From ballroom dancing to the law: Meet PLT alum Helena Angela Hanna

What did you study at university and what are you doing presently?

I completed a Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours), majoring in Social Justice with a minor in Spanish and Latin American studies. Alongside my passion for the law, I was invested in learning a language and so toward the end of my degree I added on a Diploma of Languages in Spanish. I completed these degrees in 2021 and commenced post graduate studies in 2022. Currently, I have just completed my PLT and I am continuing my postgraduate degree, a Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Research in law.

How did you balance PLT, postgraduate studies and your other interests?

I am very passionate about the law and helping others, so it rarely feels like work to me to undertake further legal studies however, I do think it is extremely important to have a variety of interests and not to sacrifice your physical or mental wellbeing. I ensure that I set aside time throughout the week to meet up with friends, enjoy my other interests and to engage in physical activity. I compete in ballroom dancing competitions, go to the gym and I love practising my Spanish and spending time with my adorable dog and rabbits! I have found that maintaining these interests helps me to relax and to utilise different parts of my brain as well as incorporating important physical activity.

Do you have any advice for law students?

Enjoy the process because the degree and PLT will go by quickly. Don’t be afraid to explore a variety of elective units so you can have a broader understanding of different aspects of the law and so you can discover what areas you are most passionate about. Also, always ask questions and engage with your classes because it will make the whole experience so much more interactive and ultimately it will benefit you because you will learn a lot more from the experience.

Do you have any advice for students starting their PLT?

Embrace the new knowledge and skills you are going to learn and don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you don’t know something straight away. The PLT is different from legal studies undertaken at universities as it does not focus on theoretical understanding of the law but rather the practical how-to of the day-to-day tasks of a legal practitioner. There are often a few tasks due within the same week, so it is important to maintain an organised schedule. For the oral exams it is important to practice your oration and have confidence in your abilities.

Any tips for law grads navigating admission?

Admission is an exciting process as you are about to commence another chapter in your journey to becoming a lawyer. Ensure you have completed all the requirements before applying to the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW for admission and apply as soon as possible as it will likely take a while before you are granted an admissions ceremony date. In demonstrating you are fit and proper person, you will have to submit two character reference forms, so it is a good idea to ask some friends or colleagues in advance, who have known you for a while, to complete these forms.

Do you have a College of Law lecturer you would like to shout out?

All the lecturers and staff at the College of Law are fantastic, however I would like to give special shout out to Asheesh Kalmath, my lecturer and mentor. Ash is genuinely interested in helping his students grow as independent future lawyers and goes beyond to prepare them for all aspects of life as a lawyer: from managing client files and expectations, to appearing in court, as well as ensuring that we know how to incorporate a good work/life balance. He is dedicated, encouraging, motivational and knowledgeable. Thank you Ash!