University, law firm establish on-campus office
A Melbourne law firm has established an on-campus office within RMIT.
The first partnership of its type for the university’s School of Law is with Anika Legal, a not-for-profit representing Victorian renters.
“The office embeds Anika Legal’s internship program on campus creating a dedicated space for students to build practical legal skills in a supported, professional environment,” an RMIT spokesperson said.
“Students work on tenancy related matters including bond disputes, repairs and evictions and contribute to casework delivered online under supervision,” they added.
“The model combines flexible digital service delivery with in-person collaboration and mentoring,” according to the representative.
Anika Legal is registered at 15 William Street in the CBD.
Prior to announcing the on-campus office it supported some 80 RMIT students with internships.
On-campus office
The RMIT School of Law is primarily located at the Emily McPherson Building at 405 Russell St in the CBD (continues below).
It forms part of the College of Business and Law which also operates at 445 Swanston St.
The Anika clinic aims to strengthen job readiness by connecting learning with real client outcomes, RMIT School of Law Dean, Professor Diana Bowman, said.
“This is a significant step in how we deliver work-integrated learning,” she added.
“Students are gaining real-world experience on campus while contributing to access to justice and building an understanding of the barriers many people face in the legal system,” according to the executive.
Anika principal lawyer, Emily Southwell, said the group’s first on-site university campus allows it to expand the impact of its model.
“By working more closely with interns in a shared environment we can strengthen supervision, enhance learning and scale support for clients who need it most,” she added.
“The RMIT-based office will continue to support student learning while strengthening pathways into purpose driven legal careers,” according to the executive.
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