The Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) believes there is evidence for concern on a number of fronts - including whether a law degree still represents value for money or whether it is being used as a revenue-raising tool by universities to subsidise other subjects and investments. The introduction of online degrees at universities is being viewed with scepticism by some, as they are seen as inexpensive ways of providing tuition whilse still charging significant sums to students. 

Funding crisis

ALSA is conducting a survey among students and says that preliminary results highlight numerous problems. Marie Iskander, vice president of the organisation, said: 'ALSA is of the strong belief that the funding crisis affecting the public sector and community legal sector is having an adverse impact on our law graduates as well as the broader community who are desperately in need of legal advice, assistance and representation.' 

Work/life balance

Lack of employabililty at the end of the courses appears to be a common concern. One student said: 'It greatly affects my work/life/study balance. Ironically, this also impacts on my grades.' Source: Lawyers Weekly