HALF-YEARLY PRESIDENT'S REPORT
SEMESTER 1 2026
Prepared by Aditi Pal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Macquarie University Law Society acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Macquarie University Land, the Wattamattagal clan of the Darug Nation, whose
cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since the Dreamtime.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and emerging.
President’s Welcome
Aditi Pal President
As Macquarie University Law Society
enters its 51st year, it is a privilege to
serve as President and reflect on the first half of what has been an exciting new chapter for our Society. Building on a strong foundation, 2026 is characterised
by growth, innovation and a continued commitment to delivering meaningful opportunities for our members
MULS continues to be one of the largest and fastest-growing law societies in Australia. Throughout the first half of 2026, we have remained committed to delivering high-quality initiatives , while embracing new opportunities to grow and evolve as a Society In doing so, we have sought to be increasingly responsive, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse needs of our student community.
I am incredibly proud of what MULS has achieved thus far. This report provides an opportunity to celebrate those achievements, reflect on our progress and look ahead with excitement to the opportunities that the remainder of the year will bring.
Mission
We are committed to our longstanding mission of providing meaningful personal and professional development opportunities for all students at Macquarie Law School.
Vision
Our vision is to utilise our resources to deliver a diverse calendar of initiatives that supports Macquarie Law students throughout the year and provides opportunity to showcase their excellence.
2026 Focus: 3 Pillar Approach
TRANSPARENCY
Improving clarity and openness in governance processes while deepening genuine
student engagement
1
INDUSTRY-READY
Broadening opportunities for
students to develop the practical and professional skills needed in an evolving legal landscape
2
REPUTATION
Strengthening and further enhancing the established reputation of our Society
3
PRESIDENT
Aditi Pal President
Partnered Initiatives with
MLS & MQ: MLS & MULS Competitions MOU
Michael Kirby and Johan van Vloten
Scholarship Fund Equity Scheme Grant
Law Welcome
Experience Macquarie Day
Tea with the Dean
Hayden Lee Secretary
A key responsibility of the Secretary has been overseeing the administration, governance, and approval of MULS events and initiatives From the commencement of the 2026 tenure to the present, there have been 0 incidents or compliance concerns arising from initiatives With the continued support of Macquarie Law School, MULS regularly utilised facilities within the Michael Kirby Building, ensuring members had access to appropriate spaces to support their academic, personal, and professional development The Secretary also played a significant role in strengthening the Society's governance framework through the development and implementation of new policies and procedures aimed at improving administrative consistency, transparency, and accountability In addition, the Secretary worked closely with the Executive Council to support the effective administration of MULS, maintain accurate records, and facilitate communication between key stakeholders, contributing to the smooth operation of the Society throughout the first half of the year Overview
Policy Review: In addition to the Constitution, MULS maintains a range of policies governing Executive standards, equity and inclusion practices, and communications processes. These documents were reviewed to ensure they remain accurate, transparent, and relevant, helping to uphold clear standards and expectations across the Society
2026 Student Feedback Survey: To support MULS' commitment to enhancing the student experience, a feedback survey was distributed to members at the beginning of the year The insights gathered will help shaped the Society's activities and initiatives for 2026.
Drop-In Sessions: Members of the MULS Board hosted a series of drop-in sessions to provide students with the opportunity to raise concerns, seek guidance, and share suggestions on how MULS could better support its members These conversations ensured that student feedback could be meaningfully incorporated into the Society's ongoing work
Constitutional Amendments: Minor inconsistencies within the MULS Constitution were identified, alongside opportunities to improve clarity and transparency With the assistance of MULS' pro bono lawyers, a series of amendments were developed, presented to members, and successfully passed at the Extraordinary General Meeting
Board Charter: With the support of Macquarie Law School, the MULS Board engaged an industry professional to develop a Board Charter The Charter clearly defines the Board's operational role and articulates the values, expectations, and standards that underpin good governance within the Society.
Compliance or operational concerns
Governance Initiatives to promote compliance
TREASURER
Orion Sharp Treasurer
Charities and Not-for-profits Commission in good order, and have met our GST, Business Activity Statement, and fundraising requirements as they fell due Overview
In the first half of 2026, the Treasury remained focused on keeping MULS on a steady financial footing while making sure every dollar goes as far as it can for our members. We have managed the Society's budget carefully across all portfolios, kept a close watch on the cost of each event, and made decisions that protect our long-term position without losing sight of the charitable mission at the core of everything we do. Strong finances are not the goal in themselves but the foundation that allows us to run more events, support more students, and take on new ideas with confidence. Throughout the semester we have stayed on top of our obligations as a registered charity, keeping our standing with the Australian
Much of our work this semester has gone into making MULS more accessible With the support of Macquarie Law School, we expanded our equity programs, including the Competitions, Textbook, and Ticket Equity Schemes, so that the cost of competing, buying course materials, or attending an event is never the reason a student misses out We also continued to subsidise the registration and travel costs for students representing MULS at interstate competitions, broadening access to those opportunities for far more people than would otherwise be able to take part
Behind the scenes, meticulous costing and pricing underpinned every event, so that each could stand on its own financially without putting tickets out of reach That balance, between running events that pay for themselves and keeping them genuinely affordable, has guided our approach to pricing all year. The result has been a fuller calendar of academic, social, and professional events, and healthy revenue growth across our biggest nights without raising the barrier to attend
Each initiative was guided by a member-first approach that balanced fiscal responsibility with our commitment to accessible, high-quality student experiences, supported by clear reimbursement and spending processes that make it easy for every portfolio to plan and account for its budget
GST & Business Activity Statements
Fundraising Requirements
Ongoing Annual Audit
Ongoing Annual Information Statement
+39.6% +27.7%
Start of Semester 1 Drinks revenue increase from 2025
Trivia Night revenue increase from 2025 +10.4%
Law Cruise revenue increase from 2025
COMPETITIONSADVOCACY
Josiah Valerio Vice-President (CompetitionsAdvocacy)
Overview
The Advocacy Competitions Portfolio focuses on strengthening participation, skill development, and competitive excellence across all court-based competitions The team prioritises maintaining high levels of student involvement while continuing to raise the standard and competitiveness of competitions A key focus is increasing engagement with first-time competitors by reducing barriers to entry and fostering a supportive environment, while still challenging experienced competitors through high-quality problem questions, rigorous judging, and structured feedback This balanced approach ensured MULS competitions remain inclusive, competitive, and reflective of Macquarie University’s strong advocacy culture
+68.75% 156
Competitors for Semester 1 competitions than 2025
Competitions & Initiatives
Criminal Law Moot
Ashurst Private Law Moot
International Humanitarian Law Moot
Sir John Peden Contract Law Moot
UNSW Private Law Moot
Experience Macquarie Day
Competitions Expo
UTS LSS x MULS Contract Law Moot
Competitors for Criminal Law Moot 120+
Highschool students at Experience Macquarie Day
Winners
Sir John Peden Contract Law Moot
Winners
UNSW Private Law Moot
Rachel Justic Vice-President (CompetitionsProfessional Skills)
Alan Huang
Executive Officer (CompetitionsProfessional Skills)
Overview
The Professional Skills Competitions Portfolio is focused on increasing registrations and participation across all non-court advocacy competitions, encouraging more students to develop practical skills prior to entering legal practice A key priority is strengthening the reputation of MULS by improving competitor training and resources, supported by increased involvement of industry professionals to ensure consistently high standards of performance The team also emphasises internal competitions as a pathway to intervarsity success to identify and prepare high-quality competitors who reflect the calibre of MULS student members
200
Registrations for Semester 1 competitions
Executive Officer (CompetitionsProfessional Skills) Audrey Chen
Competitions & Initiatives
Mallesons Negotiations Competition
Junior Client Interview
Internal ADR Championship
MULS x SULS Client Interview Competition
UTS LSS Intervarsity Negotiations Competition
Competitions Expo
+100%
Competitors for Internal ADR Championship than 2025
+45.6%
Registrations for Junior Client Interview than 2025
X
EDUCATION
Isabella Capelluto Vice-President (Education)
Aaron Keetels
Executive Officer (Campus Experience)
Overview Initiatives
The Education Portfolio focuses on improving accessibility, engagement, and connection within the Macquarie Law School community The portfolio seeks to strengthen relationships between students and Macquarie Law School faculty by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, mentorship, and guidance Through these initiatives, the Education
Team aims to support students throughout their academic journey while fostering a more connected and inclusive Law School community The portfolio also supports encouraging educational participation by students from all backgrounds with its support of the Textbook Equity Scheme, in collaboration with the Social Justice Portfolio.
179
New first-year members from First Year Afternoon Tea
First Year Afternoon Tea
Kickstart Week Stalls
Tea with the Dean
Trivia Night
Textbook Equity Scheme
342
New members from Semester 1, Kickstart Week
5
Students supported by Textbook Equity Scheme compared to 0 in 2025
Jasmine Kundu Vice-President (Marketing)
Executive Officer (IT)
The Marketing Portfolio adopts a studentfocused approach to communications, with an emphasis on clarity, accessibility, and engagement The team seeks to diversify the content shared across MULS platforms, ensuring it remains relevant, informative, and reflective of the broad range of opportunities and experiences available within the Society A key priority is utilising short-form and accessible content to connect with students through the platforms they engage with most frequently Through these initiatives, the portfolio aims to strengthen awareness of MULS opportunities, ensuring students feel informed, connected, and empowered to make the most of their involvement in the Society. Overview
4859
Instagram Followers
shitha Naveen
Executive Officer (Publicity)
xecutive Officer (Publicity)
Kickstart Week Stall Bags
Merchandise
Marketing Request Execution
Website Update
8400 Facebook Followers
2244 LinkedIn Followers
Ak
Nikita Sherbakov
E
Leila Homayounfard
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Orya
Rayanne Sabra
Vice-President (SocialJustice)
Overview
The Social Justice Portfolio delivers a diverse and impactful program of initiatives designed to deepen students’ understanding of systemic inequality, access to justice, and the role of advocacy within the legal profession A key priority is strengthening partnerships with firms, community legal centres, and advocacy organisations to provide meaningful insight into public interest law and the practical realities of social justice work The team seeks to foster a culturally safe and supportive environment for underrepresented students while enhancing MULS' broader contribution to the community through collaborative and socially conscious initiatives.
Elizabeth Fordsham
Amrittha Krishann
+1
Attendees at the Intervarsity Drag Me to the Bar
College of Law International Women’s Day Panel
Barriers to Access to Justice Panel
Social Justice Instagram
Textbook Donation Drive
Textbook Equity Scheme
Ticket Equity Scheme
Competitions Equity Scheme
Submission to OHCHR Call for input for the
report on women and international solidarity
MULS x SULS X UTS LSS x UNSWLS X WSLSA
Drag Me to the Bar
New Equity Scheme Launched: Competitions Equity Scheme
48
Attendees at International Women’s Day Panel
Michelle
Eishar Chaggar
CAREER ENGAGEMENT
Ankhita Sekhar Owen Hunt
Reaz Ali Francesca Marino
Zoe Byrne
Vice-President (CareerEngagement)
Overview
The Career Engagement Portfolio’s focuses on growth, accessibility, and impact in delivering career development opportunities to Macquarie Law students In Semester 1, it places a focus on corporate careers, with a key priority being the continued growth of connecting students with clerkship opportunities Through targeted initiatives and practical support, the portfolio ensures students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the application process successfully. In Semester 2, the portfolio remains committed to expanding public interest career initiatives This seeks to ensure all students can meaningfully engage with career pathways that align with their interests and professional aspirations
16
Firms attending Clerkship Fair
9
Initiatives
Baker McKenzie Clerkship Presentation
Gadens Clerkship Presentation
Clayton Utz Clerkship Presentation
Ashurst Clerkship Presentation
Pinsent Masons Clerkship Presentation
Mallesons Clerkship Presentation
Thomson Geer Clerkship Presentation
Allens Clerkship Presentation
Gilbert + Tobin Clerkship Presentation
White & Case Graduate Panel
Clerkship Fair & Interview Roulette
Clerkship Presentations compared to 8 in 2025
39
Students in Interview Roulette
Chantelle Bourne
Vice-President (Events)
Overview
The Events Team Portfolio has a focus on achieving diverse engagement, strengthening relationships, and improving communication The portfolio continues to support first-year engagement while placing greater emphasis on initiatives that appeal to students in later years, encouraging sustained involvement throughout the law degree. The team builds upon collaborative relationships established with other faculties and universities, creating opportunities for students to expand their social and professional networks while enhancing the profile of MULS Underpinning these priorities is a commitment to improved communication, with student feedback and consultation informing the planning and delivery of relevant, high-quality, and wellattended events
Attendees at MULS x MUBS Start of Semester I Drinks
Law Cruise Initiatives
Trivia Night
MULS x MUBS Start of Semester I Drinks
First Year Law Camp
+35.3%
302
Attendees at Law Cruise 266
Attendees at Trivia Night than 2025
JURIS DOCTOR & POSTGRAUDUATE
Overview
Namitha Ann Binu
Vice-President
(Juris Doctor and Postgraduate)
The JD and Postgraduate Portfolios focuses on delivering targeted, accessible, and high-impact initiatives designed to meet the unique academic, professional, and personal needs of Macquarie’s Juris
Doctor and Postgraduate students. The portfolio recognises that many students balance full-time work, family commitments, and study, and so are committed to ensuring programs are is inclusive, flexible, and practical The team offers a tailored calendar of initiatives each semester, including careers-focused, education and social events that have hybrid attendance options to support the needs of external and working students throughout their postgraduate studies
35+
Attendees at JD & PG Welcome Lunch
Shanti Gangatharan
Executive Officer (Juris Doctor and Postgraduate Advocacy)
Initiatives
JD & PG Welcome Lunch
Ashurst JD Clerkship Presentation
JD & PG Online Feedback Survey
ADC-ICC Asia Pacific Commercial Mediation
Competition Advertisement
Attendees at Ashurst JD Clerkship Presentation +1
JD & PG Online Feedback Survey
PUBLICATIONS
Kaylen La Brooy Vice-President (Publications)
Overview
The Publications Team continues to deliver high-quality publications while building on the strong foundations established in previous years. A key focus for 2026 is communicating the breadth of opportunities available through MULS and Macquarie Law School in an engaging and accessible manner, encouraging student involvement at every stage of the law degree
The portfolio prioritises accessibility and the development of educational resources that provide insight into different aspects of the Law School experience Communitybuilding also remain central to the team's work, particularly through the tri-annual publication of MULS' flagship publication, The Brief
5
Publications released compared to 4 in Semester 1, 2025
Oliver Bunting
Executive Officer (Editor)
Krishi Patel
Executive Officer (The Brief)
Initiatives
First Year Guide
Competitions Guide
Clerkship Guide
Resume and Cover Letter Guide
Brief Edition 1
100
Printed Clerkship Guides at
Clerkship Fair on par with 2025
Concluding Remarks
As we reflect on the achievements of Semester 1, we are incredibly proud of the progress made across every area of the Society. From delivering a diverse calendar of events and competitions to strengthening our governance, expanding equity initiatives and fostering meaningful connections within the legal profession, these accomplishments have only been possible through the dedication of the team, the engagement of our members and the support of our stakeholders
Looking ahead to Semester 2, MULS remains committed to building upon this momentum We look forward to continuing to support Macquarie Law students through our initiatives that enrich the student experience and create opportunities for every member of our community to thrive.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Macquarie Law School for its ongoing support throughout the year. Macquarie Law School's continued investment in our students and confidence in the work of MULS has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver meaningful outcomes for our members.
As we enter the second half of 2026, we remain focused on serving our members, strengthening our community and ensuring that MULS continues to provide opportunities that empower students to succeed both during their studies and beyond. We look forward to an exciting and impactful Semester 2
Aditi Pal President
