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Careers Centre


A Career in Law

Criminal law involves offences against society's rules. The police (or the Crown) take action against the accused on behalf of society. Legal practitioners can both prosecute and defend the accused.

Civil law embraces all other forms of law that are not criminal.
 

Common Areas of Civil Law


Administrative law

Related to government planning, social security and other decisions made by government

Banking and finance

Transactional (financial activities within banks and financial institutions) and non-transactional (advisory work regarding banking and finance regulations)

Commercial law

Applies to the rights, relations and conduct of individuals and businesses involved in commercial trade

Constitutional law

Related to the interpretation of laws and rights contained in the Commonwealth and state constitutions

Construction law

Regulation of construction and engineering activity in terms of contractual negotiations and management of disputes

Contract law

Regulation of the roles, relationships and obligations of parties engaging in the negotiation of a legal agreement

Corporation law

Governing the law of corporations whether as a business, virtual or fictitious persons

Employment law

[see labour law]

Energy and resources law

Regulating the environmental impact of development, in line with national and international environmental law

Family law

Regulation of human relationships and dealings (including marriage, divorce, adoption)

Film and entertainment law

Dealing with the commercial issues attached to production, finance and distribution of film/television

Human rights law

A system of laws, both domestic and international, which is intended to promote human rights. Includes a number of treaties which are intended to punish some violations of human rights such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide

Insolvency litigation

Regulation of banking and debt recovery issues

Intellectual property law

Related to patents, trademarks and copyright for intellectual property

International law

Governing negotiation between countries

Labour law

Regulation of industrial and workplace relations

Law of succession

[see wills and estates]

Law of torts

Responds to cases of conflict between people and/or legal entities and governs compensation for wrongful acts (negligence, nuisance, defamation, trespass)

Native title

Concerns the legal rights and interests of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Involves traditional native laws and customs related to land and waters, as recognised by Australian law

Personal injury law

Related to workplace health and safety

Property law

Administers property purchases and sales

Sports law

Regulation of the structure and management of sports entities

Taxation law

Regulation of the tax obligations for individuals and businesses

Wills and estates

Concerns the distribution of property following death (execution of wills, estate planning, etc)



University Career Guides

Victorian university law schools publish careers guides containing profiles of various law firms and organisations, career guidance information and testimonials from members of the legal profession. Hardcopies are usually available through the corresponding law students' societies (LSS). Softcopies may also be available on their websites.

Two other valuable online sources are:


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