A practical legal advantage
Employer: Robert Stary, Principal, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists.
Robert Stary, Adjunct Professor in the College of Law and Justice and Criminal Defence Law specialist, finds that VU law students graduate work-ready, with a deep understanding of the justice system. Robert is a past Chairman of the Western Suburbs Legal Service and Footscray Community Legal Centre, past President of the Victorian Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, and has successfully defended many high profile cases.
"Why have we chosen VU as the institute of choice for us? VU law school has a close relationship with the justice system. It was Victoria University that first commenced a program with the Magistrate’s Court, and the Magistrate’s Court is the people's court. That's where 90% of criminal cases are resolved. The comprehensive program involves VU law students linking with magistrates and working within the court system and legal aid.
This is what VU law students have ahead of everyone else – practical placements and practical knowledge of how the justice system operates. They've been mentored and tutored by significant members within the profession. They can offer the profession and the justice system a greater depth and a greater understanding than students from most other institutions."
Industry snapshot
A law degree can offer a varied and exciting career both in Australia and overseas. Legal services is the second highest export of professional and technical services from Australia (Law Council of Australia). Many top Australian firms are pursuing global markets through mergers with international firms and the Federal Government is seeking to establish an international legal services market, in cooperation with the states (Legal Services in Australia: Market Research Report).
Courses you can do
Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
Find more law courses at VU
Graduate success story
Damian Clancy was appointed senior associate just four years after graduating.
