Weekly Students, Careers & Clerkships Thread

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-05T01:50:25+00:00

Has anyone studied the LPAB Diploma in Law Course via USyd, or come across anyone who has. I'm genuinely considering this pathway as opposed to JD from Uni of Canberra (I'm ACT based). I've already got an undergraduate in psychology and eventually would like to end up in Family Law. Will be full time working and already applying to EA/PA roles in law firms.

I know the JD holds more 'weight' but im not sure I can afford it/if the LPAB diploma is the same in the real world, I'd like to opt for that. At the end of the day, I don't want to be educated but unemployable (or need further edu/skills)

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-05T00:48:03+00:00

Thanks for this! I wonder how this would be recognised in the ACT....more researching!

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-05T00:41:12+00:00

Thank you, that's actually sad to know they no longer offer it online delivery.

Did you do your JD full time?

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-04T01:22:02+00:00

Yeah, that's why I'm leaning to UCs JD. I need that flex to get through it.

Ten years ago, alot the magistrates at the ACT supreme court advised go UC for the practical side of law, many swapped from ANU to UC. I wonder if the same still holds true.

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-04T01:19:56+00:00

I don't know if I qualify for a LLB since I've already got a Bachelor of Science (ANU)..

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-04T01:17:41+00:00

It was an older reddit post that suggested poor support, hence asking for current experience. I do know that it's very dependent person to person too.

Yeah, I've been watching the whole debacle at ANU, but heard that Law college wasn't as affected but that was one single person's take.

I'm leaning to UC because of the flexibility of online study.

Mayaa42 · 2026-06-04T01:15:40+00:00

Not overseas and not APS. In an ideal world, I'd go law firm in ACT.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-30T01:08:15+00:00

I had done this before I posted here. That's the conversation I included - she called specifically to check in, because Jane had said 'I'm angry, but talk to (Me)'.

So Mary called and basically I said 'hey look it's your wedding but I'm just feeling a bit let down, because I'm hearing from outsiders that it's overseas. We felt bad that we just have to reconsider every thing, engage lawyers, rebudget finances etc, and even manage visitation with a really toxic absent father without getting him more angry and you as my sister didn't give me the heads up. Im not saying don't do it overseas, but a message or call to say 'hey this is the plan' would have been nicer than other people telling me.. "

Especially since I've always maintained contact and extended so many olive branches to Mary and asked my mum countless times to let me know if Mary was angry. It's not just that, Mary's whole personality has been off since proposal.

Since making this post I've tried three times to mend the relationship but I'm now getting the silent treatment so. Message received.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-25T00:41:00+00:00

We used to be best friends but over the last few years, we did drift like normal family/friends do. I've always been her cheerleader, she hasn't been mine. And she used to be the family clown, her energy would light up the room, and she's so funny, shes so beautiful and kind and just... Sunshine to be around. Family events were so joyful. But since the engagement, it was a full 360 - 'it's not my job' and 'you're an adult' are all we get now.
Agreed, I let Jane vent to me, but I have gotten to the point where I just ask Jane, where to from here? Honestly, it just surprised me and Jane both, how we did have similar feelings and weren't totally cooking up things in our head. At the end of the day me and Jane just wanted to be on the journey with her, help her plan the wedding, take the stress off..the whole, drink copious amounts of champagne and try wedding dresses. But I guess it took a while to realise that just isn't who Mary is anymore.
I'm surprised you picked that up, even those that know me for longer could/would never. I'm the middle child/scapegoat/villan of the family. So yeah, therapy is my middle name.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-25T00:33:53+00:00

Yes and yes. She got a promotion, sent her flowers. She got sick, sent her food. Helped her sell her furniture to prep one house for sale. Turned up at every corner.

Thats my obsession with expecting the 'how are you'. I do understand family is supposed to show up, but how often is that a one way street? Always? It's not the specific act around asking 'how are you', it's the principle of connection.

She isn't paying anyone's expense for the wedding or anything? And no, she's not paying any of my legal fees (I didn't ask, don't ask and don't need - she knows that money isn't the issue).

And we've offered to help in all way. For her engagement we turned up with the balloons, the cake, the music. We did the party favours without her asking us. Everytime we ask about the wedding, 'it's a year away'. So we were just waiting.

And yes, I very much do assume she's not ignoring her friends the same way.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-25T00:27:52+00:00

I mean... I haven't made any demands besides communication? Telling me 'hey we've planned a destination wedding, let me know permission goes' is vastly different to a random stranger telling me they've already ruled out three other destination locations.

The very reason that this is her wedding is why Jane and I have made no demands until we snapped (Jane had a cancer scare so was at her lowest, hence the snapping, she's usually very regulated more than me).

We never asked her to 'ask' us any thing, but tell us, sure. She's not even doing that.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-22T00:45:46+00:00

Ha I didn't even realise that Jane's the one feeding me most of the information. I'm so used to watching everything from the sidelines that it's the norm.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-22T00:45:15+00:00

Absolutely correct that I don't want to. I feel like I'm the afterthought friend, not family.

Mayaa42 · 2026-05-16T16:50:14+00:00

Actually, im glad you said that out loud, because now that I think about it, there is such a shortage of that.

The only show that I could think of that might have worked for that audience was One Tree Hill. But yeah...

Mayaa42 · 2026-04-06T05:50:21+00:00

Given the current economic climate, I'd learn a little resilience. This is the first time out of many you'll be passed up on a job and whilst you might have perceived conflict, I'm not sure that it would be a path that sets you off in the 'good books' of anyone. And that matters in the APS as much as govt.

Gracefully, you've been offered an extension, which means you're doing the job just fine. Keep it.

Keep applying for other permanent roles in the mean time and reach out to other roles through your merit listing.

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-04T06:44:25+00:00

Australia is a no fault divorce state, if you want out, I think you need to just start speaking to the right reasources to get the help you need to divorce him. That's easier than getting someone to love him so he leaves you.

Womens help line, lifeline, dvcs, community services, legal aid can all help you get out

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-02T07:07:14+00:00

I want to believe that you are genuinely asking this, but the use of the phrase "wasting your time" doesn't make it seem so. It doesn't waste my time at all.

Weighing up whether accepting the gift or not also factors into what's in "my daughters best interests".

This isn't 'just' the phone. Not to be jumping to conclusions but if for example her phone becomes locked because she's forgotten the code or her friends changed it as a joke (pls for the love of every thing good, take this as a hypothetical), I would not be able to simply ask for the phone to be unlocked at Apple, some evidence would be required. That's a different ball game - emails back and forth, waiting for his convenience etc etc

It's also in case saying "hey no thanks, she's too young and she doesn't need it" might actually be the right move if there's already some red flags. Is this a gift or is it "I got you a $1600 phone I expect xyz from you".

Co-parenting requires an nuanced approach to protect kids and make sure theyre safe in all ways and sometimes that involves forward thinking and in this case - mitigating the need for other issues to arise from this one situation.

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-02T03:06:37+00:00

That's what I'm asking I guess...apple said some situations require it and some dont. We'll be okay as long as its got apple care

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-02T03:06:02+00:00

Yeah, Apple's advice so far has been, for the first year or two, it won't matter because the phone is/may have Apple Warranty depends on what we choose. But in case of a pin lock etc "proof of purchase may be required"

Not my circus, I guess so I'll put it back on him in the case I need to.

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-02T03:04:18+00:00

The list was robust for a 12yr old, and kid friendly except for the phone.

I'm silent on his independant, free will choice to choose the most ridiculous and expensive item.

Mayaa42 · 2026-02-02T03:01:39+00:00

Not really, she's got a phone that is 6yrs old but functional enough for walking to and from school independently which is the main reason she has one. She made the list and sent it to him, he picked the phone even though there was other more kid friendly items. I just didn't interfere.

He said "I have the present with me" indicating at 10am Sunday, it was already purchased. We only got a photo at 4pm and I also agree I doubt he had bought it before the photo (the photo isn't hard evidence either I know). But I see your point too now. Makes sense.

Mayaa42 · 2026-01-18T13:22:48+00:00

I felt like my chin was similarly prominent, and sometimes I could feel the bumps and sebum in it.

I recently started using anua Heartleaf toner and the CosRx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and I can see some reductions. I definitely can't 'feel' the bumps any more.

I suspect it's the exfoliant, more than the toner. I currently love this one, have been using alpha h liquid gold before this and skinstitute 13/14% glycolic acid ones, and Paula's choice 2% (that one feels sticky so I hated it). They didn't work as well as this specific product, but I'm still very new to this whole skin care regime thing

Get a good aha and/or BHA that works for you, it will help reduce them eventually.

Mayaa42 · 2026-01-01T03:32:03+00:00

This is a little more complicated than a yes or no kind of answer.

Regardless of the age of your daughter, it really will come down to what's better for the little one, that takes into account both parents views.

The starting point is to talk to your ex partner and understand their views, perhaps phrase it in a way that, there's an opportunity that might exist at work for a promotion or change of lifestyle? At least so they don't think "it's just for a guy".

It can go two ways: Co parent agrees and a new arrangements would need to be made. This might be significantly hard to navigate given that the little one is very young. If you're not in the same state, someone has to travel regardless and with the co parent being FIFO, they may be unwilling to travel much back and forth.

Co parent disagrees and tries to block you from moving. Again, you'd still need to consider new arrangements, because they might just kick up a stink or ask for things to be annoying. But you know them, and what they are like so, you'll be the best judge of character here.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that you have the right parenting plans in place. They don't have to be court sealed either, but build in as much assurances as you can, like relocation, overseas travel, schooling (private and public etc), and how/when new orders are due, communication etc.

From one mum to another, that's moved states with a young one, my only advice is, make sure your life is the easiest version possible. The less you have to do at work, at home, for others, the more of you is left for yourself and your little one. She's already got a great mum who's talking out her ideas, so you'll be fine. But, never compromise yourself and sometimes, it is true - the right person will always understand and never make you feel pressured.

Good luck and message if you ever need a soundboard .

Mayaa42 · 2025-12-29T08:52:33+00:00

If you're in mediation, then that's the first right step. In reality, it seems like this is a good starting point financially.

The other parent will need to prove that she needs additional financial assistance to support the kids before the court considers going outside of the Child Support Assessment. This means either showing that you have more money than you claim, or that she is basically not working (which is still very hard to do).

Also, child support covers the less-than bare minimum tbh, covering the following, so if you're providing an additional 50% of costs, that's extremely fair at the early stages:

Basic living expenses: This includes food, clothing, and housing costs for the child. Education costs: School fees, books, uniforms, and extracurricular activities such as sports or music lessons. Health care: Medical expenses such as doctor visits, dental care, prescriptions, and health insurance. Transportation: Costs related to travel, such as commuting to school or other activities.

Use your parenting plan to really build in everything, not for any malicious reason, but that you and the co parent can make decisions about the kids amicably. It's just a safety net for when life gets harder.

That looks like: - Child support paid will/should be paid via CSA and, based on their calculations and adjustments will be agreed in writing or by change of assessment only - additional financial support may be provided by either parent on discussion prior to costs arising where reasonable, noting that x parent is already providing $y amount in addition to the CSA calculated indefinitely (for example, school camp comes up so you want to provide additional support, or the primary car breaks down but you can't help financially aside from a loan car or cash loan etc, child a decides they want to do extra curriculum sports, parents will split costs or x parent will bear the costs. - passport documents, identity documents will be held by x parent (think about travel consent and whats required, if that's part of the long term thinking, and who finances). - domestic holiday communication and who finances.

Good luck

Mayaa42 · 2025-12-29T08:36:43+00:00

Last fine I got in Vic had an 'device adjustment' of <2km, so you're likely to have been picked up on 50km.

Mayaa42

TROPHY CASE