We sat down with Art Honeysett winner of the 2018 Law Interview Challenge top prize, a micro-internship with Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers. Art reflects on the career-shaping, micro-internship and his professional growth at UTS.
So tell us a little about you, what you are doing now, and what brought you to UTS?
"I’m a 4th-year student studying a Bachelor of Business (Finance), Bachelor of Laws. My time outside of class is largely devoted to my role as the 2018/2019 UTS Law Students’ Society, Vice President (Sponsorship). Outside of university, I’m a paralegal at Colin Biggers & Paisley in the corporate and dispute resolution practice group. My decision to study law at UTS was largely influenced by UTS Law’s unique commitment to innovation, technology and practical-based learning. I knew that an education at a leading law school would be crucial to my development as a prospective lawyer in Australia’s highly competitive legal industry".
What are some things you've taken from your time at UTS in terms of growing professionally?
"UTS has played an essential role in my professional development. My classes have provided me with an opportunity to refine my research, analytical, problem solving and communication skills. By putting in the extra mile, I find my law subject content to be highly engaging and useful. In the workforce, I often rely on the skills and experiences I developed at university so far, for example, when writing a research memorandum, or, examining an affidavit after initially learning about affidavits in civil practice and procedure. Additionally, UTS has a wide offering of societies and extracurriculars to be involved in. Through my involvement in student societies and university initiatives, I have developed a wider skillset, including time management, teamwork, leadership and organisational skills. Furthermore, I can safely say that I have made lifelong friendships at UTS".
I noticed that you found your current role as part of the Law Interview Challenge, an event which was run in 2018, connecting students and employers in the form of an open interview panel. Tell us about that?
"I had the opportunity to undertake an internship at Colin Biggers & Paisley as the first place prize winner in the 2018 UTS Law Interview Challenge. The Challenge required participants to undergo a series of mock interviews with different interviewers from firms across the legal industry. The participants with the highest marks were called to answer an additional question in front of a live audience to determine the winner. I was thrilled to win the challenge and commence my placement with Colin Biggers & Paisley. As part of the micro-internship, I shadowed solicitors within the firm across multiple practice groups, including, corporate and dispute resolution, property, construction and insurance. After my micro-internship, I received highly positive feedback and was offered a role as a paralegal to stay at the firm going forward. Overall, the UTS Law Interview Challenge experience was highly enjoyable and, pivotal in my professional development".
I believe employers have the best opportunity to connect with UTS law students by having a regular on-campus presence. Students are likely to fondly remember a time where they have made a genuine connection with a firm representative.
Have you got any advice for employers who are looking to engage UTS law students? From your experience, how should they go about it?
"I believe employers have the best opportunity to connect with UTS law students by having a regular on-campus presence. Students are likely to fondly remember a time where they have made a genuine connection with a firm representative. A partnership with the law faculty or student society may lead to great returns through the chance to directly engage with UTS law students and, marketing your brand across multiple channels. In my experience, UTS law students are highly motivated and are always eager to be involved. By offering mentoring, hosting a lunch, or, providing coffee catch-ups with staff, a firm could quickly develop a strong standing at UTS among law students".
To find out more about connecting with UTS student talent on-campus, visit industry.uts.edu.au.