MULS Candidate Guide 2025/26

2025/26 ELECTION CANDIDATE GUIDE

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This guide presents the individual candidates for positions on the 2025/26 Board of the Macquarie University Law Society

Each candidate profile contains: 1. Candidate’s Name 2. Candidate’s Photo 3. Candidate’s Statement of Intention Pursuant to section 9 of the Election Regulations, the candidates have been grouped by the positions for which they are nominating and alphabetically ordered by surname.

Question Period MULS Members can ask nominees any questions here ●

Saturday, 11th October 2025, 9am - Question period opens

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Saturday, 11th October 2025, 5 pm - Question period closes

Voting Period: ●

Saturday, 18th October 2025, 5am - Polls open

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Monday, 20th October 2024, 5pm - Polls close

Voting will take place on iLearn

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NOMINATION CONTENTS

PRESIDENT ............................................................................................................. 4 ADITI PAL ...................................................................................................................... 5 SECRETARY ............................................................................................................. 6 HAYDEN LEE ................................................................................................................. 7 TREASURER............................................................................................................. 8 AMEYA DESHPANDE ................................................................................................... 9 ORION SHARP ............................................................................................................ 10 EDUCATION .......................................................................................................... 11 ISABELLA CAPPELLUTO ............................................................................................ 12 SOCIAL JUSTICE .................................................................................................... 13 RAYANNE SABRA ....................................................................................................... 14 CAREER ENGANGEMENT ..................................................................................... 15 ZOE BYRNE ................................................................................................................. 16 COMPETITIONS - ADVOCACY .............................................................................. 17 COMPETITIONS – PROFESSIONAL SKILLS .......................................................... 18 RACHEL JUSTIC........................................................................................................... 19 PUBLICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 20 KAYLEN LA BROOY .................................................................................................... 21 MARKETING.......................................................................................................... 22 EVENTS ................................................................................................................. 23 CHANTELLE BOURNE ................................................................................................ 24 JURIS DOCTOR AND POSTGRADUATE ................................................................ 25

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PRESIDENT

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ADITI PAL Hello everyone!

I am excited to be running for President of the Macquarie University Law Society as I enter my fourth year. I seek to support MULS in creating an environment where students are empowered to make the most out of their law school journey.

MULS has been an important part of my law school experience, from starting out as the Executive Officer for Competitions (Foundations) to serving as the Vice-President (Events) and competing across competitions. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for how much MULS can shape students’ confidence, connection, and growth throughout law school.

Throughout my studies, I have developed key leadership and teamwork skills that have shaped how I approach challenges and collaborate with others. In my experiences as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant and Tutor, I have developed strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities, while supporting others in their learning and working productively.

If elected, I am committed to: 1. Further strengthening the reputation of MULS I recognise that belonging to a law society with a strong reputation is integral to opening doors for students in their careers and supporting their professional development. I am committed to ensuring MULS is a well-regarded and visible society through maintaining strong relationships with the university and with sponsors of the broader legal community.

2. Enhancing the student experience The law school experience is as much about learning and personal growth as it is about building connections and exploring opportunities. I aim to support MULS in being a society that every student is excited to be part of by helping deliver events and initiatives that are engaging, inclusive, and accessible. The focus is on creating opportunities that support students and make their law school experience more rewarding and memorable.

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SECRETARY

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HAYDEN LEE Hello everyone!

My name is Hayden, and I am excited to present my candidacy as the Secretary of MULS. With a commitment to enhancing student opportunities, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the sense of community that makes MULS such an important part of our law school experience. I believe that my skills and experiences place me in a strong position to continue contributing to MULS in a meaningful way.

My vision as Secretary is to continue building a community where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to make the most of their time at law school. I want to work alongside my colleagues to ensure that MULS remains a society that not only creates opportunities, but also helps students grow personally, academically, and professionally.

In my current position within MULS as an Executive Officer in Advocacy Competitions, I’ve had the privilege of engaging directly with our student body supporting competitors, assisting with events, and seeing firsthand how MULS helps students build confidence and practical legal skills. This experience has taught me the value of clear communication, organisation, and teamwork all of which I hope to bring into the Secretary role to make a positive impact across every portfolio.

Beyond my work within MULS, I’ve also competed in various internal and external competitions, reaching the Grand Finals on multiple occasions and representing the university in an international commercial mediation competition. These experiences have not only developed my advocacy and problem-solving skills but also deepened my appreciation for the supportive, driven community that MULS represents.

If elected, I’m eager to continue contributing to the MULS community ensuring that every member feels valued, informed, and inspired to make the most of what MULS has to offer.

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TREASURER

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AMEYA DESHPANDE In my current role as an Executive Officer (Competitions – Advocacy) in the Competitions portfolio, I have developed the required skills needed to handle high stress situations whilst simultaneously being organized to ensure that all tasks are carried out to a high standard.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Finance and a Bachelor of Laws.

My background in Applied Finance makes me suitable for this role as I can easily understand any terminology relating to finance. This understanding enables me to work with MULS accountants and the ACNC to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to legislation pertaining to ACNC compliance.

I have experience in using XERO through an accounting assessment for which I received a high distinction. This means I possess the knowledge to accurately enter financial data into this system which would enable me to create including but not limited to profit and loss statements, statements of financial positions and cash flow statements.

I also possess the requisite skills to use excel whereby I can create financial models to forecast future cash flows of the organization. This would be important for an organization the size of MULS given multitude of events/initiatives on offer.

Furthermore, through the soft skills I have a gained from my role as an executive officer of advocacy competitions, I can solve problems that may arise in a timely and efficient manner.

Balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders is another key skill which I possess as I have had to work with competitors, judges and academics to ensure all competitions which I am responsible for are operated at a high standard.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve MULS in this role as a treasurer and contribute to its success.

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ORION SHARP Hello everyone!

My name is Orion Sharp, and I’m excited to be running for Treasurer of the Macquarie University Law Society.

As a current MULS executive officer and an SRC Representative, I’ve seen firsthand how our society helps students develop their skills, find their career paths, and grow in confidence. I’m running for Treasurer to put my experience in financial management and society governance to work for you, ensuring MULS continues to thrive. For me, the Treasurer’s role is about managing our funds responsibly to empower every portfolio and maximise value for all law students.

My degree in Commerce and Law gives me a strong technical foundation for this position. With strong grades in Accounting and Economics, and proficiency in accounting software like Xero, I am fully prepared to manage the society’s financial operations and compliance obligations. My commitment is to maintain the financial strength and integrity of MULS. If elected, I will: •

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Manage all accounting records and work proactively with our auditors and the university to meet all ACNC and ATO compliance obligations efficiently and transparently.

Collaborate with all Vice-Presidents and Officers to develop fair, strategic budgets that maximise value for members across all MULS initiatives, from competitions to social events.

Commit to being an accessible and efficient Treasurer, ensuring timely reimbursements and providing clear financial advice to support the board’s goals and operations.

I am confident that my blend of society experience and financial expertise makes me a strong candidate for this role. I would be honoured to serve as your Treasurer and help contribute to the ongoing success of MULS.

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EDUCATION

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ISABELLA CAPPELLUTO Hello, I am Isabella Cappelluto and I’m excited to run for the Vice-President of Education position, seeking to drive and support the various educational and wellbeing initiatives for all Macquarie Law and prospective students.

As the Executive Officer of Equity throughout 2025, I worked closely with the VP (Education) in executing the Textbook Equity Scheme. I am well versed in the operations of the equity scheme but believe there are opportunities to broaden it beyond the financial hardship criteria and update the list of qualifying textbooks to align with current course standards.

I would also like to plan and implement new education initiatives for students, including hosting summary seminars on the various Priestly 11 units. By collaborating with recent top achieving students, I believe we will develop strong presentations to support students and offer valuable advice about how to prepare for the given unit. These seminars will be conducted near the end of each semester to allow students revision time. Additionally, I would propose collaborative workshops with library services on AGLC4 referencing.

I am also eager to repeat and refine various events including the First Year Afternoon Tea and Mental Health Week Initiatives. I am certain of my capabilities in running these events through my experience organising the collaborative event between MULS and the Her Village Foundation. This event immersed young refugee girls in Macquarie Law School and I hope to continue this partnership, educating prospective students interested in pursuing law.

Finally, having firsthand experience of the benefits of a buddy program, I would like to develop a casual buddy program between MULS Executives and MULS members.

Students will have the opportunity to be buddied up to discuss a range of topics including resume help, with first year and first-generation students to be prioritised.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE

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RAYANNE SABRA As a Muslim woman, my experiences navigating spaces where diversity is often underrepresented have deeply influenced my commitment to equity, inclusion and advocacy. Having faced barriers and bias linked to my culture, faith, and gender has given me a personal understanding of the importance of amplifying voices that are too often unheard. These experiences have shaped not only my perspective but also my purpose to use my platform to advocate for fairness, visibility, and meaningful representation within both the university and the broader legal community.

Serving as the Executive Officer for Social Justice Advocacy this year has allowed me to develop practical skills in leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. I have learned how to listen to diverse perspectives, translate ideas into action, and coordinate initiatives that make a tangible impact. Notably, I co-led City2Surf alongside the Events portfolio to raise funds for the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, demonstrating my ability to bring people together to support important social causes. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how meaningful partnerships and student-led initiatives can amplify impact and inspire engagement across the student body.

As Vice-President, my goal is to grow the Social Justice portfolio through initiatives that encourage collaboration across portfolios, foster student advocacy, and educate students on social justice issues within and beyond the legal field. I am committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, represented, and empowered to use their legal education as a force for positive social change. By prioritising inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement, I hope to cultivate a portfolio that not only addresses systemic inequities but also inspires the next generation of students to actively contribute to building a more just and equitable community.

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CAREER ENGANGEMENT

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ZOE BYRNE Hi everyone! My name is Zoe, and I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Security Studies. As the current Executive Officer of Corporate Careers for MULS, I have had the privilege of working closely with the Vice President (Career Engagement) and our corporate partners to deliver events that help students navigate the transition from university to professional life.

Through my experience working in a large national law firm and my current executive role, I have developed strong skills in stakeholder management, event coordination, and professional communication. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the expectations of both employers and students, and how MULS can bridge that gap effectively.

If elected, I will continue to strengthen MULS’ relationships with leading private sector firms while also expanding engagement with public interest organisations and government employers. I believe career development should be inclusive and reflective of the diverse ambitions within our law school.

My goal is to deliver a comprehensive and accessible career program, from specialised clerkship events and the annual Clerkship Fair to panels highlighting alternative legal and non-legal pathways. Every student, regardless of their chosen direction, should feel supported and confident in pursuing their professional goals.

With dedication, professionalism, and a genuine passion for student success, I am eager to continue contributing to MULS and ensuring our members are equipped to thrive in all areas of the legal profession.

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COMPETITIONS ADVOCACY This position will be put forward for casual vacancy nominations from the floor at the 2025 MULS Annual General Meeting.

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COMPETITIONS – PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

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RACHEL JUSTIC I am a fourth year Law and Commerce student, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive Competitions community, where all participants are empowered to participate and grow as future legal professionals.

If elected as Vice President, my vision for the portfolio is to build on the foundations of the current tenure and enhance competitor support and performance. Competitions remain integral not only for showcasing performance but encouraging personal growth. I remain deeply passionate about creating an environment wherein participants, regardless of experience, feel equipped to deal with practical legal challenges.

If elected, I intend to dedicate time to improve resources for first-time competitors, removing barriers to involvement and making competitions a more approachable aspect of the law student experience by formalising training and structured workshops. In addition to this, fostering greater collaboration with sponsor firms, judges and industry professionals by upholding professionalism and collaboration, will simultaneously build the reputation of our society and quality of competition in both internal and external competitions.

As a current Executive Officer in the Professional Skills portfolio, I have had the privilege of undertaking competition organisation, working closely with competitors, judges, and the wider portfolio to deliver high-quality and rewarding experiences for participants and judges. Having this experience, I am eager to lead Executive Officers in ensuring competition quality is sustained. It is through this role that I have obtained an understanding of the operational and interpersonal requirements of the role that underpin the aims of the portfolio and MULS at large, and the importance of a studentcentral approach to running an effective initiative.

I would be honoured to lead the Professional Skills portfolio and continue to build MULS’ reputation in the competitions field, cultivating a competitions culture where competitions are inclusive, skill-focused and accessibly engaged in by competitors, judges and sponsors alike.

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PUBLICATIONS

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KAYLEN LA BROOY Hello everyone!

My name is Kaylen La Brooy, and I’m thrilled to present my nomination for Vice President (Publications) of MULS. Having served as the Executive Officer (Editor) on the council this year, I seek to step up to the board, and uphold the high standard of information disseminated through many of our publications.

With tangible experience as the Director of Publications for MacqPsych, working with a subcommittee of over 25 members, I understand, (and very much enjoy) the interpersonal, leadership and communication skills that are necessary for the role. I am also confident in my organisational skills, having managed this role concurrently with high round Moots, Negotiations and International Mediations representing Macquarie University.

If elected, I intend to hit the ground running and begin spotlighting the countless initiatives in an informative, engaging manner. In addition to this, I will: 1. Continue improving established First Year Guides, Competitions Guides and Clerkship Guides, which are published annually.

2. Further increase MULS community participation and showcase the many facets of the society often unseen and underutilised by the general member.

3. Support the triannual developments of ‘The Brief’, in both hard and soft copy.

4. Consider ways to establish (or reinvigorate) additional publications (like the MULS Yearbook) into the existing lineup.

I’m extremely keen to continue contributing to MULS next year and would love to have your support in bringing this vision to life!

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MARKETING This position will be put forward for casual vacancy nominations from the floor at the 2025 MULS Annual General Meeting.

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EVENTS

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CHANTELLE BOURNE Hi everyone!

My name is Chantelle, and I’m honoured to present my candidacy for Events Vice-President for 2026. My candidature is driven by a commitment to fostering a more connected and engaged student community.

Over the past year, I have worked closely with the Events portfolio to market initiatives in my capacity as a Publicity Executive Officer. This role has equipped me with a profound understanding of MULS member engagement and refined my skills in event promotion and strategic communication. I have gained valuable insight into how branding, timing, and targeted outreach can directly influence student engagement. My contributions over the term have resulted in meaningful successes, including a 40.6% increase in Instagram followers, with positive translations on engagement figures. This experience has equipped me with both the creative and organisational capabilities necessary to ensure MULS events are both wellexecuted and widely celebrated.

As Events Vice-President, my vision is to cultivate a more connected and collaborative student community through: 1. Intervarsity and Interfaculty Collaboration: By working closely with societies internally, across disciplines, and externally, across universities, I aim to promote joint initiatives that celebrate the diversity of our student experiences and expand professional and social networks alike. These collaborations will diversify the scope of MULS events and create opportunities for students to engage with a broader body of future colleagues.

2. Cross-Year Engagement: I aim to bridge the engagement gap between year levels by developing events that appeal to students at every stage of their law journey. Fostering these connections will strengthen the sense of community within MULS and ensure that every student feels equally represented and welcomed.

Social connections are the fabric of our law school community. I would be honoured to 24 meaningful relationships, and a strong create events that foster shared experiences,

sense of belonging for every student.

JURIS DOCTOR AND POSTGRADUATE This position will be put forward for casual vacancy nominations from the floor at the 2025 MULS Annual General Meeting.

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