepreneurship #Techstars Thank you to Whaley Films for the snazzy video.
Posted by QUT Law Society - QUTLS on Sunday, February 9, 2020
When the pandemic hit QUTLS adapted quickly, communicated proactively with students, and pivoted many of their events where possible to cater to the new norm of gathering and participating online.
Outgoing 2020 President, Ben Quick, said, “I’m particularly proud of our major achievements. We significantly expanded our committee; made our events more accessible; fostered a more inclusive culture and of course, pivoted an entire year of events and initiatives so students could continue to develop their skills, engage with the legal profession and grow as individuals during a time not particularly conducive to growth.”
In his final remarks as QUTLS President, Ben thanked the 2020 Directors and Management Committee for their dedication and hard work and wished the incoming 2021 committee well for the year ahead. “Congratulations and good luck to Ed Williams and the 2021 committee who will no doubt do wonderful things with their time.”
2021 QUTLS President Ed Williams and the Management Committee are poised to take full advantage of the structural changes that were made to the society this year. “We understand that in-person experiences are the most missed by students and we hope to resume our biggest events in-person including Meet the Profession and Law Ball,” said Ed.
“We have learned from 2020 that when things do not go to plan, adaptation is key, and thankfully we have all but perfected our online event delivery.”
Ed is optimistic about the year ahead and hopes to place a key focus on the new roles created this year which include: First Year Officer, Gender and Sexuality Officer and the Abilities Officer. The roles will be promoted to students through events like coffee catch ups, trivia night and lunches which will be held both in person and virtually. The QUTLS Management Committee has identified students’ rights as a potential opportunity for expansion in 2021.
“There is an opportunity for us to look at academic fairness, quality of teaching materials and increasing our affiliation with the Guild. This would hopefully add another level of value for our members.”
The Faculty of Law looks forward to working with the 2021 QUTLS Committee and wishes the new committee the best for the year ahead.
View the full 2021 Committee appointments below.