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Internships & Reflections
Internships & Reflections
I have been extremely fortunate to spend my electives completing work integrated learning units. In this section, I will reflect on all my internships in relation to the graduate learning outcomes, but with a focus on my most significant internship.
MLL338: Legal Professional Practice, where I was a research intern to Dr Felicity Gerry, a renowned barrister who was working on a criminal defence matter in the Hague. This matter was held in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the Hague.
MLL338: Legal Professional Practice, where I was a research intern to Dr Felicity Gerry, a renowned barrister who was working on a criminal defence matter in the Hague. This matter was held in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the Hague.
Reflections
This internship helped me recognise the integration of teamwork and self management skills, and how these qualities often intersect.
During my time on this internship, I refined my teamwork skills, self management skills and most significantly, my global citizenship skills. I thought that I had strong teamwork and self management skills, however this was my first time working in an extremely high performing team that included law students, law graduates, and lawyers from different countries and backgrounds. Due to the high-performing nature of the team, I was allocated a specific independent research tasks in the matter. I had to ensure that I was always prepared during team meetings to answer questions from the team. Even though I was self-managing my time and research, I had to be an expert. I leaned on the experience and wisdom of the lawyers, and asked for support if I needed it. I ensured that I communicated openly in writing and orally to ensure that the team was aware of my progress and development during the internship.
This internship solidified that I wanted a career at the bar, and invigorate my passion for a practice in human rights law.
Testimony from Dr Felicity Gerry KC
Testimony from Dr Felicity Gerry KC
"I am delighted to provide this testimony confirming that Sasha undertook an internship with the Defence team in the matter of Prosecutor v. Bahtijari before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the Hague. During this time, she made a valuable and commendable contribution to a case of significant legal and historical importance.
As part of the Defence team, Sasha supported work on a case concerning allegations under international criminal law arising from the Kosovo conflict of the late 1990s. The Defence strategy in Bahtijari involved robust challenges for a vulnerable client, close analysis of the reliability of insider witness testimony, and the development of submissions on fair trial rights in the unique hybrid context of the Chambers. These were matters that received attention in open court and are part of the public case record.
Throughout the internship, Sasha engaged with these complex legal issues with intellectual rigour and maturity. Her tasks included reviewing legal filings, assisting with comparative legal research across international and domestic jurisprudence, and contributing to internal team discussions on issues such as witness credibility, and disclosure obligations. In doing so, she demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to synthesise large volumes of information accurately and under significant time pressure.
Beyond technical competence, Sasha brought a calm and thoughtful presence to the team, showing initiative and integrity in every aspect of her work. She interacted professionally with colleagues from diverse legal backgrounds and jurisdictions and approached sensitive material with discretion and a trauma-informed mindset.
The work of the Defence in Mr Bahtijari’s case, including many challenges in the pre-trial and trial proceedings, reflects the importance of fearless and fair advocacy in international criminal law. Sasha’s contribution during this stage of proceedings was both meaningful and deeply appreciated.
I have no hesitation in supporting Sasha’s application for the Deakin Leadership Hallmark. Her performance during the internship is a strong indicator of future leadership in the legal profession, particularly in fields requiring courage, clarity, and a principled commitment to justice."
Dr Felicity Gerry KC
Barrister
Victoria Bar
Whilst my internship in the Hague was the most significant work experience at Deakin University, I have also completed other internships in my course, highlighting my commitment to giving back to the community. You can read more about my other internships below - just click on the headings to reveal my reflections!
MLL420: Mooting and Advocacy, where I was selected to represent Deakin Law School in Sydney for the 2025 Baker McKenzie National Women's Moot.
MLL420: Mooting and Advocacy, where I was selected to represent Deakin Law School in Sydney for the 2025 Baker McKenzie National Women's Moot.
Reflections
As a first-time mooter, I learnt a lot about critical thinking, teamwork and effective communication. This is evidenced by our 'Runners Up' result against 12 other law schools across the country. This mooting experience taught me that nothing is beyond me - I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
The problem question was on the area of administrative law - an area with a lot of nuance and complexity, but that is exactly what I loved most about it. I worked together in a team to discuss the legal issues, identify weaknesses in our arguments, and find ways to present our case in the best light possible.
We were the first Deakin University team to ever make the semi finals in this competition - let alone the Grand Final. My team and I presented in the Federal Court of Australia for grand finals, and had the privilege of engaging in an intellectual discussion about administrative law with Judges of the Federal Court during the moot.
MLL351: Community Legal Internship, where I was placed at an employment rights community legal centre, JobWatch for 3 months.
MLL351: Community Legal Internship, where I was placed at an employment rights community legal centre, JobWatch for 3 months.
This internship refined my digital literacy skills, communication and problem solving skills when talking to clients on the phone who may have a range of emotional and legal needs.
I undertook the role of a Telephone Information Service (TIS) Operator. On the TIS, I took incoming calls from people who had their workplace rights violated, drafted file notes, and after consultation with a qualified lawyer, provided them legal information that could assist their case. A new experience in this specific internship was the opportunity to talk directly with clients, as opposed to my first internship, where I only communicated with legal professionals. Because of this, I adapted my communication skills to ensure that I explained complex law in plain English. As a law student, I understand that this is an invaluable skill, and one that is highly sought in the industry, so I ensured that I was actively working on this throughout my time at JobWatch. I stopped using complex legalese and references to legislation, instead opting to break down these concepts in a simple way. For example, I was required to familiarise myself with General Protection Cases and this meant that I had to understand and explain the definition of a 'workplace right' and 'adverse action' to people who have never heard of this concept.
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