Behind the court curtain: a Q&A with two VU law students

 In celebration of Law Week 2024, we spoke to two VU law students who completed internships at commUnity+ BMCLC. 

Glazel Cedillo and Tsedenya Yemata told us how the internships were invaluable tools to hands-on learning in the fast-paced world of law – and how the VU Block Model® enabled them to excel in their studies at the same time.

Could you tell us a little about your background before starting your Bachelor of Laws at VU?

Glazel: My background is predominantly in real estate. Law was always something I had a strong interest in but was too afraid to pursue it, and I thought it was out of my league. 

I developed an interest in owners corporation whilst doing the law units of a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate, so I decided to enrol in the Bachelor of Legal Services to see my capability, initially only really wanted a course to compliment my current role. 

After the first semester I did so well, that I transferred to the Bachelor of Laws and now I’m doing my Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Tsedenya: I was born in Australia – my parents migrated to Australia from Ethiopia in 1999. After graduating from high school in 2019, I completed a Diploma of Legal Services then an Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice, both at VU.

Then, I finally started my Bachelor of Laws at VU – I’ll hopefully finish my degree by 2025. 

I have been interested in law since I was in high school. There are so many parts to law, and a degree in law holds many options other than just being a lawyer. 

Why did you choose VU for your law degree?

Glazel: The one thing I had to consider at the time of looking for a university was the fact that I was working. I love my job, and had established my career where financially I was earning well, so I knew I still wanted to work full-time whilst continuing to study. 

VU offered the unique Block Model which I knew would make a big difference in ensuring there was a work-life balance for me.

Tsedenya: I saw VU as the perfect place to pursue my passion for law and develop the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the legal field. I chose VU because of its outstanding reputation in the legal community and its commitment to providing practical, hands-on learning experiences. 

VU's focus on real-world applications of legal theory resonated with me, as I believe that practical skills are essential for success in the legal profession. 

Additionally, the diverse and inclusive environment at VU aligns with my values, allowing me to learn from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. 

How are you finding studying law with the VU Block Model?

Glazel: I love the Block Model. Without this model I am almost certain that in my circumstances I would not have enjoyed nor had the chance to work full time and study full time. 

I have had experience working and completing a degree the traditional way of four units a semester, and it was near impossible to study at a full-time basis whilst working. 

I love the degree and wish that I had attempted it sooner.

Tsedenya: Focusing on one unit at a time has helped me understand the unit at a much better rate rather than trying to focus on three to four units at the same time. 

I have realised I have more time to study, and the feedback I receive from lectures before the second assignment or before the exam has really helped me with my overall mark for the unit. 

I seem to be more motivated with block learning as I have a better study-life balance, improved well-being, and I have the time to take a day off studying every week to complete my internship. 

Could you tell us about your internship at commUnity+ Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (commUnity+ BMCLC), and what your days entailed?

Glazel: I was made part of the team from day one. I assisted the commUnity+ BMCLC duty lawyer at the Magistrates’ Court once a week, shadowing them and conducting interviews with clients. 

My day would begin with having a meeting with the lawyer and legal teams, and then we’d go through the daily hearing list for the Family Violence/IVO division. From there I would assist and observe client interviews and conduct conflict checks. 

I was able to go in and out of the court room when required, developed relationships with registrars and really experience the processes in the Magistrates’ Court. 

Tsedenya: For the first few weeks, my role was to work remotely with an experienced lawyer at commUnity+ BMCLC, joining telephone appointments, drafting file notes and completing research tasks. 

About a month in I started attending the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court, which was such an amazing experience – I continuously went there every Friday. 

While there I would shadow the lawyer at court, meet with clients before they attended their case, and write file notes.

What were the biggest benefits of your internship?

Glazel: Working one-on-one with a duty lawyer was so valuable for my learning as it gave a truly hands-on experience in the courts. I learned so much about the nature of the work and the processes of the court, along with all the people involved.

It is fulfilling to work with such people and know that you have helped others, even for just that given day you are in the court. 

I didn’t feel like an intern, but rather another team member of commUnity+ BMCLC. I could not wish for a better internship than what I experienced. 

Tsedenya: The internship provided me with priceless real-world experience, and gave me the chance to put the academic knowledge I learned in law school into real-world, practical problems. 

Via dealing with clients, lawyers, and other professionals, the internship helped me to strengthen my interpersonal and communication skills, as well as network – giving me mentors who guided and advised me both during and after my internship.

I am really interested in family law, and I was able to develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of family law and gain practical insights that could not be obtained from textbooks alone. 

It has given me the abilities and self-assurance I need to handle these kinds of situations successfully in the future.

Where do you hope to take your law degree in the future?

Glazel: My internship with commUnity+ BMCLC has made me consider working for the community legal service sector – it opened my eyes to this area which I had not really considered before.

There is also a strong need for more legal representatives to help and give back to the community, which will only increase in time.

I am strongly considering drawing on the skills and experiences to perhaps work in community legal services, hopefully in the areas of civil litigation, family law, criminal law or perhaps as a generalist.

Tsedenya: I would like to practice criminal or family law as my primary focus – I am passionate about advocating for individuals and families in need of legal aid.

In addition, I would like to investigate mediation as an alternative to traditional litigation for settling disputes, which is consistent with my ideals of compassion and understanding.

I'm also excited to take part in public advocacy to solve structural problems and advance social justice. I have a strong commitment to defending the rights of marginalised people, and my ultimate goal is to use my legal degree to support the most vulnerable, helping create a more just and equal society.

Find out more about the partnership between VU and commUnity+.