The Melbourne Law Masters

Student Profile

 

 

*Bold is the text for the student profiles landing page.

The following is once you click on name

 

 

Marium Khalid

Master of Laws & Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

Pakistan

 

Studying at Melbourne Law School has been an incredibly enriching experience. The program has been challenging and has enabled me to continuously stretch my abilities. Amongst the many highlights are; studying under some of the most respected names in the world of academia and legal practice, striking friendships with students from literally all corners of the world and basking in the rich pool of resources that the law school offers.

 

Marium Khalid

Master of Laws & Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

Country of citizenship: Pakistan

 

What is your professional education and work background?

 

I completed the Master of Laws in 2009 with a focus on commercial law followed by a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies with a growing interest in development law. Prior to my postgraduate studies at Melbourne Law School, I graduated from the University of London (External Program) with an LLB (Hons) in 2005.

 

Thereafter, I joined the chamber of Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan in Lahore, Pakistan and engaged in a practice that combined elements of commercial, human rights, administrative & constitutional law. I was privileged to learn from and work under a great team that was instrumental in both successfully reinstating the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ousted by President Musharaff and in challenging the latter’s dual post as the President of the country and its Chief of Army Staff thereby marking a number of positive constitutional developments in the country.

 

Towards the end of the Masters program in May 2009, I got an opportunity to be a part of the research team involved in documentary discovery and subjective coding at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office. This was part of the findings of the Royal Bushfire Commission set up to carry out investigations into the tragic Victorian Bushfires of February 2009.

 

(2) How did you come about studying with Melbourne Law School?

 

In the preliminary stages of my research into LLM opportunities; Australia was not an option. The reason being that higher education for students from the subcontinent generally was synonymous with the US and UK and offcourse proximity to the ‘land down under’ also acted as a deterrent. In fact, when I expressed an interest in applying to Australia to my colleagues who were all Ivy Leaguers, the reaction was ‘why don’t I apply to Antarctica as well?!’

 

However, my interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in Australia and in particular at Melbourne Law School was fuelled by (a) a desire to break free from the traditional mindset that merely allowed for the tried & tested pathway (b) a conscious decision to tailor make my own Master of Laws program as opposed to picking a specialization (c) the variety of subjects offered as part of the Melbourne Law Masters program; all which reflected the growing trends in the legal world and offcourse (d) the vibrant and the highly cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.

 

I was a frequent participant in the online discussion forums on LLM guide and the comment that always stood out for me was ‘ if you are looking for an experience, then Melbourne is your city and Melbourne Law School; the epitome of it.’

 

(3) Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters.

 

(i) What have been the highlights so far?

 

Studying at Melbourne Law School has been an incredibly enriching experience. The program has been challenging and has enabled me to continuously stretch my abilities. Amongst the many highlights are; studying under some of the most respected names in the world of academia and legal practice, striking friendships with students from literally all corners of the world and basking in the rich pool of resources that the law school offers. The seminars and lectures that the law school holds on frequent basis to ensure that students are kept abreast of the developments in law and related diciplines often called on iconic speakers such as the Honourable Justice Kirby and the Honourable John G. Roberts, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court which was truly inspiring.

 

At the heart of my MLS experience is my association with the Postgraduate Law Students Association. Involvement in student bodies and community engagement on the whole is an integral part of life at a law school and I am honoured to have represented the interests of MLM students for three consecutive years as the International Representative (2008/09) Vice President (2009/10) and the President (2010/11) I will undoubtedly look back at these wonder years with great fondess.

 

(ii) What have you enjoyed most?

 

A constant high for me has been the rich diversity of the student cohort; both local and international which I have enjoyed tremendously. Each and every student that I encountered has differed in so many refreshing ways; be it culturally, politically, academically or professionally that it added a whole new dimension to class discussions which evolved into lively debates with global perspectives.

 

Exposure to such a diverse group of students has enabled me to obtain a holistic perspective which I feel is crucial in today’s globalised, interdependent world.

 

 (iii)  How did you find our:

 

(a)Teaching staff:

 

Melbourne Law School encompasses a great blend of local and international professors, all of whom are leading experts in their respective areas. As most of them are practitioners as well as academics, students benefit from a combination of valuable insight. For instance, I greatly enjoyed International Commercial Arbitration by Richard Garnett as he highlighted both the scholarly debates in the area along with the counter arguments/concerns presented by practitioners. Similarly, IMF & World Bank by Andrew Mitchell and Damien Eastman provided both an overview of the financial institutions along with its inner workings impacting on policy decisions.

 

I have been taught by highly inspiring professors whose dedication and passion for imparting knowledge extended beyond the classroom. Professor Micheal Bryan is surely one such teacher. Intellectual stimulation has been the hallmark of classes, even more so when the class drew on the expertise of multiple professors so as to provide a broader perspective. Post-Conflict State-Building was an outstanding class that brought academic greats such as Cheryl Saunders, Bruce Oswald, John Tobin & Gerry Simpson together. Absorbing and learning directly from all of them was indeed a bonus.

 

(b) Facilities:

 

Library- One of MLS’s greatest strength is its well equipped library. It’s a treasure trove of a wide array of databases and books managed by a team that is committed to facilitate a conducive environment for students. I am grateful to Carole Hinchcliff, our librarian who has taken particular care to ensure that the long hours that students spend in the library are spent in a comfortable environment. The revamped library has been a visual treat and the extended library hours a great relief for students.

 

Support Staff- The staff on level 6 was my first point of contact in order to obtain details about the program even before I arrived in Australia. They have been extremely prompt in providing guidance. As part of PLSA whereby I was acting as a liaison between the MLM office and students, I have had the opportunity to interact with them both on a personal and a professional capacity. I have always found them welcoming, encouraging and accommodating. Kaye Nankervis has been a stellar support in this regard.

 

© The City of Melbourne:

 

I am a huge cricket enthusiast and the first recollection that I have of the City of Melbourne is that of Pakistan winning it’s first ever ICC World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 1992. Hence, I have always held a fondness for the city which has grown tremendously in the last few years. Melbourne has this ability to draw you in instantly as it has something to offer for everyone. Hailing from the City of Lahore which is known for its cultural heritage with a massive emphasis on food, music & the arts; I have found Melbourne to be the perfect ‘home away from home.’

 

(4) Why did you choose to undertake the subjects you did? Were they particularly relevant to your field of work, believed they would fulfill a passion in that area etc.?

 

I sought to choose subjects that primarily reflected the growing trends in the legal market back home in order to ensure a career in commercial practice. However, the deteriorating quality of life in Pakistan which amongst others is a result of lack of investment in human capital prompted my interest in development law. I thus endeavoured to invest in a parallel career with the LLM & Graduate Diploma.

 

(5) What networking opportunities has the Melbourne Law Masters provided you with?

 

It is crucial to forge networks whilst studying that can ease the transition into work after. Limiting a class to 20 students has the effect of providing opportunities to develop a personalised equation with the teachers and guest lecturers. Moreover, seminars and lecture series have the effect of getting like minded students and professionals together on a common platform.

 

(6) How do you think your studies will help you in the future?

 

The highly internationalised and diversified nature of the subjects that I undertook has allowed me to have a plethora of options when it comes to streamlining a career path and I am looking at areas such as commercial practice, consultancy, multilateral organizations and compliance.  

 

 

(7) What if anything, surprised you about studying with us?

 

The pool of resources available at MLS have not ceased to surprise and overwhelm me. Education is one of the best investments in development and the return in this aspect has been very high. I feel immense pride in being an alumnus of the Melbourne Law School as it continues to soar high in cementing its position as the worlds finest.