The legal profession is often criticised for being slow in its response to change.

The COVID-19 pandemic has foregrounded new challenges for us. How do we prioritise physical and mental health in our law schools? How do we address heightened anxiety around employment in the legal profession? How can we support vulnerable members of our community during isolation? These questions resonate with many of us because of how human they are.

I started my presidency last year with two main aspirations for ALSA: first, that we become key stakeholders in the things that matter to us; and second, that in advocating on what we expect in our law schools and the legal profession, we lead by example.

In the last fortnight, I have connected with the many law students’ societies and associations across Australia. I’d like to share some of the positive and creative initiatives they have implemented to create a sense of community during these difficult times.

Staying connected and maintaining good health
At UWA, Blackstone Society has started a community cooking Facebook group which hosts live demonstrations via Zoom and sees students exchange vibrant step-by-step recipes. Outside the kitchen, students can also get involved in the Blackstone Iso-Cise Program – a weekly online exercise challenge where competitors can win themselves fitness equipment.

The QUT Law Society will hold a mindfulness and wellbeing session to assist students with focus strategies and anxiety management. This session will include practical wellbeing tips and give students the option to participate in online meditations.

The Adelaide University Law Students’ Society is ensuring that their members have forums to socialise by organising online Netflix Watch Parties and an upcoming virtual Quiz Night.

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Other law societies have turned their attention to podcasts. Justified (Macquarie University) invites industry experts to offer their unique perspectives on the law. The Bar (UTS) features entertaining episodes on wellbeing, first-year experiences, landing the first law job and the best places to eat around campus.

Professional and career development
The Deakin Law Students’ Society in Geelong has created an online Employability Seminar Series. Students have access to videos and materials that cover interview techniques, CV and cover letter writing and general advice from a range of employers in the legal sector.

The ANU Law Students’ Society is hosting their Annual Clerkship Information Evening online, coordinating over 50 firm representatives and 150 students in a networking and webinar session.

To address the added anxiety around clerkship season, the Macquarie University Law Society has introduced a Clerkship Buddy Program, which supports prospective clerkship applicants by pairing them with former clerks who have been through the process.

Engagement and educational support
The Southern Cross University Law Association has hosted regular LAW101 Peer Support. These are informal sessions for students to stay connected by virtually discussing challenges and exchanging learning tips together.

In Fremantle, the Notre Dame Law Students’ Society has launched the #LearningTogether Mentor Program, an initiative designed to facilitate knowledge sharing by pairing first and final year students together to support the process of self-learning.

St Patrick’s Law Students’ Society in ACU Melbourne is preparing to host its Annual Law Breakfast online. Attendees are encouraged to join with their favourite breakfast while listening to a panel of guest speakers.

Community awareness projects

The University of Queensland Law Society has created their own centralised COVID-19 portal, with links pointing students to university and government information channels, and various mental health and financial support avenues.

The Tasmania University Law Society has reallocated funds from cancelled in-person initiatives towards producing community care packages. They will also use a portion of this budget to purchase supermarket vouchers for individuals in need.

The UTS Law Students’ Society is planning an Elderly Pen Pals initiative where students will be encouraged to write letters and messages to residents of aged care facilities. The aim is to foster connections with some of the most vulnerable members of the community during isolation.

Australian law students have responded to this period of uncertainty with creativity and empathy. These efforts have come to stand as an example of our capacity to come together as a community during difficult times – progress that will hopefully continue to be built on in the future.

Margaret Cai is the president of the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA).