ALSA was built on a simple idea: that strong Asian law students deserve the visibility and connections to match their ability. This newsletter is part of how we deliver on that. Every issue, you will find spotlights on students and lawyers doing exceptional work, professional opportunities from firms who want to meet you, and updates on everything ALSA is building this year. Welcome to Issue 1.
Inaugural Launch Night
We are still buzzing from the energy at ALSA's Inaugural Launch Night. It was the start of something that has been a long time in the making, and the room reflected exactly why ALSA needed to exist: motivated students who are ready to enter the profession on their own terms.
If you missed it, do not worry. There is a full year of events ahead, and we intend to make every one worth showing up for.
ALSA Inaugural Launch Night · April 2026
What's Coming
ALSA will run social events every fortnight throughout the year. These are informal, genuinely enjoyable opportunities to meet students across year groups and build the kind of connections that matter beyond a single paper. Watch our Instagram and email updates for details on each event.
What We Are Running This Year
ALSA's academic programme is built around the skills that sit just outside the law school curriculum — the ones that separate students who know the law from students who can practise it. Here is what we have planned for 2026.
ALSA: Learning to Learn
Techniques for absorbing and retaining information effectively. Building a solid foundation of course content rather than surface-level familiarity.
ALSA: Answering to Answer
Writing the best possible exam answers. Structure, precision, and the difference between knowing the law and demonstrating that you know it.
Cultural Competency Workshop
Understanding Chinese business culture and how to maintain long-term professional relationships with Asian clients. Essential for practice in Auckland.
Networking Workshop
Practical networking techniques and how to build genuine professional relationships. Facilitated by practitioners in the Auckland legal market.
A chance to produce legal writing that goes beyond coursework and have it seen by professionals. The top five submissions will be reviewed by a High Court Judge's Clerk. The winning piece will be published in this newsletter and distributed to ALSA's law firm stakeholders — directly into the hands of the people making clerkship decisions.
Write a critical analysis or opinion on a legal topic you have encountered in class. Full topic lists and submission guidelines will be circulated separately. AI use is strictly prohibited.
Register your interestThe Spotlight
Each issue, ALSA spotlights a student or legal professional who demonstrates what it looks like to do this well — not just academically, but as a practitioner and a person. We are looking for the lawyers who have built careers that reflect their values, and the students who are doing more than their coursework demands.
Coming in Issue 2
Know a student or lawyer who deserves to be recognised? Send us a nomination. We will reach out and feature their story in the next issue.
Submit a nominationMentoring Programme
ALSA is building a structured mentoring programme that connects law students with legal professionals for ongoing guidance throughout the year. More details on applications, mentor profiles, and how the programme works will be announced in the next issue.
If you are a lawyer or legal professional interested in mentoring an ALSA member, we would love to hear from you.
Applications will open shortly. Watch this space for full details on programme structure, application criteria, and how to get involved.
Legal Careers Board
From Issue 2, ALSA will publish open roles, clerkship opportunities, and career updates from our law firm partners directly in this newsletter. If your firm would like to reach our membership, contact us at alsaauckland@gmail.com.