Published 2025 by the Macquarie University Law Society
Michael Kirby Building Level 1, 17 Wally’s Walk
Macquarie University NSW 2109
Creators
Diako Nabavi Anya Maclure
Design
Anya Maclure Emilia Price
Editors
Rachel Croucher, Kaylen La Brooy, Anya Maclure
ISBN: 978-1-7643313-1-9
Images
Macquarie University Alumni and Affiliates
This book is dedicated to those who will Society always Every
This book is dedicated to those who came before us, and to those who will follow.
The Macquarie University Law Society has and always will be the heart of the Law School. Every student is a beat that promises the future of our great profession.
THEBRIEF
RETRO
1975-2025
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
11 Building Young Lawyers, Building a Legacy - Andrew Clark 15 Mooting & Beyond - Eli Ball 19 Through the Looking Glass - Judith Preston 21 Celebrating 50 Years - Dr Margaret RLL Kelly
In the Matter of the MULS - Diako Nabavi
Remembering MULS - Christine Iacono
How Macquarie Shaped my Life of Service - Talal Yassine AM 33 The Eight Lessons of Jessup - Taylor McCoy, Farrah Mikhail, jf.k Tendai Gezimati, Simeon Levine 37 The Fabric of Law School - Henry El-Hage 39 The Time of Gen X - Garry Rich SC 42 The MQ Law Degree - Andrew Burke 43 MQLS: Fertile Field for Innovation - Carlos Bernal-Pulido
Foundations of Law - Zara Bending
Career Across Borders - Richard Smith
From MQLS to the Bar - Lloyd Babb SC
Measuring the MULS Impact - Aditi Pal
From Courtrooms to Boardroom - Jason Johnson
2024 FIRST YEAR WELCOME IN NEW MICHAEL KIRBY BUILDING
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITYFIRSTARTS/LAWGRADUATES 1980
Seated: A M Robinson, S L Rawson, K J Atkinson, P E King, G Noe, D A Winterburn, A R Craig, S M Kluss, A B Tancred, J R Clift, P A Johnston, N L Rodinoff
2nd Row: M O Tubbs, R F Fischer, G J Brittain, P J Norman, G V Pashalis, H J Dickinson, P J Keel, C B Brierley, E Taurin, T W Weissel, C B Loveday, P M Sekula, R M Sweet
3rd Row: S C Bottomley, P McFarlane, D G Holmes, D I Dunkley, S Economides, S Stojanovic, P N Taradilis, R G Anderson, C H Ivens, M L Marx, L W Pierotti, C G Scott
Back: S W Porter, B B Cameron, B P Broughton, M P Stern, S S Clark, A G Musgrave, D M Hinchen, A G Makinson, J D Burns, R Tricca, I D Gillings, D G Wilson
Absent: D. C Sligar.
FOREWORD
It is with great pride and deep gratitude that we welcome you to the 50th Anniversary Edition of the MULS’ The Brief: Retro This landmark publication marks half a century of the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS): an organisation built on the dedication, passion, and the legacy of its members, alumni, affiliates, and friends
This edition is more than a celebration. It is a record, a tribute, and a reflection It is one of the largest editions ever produced, and fittingly so The voices from across generations inspired the creation of the chapters in this book, to honour the beginnings of MULS, the unity it fostered, the passion it ignited, the valour it inspired, and the legacy it continues to build
We are honoured to include contributions from those who have shaped MULS and Macquarie Law through their time, service, and stories Your experiences are the foundation upon which we stand
As we reflect on our origins, we pay special tribute to the founders of MULS: Michael Marx, Stuart Clark, Michael Chalmers, Duncan Glasgow, and Mike Boulter. Their vision and initiative laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most enduring and cutting-edge student organisations at Macquarie University
Together with Emilia Price and Rachel Duong, we have led the creation of this commemorative edition Our hope was to capture the spirit of MULS across its five decades We commemorate its evolution, celebrate its present, and imagine its future. Your contribution, whether as an alumnus, affiliate, or friend, is a vital part of this narrative
Your voice is part of our legacy.
Warm regards,
Diako Nabavi Secretary, MULS
Anya Maclure Editor-in-Chief, The Brief
THEDEAN’S WELCOME
What a milestone! I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome you to this special 50th anniversary issue of The Brief Fifty years of legal education at Macquarie Law School (MLS) - and here we are, still going strong.
As Dean, but more importantly as someone who calls MLS home - I'm a lifetime member of MULS, graduating with my LLB in 2006 and PhD in 2018. I can honestly say MULS isn't just part of our law school, it IS our law school It is the heart of student life This publication is no exception and is the result of the hard work of the 2025 MULS Executive who wanted to find a way to celebrate 50 years of student life at Macquarie.
Since becoming Dean in 2022, I've had countless conversations with alumni spanning all five decades, and the same themes keep coming up: the friendships that last a lifetime, the committed academic staff and tutors, and something special about the way we do things here at Macquarie that just sticks with people. I get it completely because I lived it myself.
Our Law School motto "Find Your Purpose", highlights the importance of finding meaning in law
As the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG once told a group of law students, "Your mission is justice under the law. It is a very important mission. You should never forget it... You have been called to the colours of the law because our work is the doing of justice " Without purpose, teaching and studying becomes an end in itself, whereas our goal has always been to help students look behind the law to the impact of law on the most vulnerable. At MLS, we don't just teach what the law is, we imagine what it could be We want each student to discover through the study of law their own potential, whether in pursuit of a career as a lawyer or elsewhere
But here's what I think outsiders might not fully understand about MLS: we have this incredibly strong sense of community and purpose that's quite unique Many of our students - myself included - are first in the family to study law, or first in the family to go to university Our students come from wonderfully diverse cultural backgrounds, and honestly, they're truly some of the warmest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet There's something about starting this journey without a family roadmap that creates a different kind of bond between students, and between students and staff. We look out for each other. And we see the world differently.
As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the people who shaped our community but are no longer with us. This year, particularly poignantly given it's our 50th anniversary, we said goodbye to Stuart Clark AM AFSM from the very first graduating class: a partner at Clayton Utz, leading expert in class actions, former President of the Law Council of Australia, and a highly decorated volunteer with the Bush Fire Brigade Stuart’s funeral was attended by MLS alumni from across the decades, a testament to the enduring connections our law school creates. These losses remind us that we're part of a legacy that is much bigger than any one of us
And what a legacy it is! It’s pretty extraordinary when I look at our alumni making their mark across the profession - Jennifer Ball, the current President of the Law Society of NSW, following in the footsteps of alumni Joanne van der Plaat and Pauline Wright who held the same role; Paul Jenkins, Global CEO of Ashurst; Scott Atkins, Norton Rose Fulbright's Global Head of Restructuring and former Global Chair; Professor Talal Yassine AM, founder of The Salaam Foundation and The Salaam Institute; Professor Rob Stokes, former NSW Planning and Education Minister; Kathrina Lo, NSW Public Service Commissioner;
The Honourable P A Bergin AO SC who served as Chief Judge in Equity of the Supreme Court; and The Honourable Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of the NSW Land and Environment Court Inside these pages you'll find contributions from a broad range of wonderful alumni who have all taken something special from their MLS education.
The last few years have given us so much to celebrate too Opening the new Michael Kirby Building in 2024 was incredible, finally giving us facilities that match the quality of our people and programs. We now have an outstanding place to work and study, and the building has quite rightly garnered multiple building and architecture awards
In May of 2022, we partnered with DLA Piper (under the stewardship of MLS alumni Nicolas Patrick, head of Responsible Business) to launch Wallumatta Legal, a low-fee family law firm In only a short time, Wallumatta has grown from being a sole solicitor practice to employing seven solicitors across NSW and Victoria and continues to evolve its model to meet the needs of the missing middle Our students continue to learn from the opportunity to volunteer and intern, and some have gone on to full employment with the firm We are incredibly proud of being part of such an innovative model of legal practice and we look forward to partnering with Wallumatta into the future.
And our MLS Mooting teams have been absolutely phenomenal! Coached and mentored by Dr Shireen Daft, they’ve represented Australia at the Jessup International Law Moot three years running, and have also made the international finals in both the ICL Nuremberg Moot and the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot Watching our students compete at that level and knowing they're carrying the MLS flag - it gives me goosebumps every time and provides clear evidence of the calibre of teaching and the calibre of students in our School.
Within these pages, you'll see stories from staff both past and present Our academic staff lie at the centre of student success, and I am privileged to work with a stellar line-up of academics with diverse professional, teaching and research interests Time and again they go above and beyond in service to our students, our School, and our community Many also play a role on the international stage through their research, advocacy, and academic roles. They are well supported by our professional staff who work with both academics and students to keep things running smoothly
To everyone at MULS - thank you for keeping this community alive and thriving. The Brief has always been such an important part of our story, providing a home for student articles on diverse legal topics and giving our students a voice in the broader legal conversation This 50th anniversary issue is a beautiful way to honour where we've come from and celebrate where we are heading
Here's to the next fifty years of friendship, achievement, and that special something that makes Macquarie Law School home.
Professor
Lise
Barry Dean, Macquarie Law School Life Member, MULS
“TODAY’S MULS MEMBERS INHERIT THE LEGACY OF A WONDERFUL STUDENT ORGANISATION. THEY CARRY THOSE OPPORTUNITIES FORWARD.”
BEGINNINGS
ANDREW CLARK
2010-2014, MULS Life Member
BUILDING YOUNG LAWYERS, BUILDING A LEGACY
"GREATOAKS FROM LITTLEACORNS GROW"
50 years ago, MULS was founded by a small group of students, my father S Stuart Clark was amongst them At its foundation, MULS was just that – a group of students at a nascent law school with a freshly-hired faculty and few admitted students On that day there were no competitions, there was no clerkship guide, no alternative careers fair, no law ball and no Brief But, from those earnest beginnings a legacy has grown
“AS PEOPLEAREWALKINGALLTHETIME, INTHE SAME SPOT,APATHAPPEARS.”
In my view, the secret sauce of MULS, indeed the secret sauce of any successful student organisation, is institutional memory
What do I mean by institutional memory? Institutional memory refers to an organisation's collective knowledge and understanding of its history, processes, and culture, extending beyond the knowledge of any single individual. It's the accumulated wisdom that shapes how an organisation operates and adapts over time.
If a law degree were one year long – MULS would never have developed into what it is today – younger students would never have had a chance to learn from older students, those young students would never have had a chance to pass their own lessons on in turn
I don’t know which of our members first thought to create The Brief or The Clerkship
Picture of Stewart Clark,AndrewClark’s Father, and founding President of MULS
Guide, but I do know that every year these publications grow stronger and more refined because lessons are passed down from editors and contributors who have long since graduated MULS’ performance in ALSA National Championship competitions, the sophistication of our own internal competitions, and the preparedness of our graduates benefit in the same way.
The journey of every new law student, every MULS member, is made easier and more rewarding by what previous students have left behind. It is a great strength of MULS, and the Law School, that the majority of students are enrolled in a five year double degree program – they are on campus longer, and have more time to learn and more time to pass on.
“AND GLADLYWOULD HE LEARN,AND GLADLYTEACH”
The biggest lesson I took from my time in MULS – and at Macquarie Law School – is the importance of giving back Whenever I write something about my time at University, my first inspiration is the source text of our University motto: The Canterbury Tales
The author, Geoffrey Chaucer, wrote of an Oxford man, but I think he could just have easily been speaking of a Macquarie man or woman: And Gladly Would He Learn, And Gladly Teach
In five years at Macquarie Law School, I had the enormous opportunity to learn from elder students in in our law school Life members of MULS like Nicholas Ferrari set the example of competing in ALSA national championships and obtaining clerkships in prestigious law firms: And gladly did I learn from them (I would not have spent almost 12 years at Allens Linklaters without them!)
But even more importantly, I had the privilege to pass some of that knowledge on One of my greatest privileges in my time in MULS was volunteering, alongside other MULS members, to prepare over 100 young law students for summer clerkship application season. I’m proud to say that, in that year, we delivered what was then our highest success rate on record.
And gladly did I teach; so that they could do the same for those that come after them.
“STANDING ONTHE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS”
When I was a student, I looked to the bar and saw Macquarie graduates like Lloyd Babb SC, to the bench and saw CJ at Eq Patricia Bergin and to one of the world’s largest firms and saw Sue Kench at the helm I never doubted for a second, even though our organisation was then about 40 years old, that there was no ceiling for what I could achieve in the law
Young Stuart Clark
Our alumni had been busy, and they were a constant source of inspiration for me As I commenced my legal career, even within my immediate surrounds at Allens Linklaters, where I was lucky to work for a number of Macquarie graduates who were partners in the firm, I knew that early MULS members carved the path for me, and for that I was truly grateful
Since my time in MULS, the pool of inspiration for today’s MULS members has only broadened From amongst my immediate peers, in addition to the bevy of successful solicitors (in Australia and abroad) and barristers, MULS committee members Jennifer Tridgell and David Hamer have carved out careers at the United Nations, and MULS vice president Tom Hambrett has built a 45-billion-dollar financial technology company.
I look forward to being amazed at the example the next generation sets for those who follow.
BEYOND COMPARISON
From inside an organisation as sophisticated and successful as MULS, it is not immediately obvious that this is at all unusual Law schools attract intelligent and hard-working students – perhaps it is not surprising that their student organisations are successful, but the breadth of MULS’ success, and the collegiality of its members with divergent interests, sets it apart Other law student societies lack a comparable offering
Many law student societies have much lower proportions of their student bodies actively involved than that enjoyed by MULS – a reminder that inclusivity and first-year engagement is a touchstone of MULS’ success
Second, many law student societies do not play nearly as important a role in facilitating engagement between students and prospective employers. Whilst MULS’ careers fairs, clerkship guides and interview roulette play an important role in preparing
students and connecting them with a wide range of prospective employers, many university law student societies have ceded that responsibility to the employer firms who direct their engagement to narrower sections of the student body MULS’ value proposition to a great many of its members is offering helpful, objective, insight into the widest possible range of career opportunities I am sure MULS will continue to deliver on this mission
MYUNIQUE BOND
MULS
has a special place in my heart
MULS had a special place in my father’s heart also
S Stuart Clark AM AFSM was a proud member of the first graduating class of our law school. He was later an adjunct professor and delivered many guest lectures (on one occasion, we delivered lectures to an Advanced Torts class one after the other). Later he was awarded a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa). He was part of the inaugural advisory board for the Macquarie Financial Integrity Hub and the advisory committee for the fit out of the new law school building.
He embodied the mantra of giving back to our law school
We were MULS Secretary 37 years apart We were both afforded the honour of being named MULS life members We both treasured the friendships we made during our time in MULS
MULS was a part of the happiest day of my life On my wedding day, my wife and I celebrated with a great many friends, including friends made on MULS’ first year law camp
MULS was also a bastion of support on one of the hardest days of my life The day of my father’s funeral, I was surrounded once again, by friends from my own time in MULS, friends of my father from his time in MULS, and our dean and fellow MULS life member, Lise Barry.
On the happiest day and the hardest day, raucous laughter accompanied the exchange of fond memories I cherish that unique bond my father and I shared
Today’s MULS members inherit the legacy of a wonderful student organisation They carry those opportunities forward LOOKING FORWARD
In finishing this article, I want to share the same message I shared on my graduation day – when I delivered the student address at Law School prize night These words were my own interpretation of the expectations that fell on MULS’ young men and women who gladly learned and gladly taught:
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT PATHS EACH OF YOUR LIVES WILL TAKE NOR HOW YOU WILL SHAPE OUR WORLD FOR THE BETTER WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT EACH OF YOU ARE YOUNG, OR YOUNG AT HEART, MEN AND WOMEN OF THE GREATEST INTEGRITY, AND THE UTMOST COMPASSION FOR HUMANITY. YOU HAVE A WELL JUSTIFIED FAITH IN YOUR ABILITIES AND A LIFELONG THIRST FOR WISDOM. IT IS TRULY A PRIVILEGE TO KNOW YOU MY FRIENDS. WE EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM YOU.
MOOTING & BEYOND
DR ELI BALL
It is difficult to believe that the Macquarie Law School and MULS are 50. I remember the 30th birthday celebration in 2005 vividly. Shortly after entering the function room (located beneath what was then the Student At Macquarie (“SAM”) Building), my then-girlfriend and mootingpartner (yes, one in the same person) and I were, along with others, quickly accosted by a slightly hunched-over sexagenarian. “Quick,” he uttered excitedly, “you must come meet Sir Laurence - I want to introduce him to meet some students!” I had only a vague concept of who this “Sir Laurence” was. He must have been important to be called “Sir”. He must have been especially important to cause Bill Gummow to race around the room so energetically as he did.
Much has changed in 20 years Bill Gummow reached Australian Constitutional senility in 2012 (and is less prone to rushing around rooms so excitedly) Sir Laurence Street passed away in 2018 The SAM Building went the way of SAM itself - demolished and replaced with something bigger, better, shinier and not corrupt
When I began my studies at Macquarie University in 2002, the newly-opened “Trevor Martin Moot Court” was an impressive venue - about the size of three office spaces on the ground floor of the W3A Building; a building which might have been called the “law building” but for the fact that it was shared by three other sub-faculties and divisions which had nothing to do with law It was a mysterious Escher-like structure with passages and stairwells that left you guessing as to just where you might end up There were doors on the second and third floors that led to the outside - literally, the outside and nowhere else: a 20 or 30-foot drop to the ground I assume those doors were kept locked, but I never dared test them And there was a marvellous winding ramp that led down to the entry of the building from the adjacent carparka triumph of accessibility that led to a specially designed automatic door, a clear foyer, and the endless stairs with no lift at all
The Trevor Martin Moot Court (with its mock-crystal glass logo, wood-panelled bench, and good-in-theory but wholly impractical slide-out witness box) was largely reserved for the Senior Mooting Competition. The only other mooting competition (aptly named, the “Junior Mooting Competition”) had to make do with a semi-converted windowless room in the middle of the top floor of the concrete brutalist megalith that was the library. If the moot ran late into the night, one dinner option was a meat-pie vending machine - a marvellous contraption that automatically heated the pastry and most of the contents of a long-frozen Four-n-Twenty item to slightly above room temperature.
My first ever moot in these grand-ish surroundings was a criminal moot, “R v Cressy”, based upon the House of Lords decision in R v Brown on the legality of consent as a defence to assault causing grievous bodily harm in the context of consensual sexual sadomasochistic activities That moot and the underlying fact pattern had a long tenure during my time at Macquarie, featuring not only in mooting but also in witness examinations and client interview competitions It was used as part of a series of Open Day demonstrations - strictly, though, in respect of the law competitions
W3A has been replaced by the architectural masterpiece that is the Michael Kirby Building - a dedicated law faculty building which is one of the most well-appointed in Australia, if not the world The Trevor Martin Moot Court has been surpassed by the new moot court; it is one of the most beautiful courtrooms (moot or otherwise) I have had the pleasure of sitting in The old library was long ago replaced with a new one, including in which the automatic pie dispensers have been replaced with automatic book dispensers (for those who still rely upon physical books, that is - which I hope is many) And I am not sure what has become of R v Cressy, though I doubt it is as repeated as it once might have been
Mooting and law competitions defined my time at Macquarie Law School and at MULS I was the Vice President of MULS in charge of Competitions I did almost every moot that was available to do: Junior Mooting twice, Senior Mooting twice, ALSA three times, Peden Contract Moot twice, National Family Law Moot, Jessup (twice as a competitor, three or maybe four times as coach), the Shine Torts Moot, and the Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot I was even lucky enough to travel to Chicago as part of Macquarie Law’s entry in the 2005 John Marshall Information Technology Law and Privacy Moot which happily coincided with the White Sox winning the Major League Baseball World Series for the first time in 88 years I still have the jersey I bought on a whim after we were victorious in the Ambassador Round.
I never did Vis - mooting while sitting down just didn’t seem right.
I had never debated before coming to Macquarie, and happily that has never changed. I considered debaters to be, well, a bit uppity (I still do, and they probably still are). But at Macquarie I found my voice - or, at least, a channel for my voice and mind in the form of mooting. I spent more time in the Trevor Martin Moot Court than anywhere else on campus.
I would not have achieved even half of the things I have in my legal career without the opportunities that both the Macquarie Law School and MULS provided me in this respect, and I am eternally grateful for that That is why when I look at what has changed in Macquarie mooting I am so thrilled There are not only an order of magnitude more competitions available for aspiring advocates, but students are more engaged to be part of them When I first competed in Jessup over the summer of 2002 and 2003, it was in a team of only two (when up to five can compete in a team) This year I am informed that more than 40 students applied to participate in Jessup Moreover, Macquarie has succeeded in mooting and other competitions in ways that I could barely have dreamt of 20 years ago, both as a competitor and coach I now regularly read of Macquarie’s success at intervarsity, national, and international mooting and other competitions Indeed, Macquarie recently won the Australian rounds of the Jessup moot two years consecutively (including one student who won, and was then game to go back for her hat only to in fact get the hat by winning it again) and then came runner-up in the third year This is nothing short of extraordinary
Feats such as these do not happen overnight The change is gradual It takes years to build upon growing successes and the incremental development of institutional knowledge The staff and faculty at Macquarie Law School should be lauded in this respect And so should MULS and above all the students
The successes enjoyed by Macquarie law students have grown in leaps and bounds. 20 years ago, only a dozen or so of us received clerkships. Today, Macquarie law students are a sizeable contingent of clerks and graduates at many leading firms. 20 years ago, only a handful of us were lucky enough to obtain judicial associateships. Today, Macquarie
graduates commonly become tipstaves and associates at the Supreme, Federal, and High Court 20 years ago I knew of only a handful of Macquarie alumni who were fortunate enough to venture to high academic institutions overseas such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and Harvard Today, the number of Macquarie alumni who have furthered their legal development at these esteemed institutions is ever-growing And 20 years ago I knew of only a few Macquarie alumni at the Bar Today, I am one among a large and ever-growing cohort I count many fellow Macquarians among my closest and most valued colleagues
This of course is just a small sample of the many measures of great success that Macquarie alumni have enjoyed, and others should not be overlooked Macquarie Law alumni are leaders in law, business, and politics Indeed, one of my contemporaries (and a member of the first Jessup team I was fortunate to coach) has even gone on to become Dean of a very praiseworthy law school now celebrating its 50th year
It is fitting then that I should end these reflections on people I made many friends during my time at Macquarie Law, both staff and students alike Some of those have been lifelong they were groomsmen and ushers at my wedding, are godparents to my children, and people who I can go months or even years without seeing only to rekindle our friendship as though no time has passed at all even before I finish half my double-ristretto piccolo - or before our kids race each other to the swings at a local park. But even those who have now drifted away from my life on the inevitable tides of their own lives have kept a special place in my heart and memories. And I continue to make new friends thanks to Macquarie, which constantly reminds me of how good a place it is and how lucky I am to have been a part of it.
It is my sincere hope and belief that none of that will change.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
AND OTHER STORIES FROM MQLS
JUDITH PRESTON BA LLB (MACQ) MEL
(USYD) PHD(WSU)
The mid-20th century was a rich and interesting time to study at Australian universities
However, despite being part of a family that valued education, I had no real expectation of studying beyond secondary school due to prohibitive financial constraints Luckily for me and many other Australian future and enrolled students, the Labor Government with Mr Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister, was elected to power in Australia on 5 December 1972 until his government was dismissed by the Governor-General on 11 November 1975 During that short period, there were many important political, social and environmental changes heralded by a courageous but perhaps economically precarious government These changes included abolishing tertiary education fees and increasing funding for schools and universities Armed with the ability to attend university, I aimed way beyond my personal glass ceiling My application to study law at Macquarie University Law School (MLS) was a very long shot, landing as a bullseye in 1977.
Fortuitously, my next-door neighbour originally from Papua New Guinea, was enrolling as a mature-age student. She encouraged me out of my comfort zone into an Anthropology/ Sociology major in my Arts degree to accompany my law degree. This seemed to combine perfectly with the approach MLS took to “question everything”, starting with a mysteriously entitled subject “Citizen and the State”. To say that I felt like Alice in Wonderland when I joined my classes in 1977 is an understatement in terms of the broadly inquiring content, gender balance and Socratic methods of teaching. The educational approach at MLS was modelled on the University of NSW law curriculum and teaching methods which were innovative compared to the more established lecture-based style of the University of Sydney.
Initially, I found the educational setting intimidating, feeling enormous pressure to conquer all the preparatory readings lest I should be picked to answer any of the questions in the twohour seminars The risk of derision from classmates for a wrong or perceivedly stupid answer was high Fortunately, some of the stress was alleviated by the nurturing support of some of the tutors, including Professor Donna Craig, Professor Ben Boer, Heather Ruddock, Duncan Armstrong and Michael Sassella Sometimes the classes felt like we were on the set of ‘Gladiators’, but as we had at least four hours of classes together in the law subjects, I came to know some of the students well, and some of these students became long-time friends
In the 1970s and 1980s, students spent a reasonably long period of time on campus and engaged in campus activities There was a grass lawn in the main quadrangle where there were well-regulated but impassioned political debates at lunchtime from all angles of the political spectrum Students were fortunate to hear emerging musical bands such as Dragon and Flowers (to become Icehouse) in the Battle of the Bands initiative Memories of (not so amazing) coffees and burgers from the Burger Bar stand in contrast to the wide range of food and beverage as well as venue choices for contemporary students
I feel privileged to have played a small part in the early days of the MLS, which even back then kicked far beyond its yardstick I feel my legal education was critical to the interesting twists and turns of my career, starting with a position as a legal officer at the Northern Land Council (NLC), assisting female Aboriginal claimants under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 based in Darwin in the Northern Territory Coincidentally, another MLS graduate and friend, Ray Plibersek, also ended up as a legal officer with the NLC as his first graduate position On the invitation of Professor Ben Boer, I was also fortunate to be involved with the establishment of the Environmental Defenders Office (NSW) (as it then was) - the first community-based, not-for-profit environmental law centre in Australia in 1985
Recalling the words of prominent Australian songstress, Ms Kylie Minogue, to be part of the MLS history in the third graduating year of 1982, “[I]should be so lucky lucky, lucky , lucky ”
Y E A R S
0
5
C E L B R A T I N G
I well remember beginning my doctoral studies in 1995 under the supervision of the legendary Tony Blackshield, the singing professor and constitutional law maven The Law School then survived in the brutalist Escher building with no lifts, lots of stairs and corridors where one could easily become lost After successfully, with Tony’s help, negotiating constitutional history and the Crown, I began teaching in 1999 when I first encountered MULS Classes were small and more intimate; no iPhones or laptops or tablets; and students wrote notes by hand But MULS was, as always, ambitious and looking to better the position of students, and actively began promoting mooting competitions, especially in constitutional law, and also Jessup
Mooting develops the capacity to isolate relevant facts, analyse a problem from all relevant sides, determine the issues, mount a case for the hypothetical client, and then present the argument orally I began judging the moots, exhilarated by the talent of our students
MULS began expanding its range of competitions into Witness Examination, Client Interview, Paper Presentation, and a host of others. This was all motivated by a desire to help Macquarie Law students acquire skills of careful reading and analysis, of not only case law and statutes, but also of the instant problem; finding the legal issues, taking into account other sides of arguments; and presenting a logical coherent case, whether it be to a judge, client, disputing parties or on examining and cross-examining witness. Many of our students in these competitions have represented Australia abroad, in various fields, with great distinction. MULS also pioneered the PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) programme with great success.
Also as a result, many Macquarie Law students have gone on to stellar careers as solicitors, barristers, civil servants in Commonwealth and State governments, advisers to banking, regulators, NGOs, international firms, and indeed all walks of professional life But the study of law gives to everyone who applies him or herself the capacity to read, hear, and to understand issues; to ask the questions: “What does this mean?”; and “What is the purpose of this law/behaviour/statement?”; and “Why ?” This is an invaluable tool in everyday living, whether one becomes a professional, or mother or father raising children and managing a household, or a journalist, or indeed anybody at all The capacity to think critically, see both (or all) sides, and speak clearly after thinking - this is the beginning of wisdom
It is clear that the law is a literary field, where the capacity to read and understand long, complex, and sometimes archaic cases is vital; where the ability to understand and interpret legislation and regulations and contracts is a necessary prerequisite for modern life
Therefore, the capacity to translate your thoughts and findings after reading or hearing the relevant matter (whether at work, in court, at home, or in the pub) into clear, concise, well-structured logical English is a necessity. Else, you will never be able to communicate successfully, and no one will understand what you’re attempting to say or write.
So I was dismayed as years went on to find increasing numbers of students unable or unwilling to write in sentences. I cannot recall how many times I had to write
“Write in sentences!!!” on paper. Without good written and oral expression, all communication loses meaning Nevertheless, I loved, and still love, our Macquarie Law students They have always been a vibrant, multi-faceted lot, full of energy and promise, and MULS has for decades been doing its damndest to lead them always onwards and upwards, whether this be within themselves or in a profession or job of work
I am proud and privileged to be a Life Member of MULS It has also been my privilege to teach so many students at Macquarie Law School I have learned a great deal from all of them
So thank you to all the students throughout the decades Thank you to all the iterations of MULS as a continuing beacon for Macquarie Law students In the words of Spock, may you all ”Live long and prosper”
In ending, may I commend to everyone the following words of FW Maitland, from a course of constitutional law lectures he gave at Cambridge in 1888-9, which were gathered by a former student after his death in 1906 and published in 1908 as The Constitutional History of England: A Course of Lectures, (Cambridge University Press) His work was a great inspiration to me He is a great constitutional historian, AND he actually spoke in sentences!
THE LIMITS OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW ARE NOT STRICTLY DEFINED... BUT DO NOT GET INTO THE WAY OF THINKING OF LAW AS CONSISTING OF A NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT COMPARTMENTS, ONE OF WHICH IS LABELLED CONSTITUTIONAL, ANOTHER ADMINISTRATIVE, ANOTHER CRIMINAL, ANOTHER PROPERTY, SO THAT YOU CAN LEARN THE CONTENTS OF ONE COMPARTMENT AND KNOW NOTHING OF WHAT IS IN THE OTHERS NO, LAW IS A BODY, A LIVING BODY, EVERY MEMBER OF WHICH IS CONNECTED WITH AND DEPENDS UPON EVERY OTHER MEMBER. ...
LIFE I KNOW IS SHORT, AND LAW IS LONG, VERY LONG, AND WE CANNOT STUDY EVERYTHING AT ONCE; STILL, NO GOOD COMES OF REFUSING TO SEE THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH IS THAT ALL PARTS OF OUR LAW ARE VERY CLOSELY RELATED TO EACH OTHER, SO CLOSELY THAT WE CAN SET NO LOGICAL LIMIT TO OUR LABOURS.
— F W Maitland, The Constitutional History of England, 1908, 538-9
IN THE MATTER OF MULS
IN THE MICHAEL KIRBY BUILDING MOOT COURT
BETWEEN
DIAKO NABAVI LLB/BCOM(FINANCE) APPLICANT AND
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITYLAWSOCIETY ABN 75 934 227 632 RESPONDENT
I first met him through footnotes, the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG. His judgments, as the great dissenter, were etched into textbooks. To me, he was a distant figure of legal brilliance, whose words shaped doctrine but felt worlds away. Then, unexpectedly, I stood before him. Not as a reader, but as senior counsel in his namesake moot The same mind I had studied now scrutinised my arguments, and every question felt like a cross-examination It was surreal Until writing this, I wouldn’t have realised that I wasn’t just learning the law, I was experiencing it
I sat in my first Foundations of Law class at the start of 2023 My tutor, and now mentor, Dr. Zara Bending, introduced us to the world of legal thinking. I was blown away. She also encouraged us all to get as involved as possible, mainly through competitions. She has since admitted to me that she was just setting us up to represent Macquarie Law School (MLS) in intervarsity moots. However, without her, I wouldn’t have taken that first step into advocacy.
Zara had also introduced herself (for some odd reason, she skipped most of these though): award-winning tutor and lecturer, resident expert on wildlife crime and trafficking at the Jane Goodall Institute (also a former board director), expert witness on wildlife crime prosecutions globally, international policy drafter, submission writer, and advisor to States in fulfilling their obligations under international treaties. She was also a spy, I think? Totally normal activities.
Nevertheless, I was ecstatic to be at Macquarie University. I explored a range of opportunities, including summer commerce units and eventually becoming President of the Business Society by the end of 2024. However, nothing felt as fulfilling as studying law. By its very nature, it was a more interconnected discipline. As our cohort progressed, those who engaged deeply grew closer We continue to build connections within the vast MLS network Law, at its core, brings people together APPLICANT’S
PART2: MOOTING
My first instance of mooting was the MULS Foundations of Law Moot. I was a wreck of nerves and adrenaline as we prepared and delivered oral submissions. My first ever round was over Zoom. The question dealt with constitutional law and the punitive powers of the judiciary. My judge, Kyle McIndoe, now an associate to the Honouable Jacqueline Gleeson of the High Court, asked if, per my submissions, ‘we should lock up half the population.’ I was terrified. I figured I had to hold my position, so I simply said, ‘yes’.
I’m pleased to say I’ve since learned how to navigate those sticky situations with a bit more finesse.
Following ‘Foundies’, the next wild experience was in the Kirby Contract Law Moot, renowned as the largest moot in Australia I was lucky to be part of a team with some of the best people I’ve ever worked with: Anastasia Muscolino, Arnav Ghandi, and Charlotte Russell We were, of course, coached by the one and only Simeon Levine Sim taught us how to structure submissions, how to present the submissions orally, and how to work as a team We made it to the grand finals of that moot and appeared before Michael Kirby, although he did make eight of the fifteen minutes of my submissions for me I can say that the killer pep-talks from DJ Sim were a vital factor in our success Coming back to judge moots for the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS), is truly a full circle moment from when I was a first-year.
PART3: TENURE ONTHE BOARD OFMULS
My first interaction with MULS was at the 2023 Law Welcome I watched the board give a brilliant introduction and, ever since, I was hooked MULS is the place where you not only run the society, but you make friends and grow My first MULS event was the firstyear law camp, where most of our board this year met for the first time. It was also the place where I met my two best friends. We still tell stories of the wild times that occurred during our first-year law camp.
From then on, I was determined to be a part of it I am proud to say that I was the Secretary of MULS for 2025 The achievements we’ve made this year are a testament to the dedication of students who volunteer their time to serve on the Executive Council It has been a privilege to work alongside them
What made this role truly meaningful was witnessing the transformation of others I saw first-year students walk into events, like law camp, unsure of themselves, and leave with newfound confidence, friendships, and purpose MULS gives people a platform to grow, just as it had done for me Whether it was helping someone prepare for their first moot or watching them tackle AGLC4, those moments reminded me of the impact of our society
We began 2025 inspired and ambitious. We were determined to achieve the most and do it the best. This started with our board meetings and the dreaded day-long budget meeting. Once we finalised our finances, we kicked into action. At the time of writing this, we have the majority of our 85 initiatives completed for the year We had maximised engagement with over 1300 active MULS members and achieved recordbreaking sponsorship revenue
But the heart of it all is the students. From the students at the social events with a bar tab to the students who treat the clerkship fair as a social event, our mission has always been the same: to enrich the student experience at MLS and foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, and opportunity.
I couldn’t be more grateful to MLS. Some experiences don’t reveal themselves as transformative until you reflect on them. That surreal moment with the Honourable Michael Kirby was only one chapter in a much larger story; one shaped by mentors like Dr Zara Bending, teammates who have become lifelong friends, and a student society that became a second home
What began as curiosity became conviction, and what felt unnerving became purpose Through the rewriting of submissions, the discipline of preparation, and the shared pursuit of growth, I came to see law not just as a subject, but as a living conversation; one that connects people, ideas, and values across time
Each step, from a nervous first-year to a confident advocate and board member, has been a step that has helped me grow And yet, I am still at the start of this journey; buzzing with excitement to see where it will lead me next
DATED: 18AUGUST2025
N G M U L S
R E M E M B E R I
CHRISTINE IACONO
Five years at Macquarie (i e 10% of MULS's existence) set me on a path from the suburbs of Sydney to my current role as a senior lawyer in Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's public law disputes team in London
I have to start by thanking the great teachers and mentors who set the tone, starting from day one with lectures from Dr Denise Meyerson on jurisprudence Peter Radan, (the late great) Penelope Watson and Shayne Davenport provided a solid foundation for Contracts, Torts and Equity Ilija Vickovich later armed me with the necessary knowledge for a career in disputes with his lectures and tutorials in Litigation History of Law in Australia provided the perfect intersection of my law degree and my Arts degree, and there was no one better to teach us that than Bruce Kercher(!) As for my academic (and now professional) interest in public and administrative law and so much more, I owe that to Dr Margaret Kelly 900 words is not enough to thank Margaret for her friendship and all she did for me In my final year when I was studying Human Rights and Moral Dilemmas (a really excellent course – I hope it is still on offer!), Denise Meyerson kindly encouraged me to consider postgraduate study With many thanks to Denise, Margaret, and the Hon Reg Barrett AO for whom I was a tipstaff in 2013 (another amazing experience that every law student should try and do), I was able to earn a place on the Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford University (and conveniently managed to meet my now husband at the same time).
However, it was not just studying at Macquarie that made me want to pursue a career in law. Much of my confidence and passion was forged through MULS competitions. Hours in the moot court in the old law school building turned theory into practice and taught me how to think on my feet (and work very hard under tight deadlines). Mooting with exceptional teammates and opponents over the years (Will Coote, Rosie O'Neill (née Dickson), Patrick Fazzone, Mikhail Glavac, Jarrad Harvey, Ryan Harvey and Emily Aitken to name just a few) showed me how collaborative this profession can be and how rewarding it is when your colleagues are also your friends Mooting can also very promptly humble you I still feel mortified thinking about the fact that I mispronounced "Lange" (as in Lange v ABC) in one of my first moots When the judge politely corrected me ("Long-ee" not "Lang"), I doubled down and pointed out that there was no "o" in Lange In my defence, I had not yet studied constitutional law (nor, it seems, paid much attention to Kiwi politics) and so had never heard anyone say the name out loud, but, lesson learnt: always check in advance how to pronounce a case name and, more importantly, pick your battles
MULS also introduced me, unwittingly, to marketing Before a demonstration moot at an open day, I signed a routine photo waiver For several years after, my face appeared on brochures and (giant) banners for Macquarie Law School During one of my first solo interactions with a client in my first few months as a law graduate at King & Wood Mallesons, the client said, "I know you from somewhere you went to Macquarie Law School – I saw your picture at the open day!" Another mortifying lesson learnt (which I really should have known by then anyway); read the fine print
It would be remiss of me not to mention the MULS social calendar. SOS parties, Law Cruise (my personal favourite), and Law Ball were highlights of each year, and my husband will roll his eyes when he reads this because I still regale him with stories about these events to this day Some of my best, albeit slightly patchy, memories were made at these events In hindsight, they also set me up with wildly unrealistic expectations for the number of fancy-dress events I would have annually in my adult life Another lesson I have learnt is that Australians are just much better at parties than the British
However, even more important than the social events and competitions themselves was the network MULS created Alumni returned to judge competitions, tutor and often just provide advice Along with many others, I was a beneficiary of their generosity and am so grateful for the time those alumni (and older students) took to judge moots, coach me, or just give me advice on things that might initially seem inconsequential, like what to request on your college accommodation form at Oxford That advice (in that instance, being told to request a certain area with the promise of making lifelong friends there) turned out to be invaluable
My friendships from Macquarie are also invaluable to me They have endured across continents and time zones Trips home mean cherished catch-ups with some real legal eagles and DFAT stars. Recently, I happily spent several hours catching up over brunch with some of my Macquarie friends and all that required was going south of the river (no jetlag involved).
So happy 50th, MULS, and thank you to the academics who challenged me, the competitions that tested me, the alumni who guided me, and the peers who became lifelong friends.
“IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE; IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.”
UNITY
HOW MACQUARIE SHAPED MY LIFE OF SERVICE PROFESSORTALALYASSINEAM
I was born in Lebanon and arrived in Australia in 1977 as part of the Lebanese diaspora. My family came under a migration concession, but in truth, we were refugees I was the eldest of eight children, raised in a number of neighbourhoods in Western Sydney I attended Granville Boys High School, a place better known for its rough edges than its academic rigor
From an early age, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer To be honest, I didn’t really understand what a lawyer did, I just watched episodes of L A Law and thought it looked like a great career My parents valued education, even if they didn’t know what a law degree meant in practice For them, a “good job” meant clean hands and an office, whether that was as a lawyer, a professor, or a real estate agent
When I arrived at Macquarie University for my undergraduate studies in 1992, it was like stepping into a different world The middle class, politics, and corporate Australia were all new to me, and my time there was a defining chapter in my journey.
The Macquarie University Law Society was more than just a student association; it was a training ground for the real world. It was where I learned the art of negotiation, the value of building networks, and the importance of representing something larger than myself. We weren’t just organising social events and competitions, we were advocating for student voices, connecting with alumni, engaging with the
profession, and, often without realising it, learning how to lead.
I was the first in my family to attend university, and it was a crash course in navigating systems that weren’t built with people like us in mind In those committee rooms, I found mentors, allies, and peers who would challenge me, shape me, and open my eyes to the possibilities ahead The Law Society was a microcosm of the professional world, you had to work in teams, manage different and sometimes difficult personalities, and deliver outcomes, all while balancing study, work, and life. Those skills stayed with me long after graduation.
From Macquarie, I went on to complete a further study including a Master of Laws, and later an MBA at Deakin. But qualifications alone aren’t what
propelled me forward. It was the habits I formed at university, showing up, following through, working with others, that proved decisive
One of the great lessons I share with university students is the importance of finding your “why ” Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how ” Your “why” doesn’t need to be fully formed on day one; it can evolve over time, but you need some sense of direction For me, that purpose became clear when I realised I wanted to be in the service of others, to build institutions that create opportunity for people who might otherwise be left behind
That purpose led me through several careers: law, politics, investment banking, and eventually into business leadership Today, as Managing Director of the Salaam Group, I focus on building Shariah-compliant superannuation, finance, and wealth management services for Australia’s Muslim community, which includes more than one million people who, until recently, had very few options aligned with their values
But the road wasn’t smooth After graduating in law, I struggled to find work I still remember one would-be employer who strung me along for an entire day, promising an interview that never came That experience stayed with me, not as bitterness, but as a reminder that people will always remember how you made them feel. Treat others with dignity, no matter the circumstances, because the measure of a leader is how they engage with people, not just the results they produce.
Teamwork has been another constant in my journey. I’ve learned that if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. From my degree at Macquarie to my current role, nothing I’ve achieved has been a solo effort. The most successful leaders I’ve met aren’t the ones with the sharpest technical skills they’re the ones who can inspire empower, and build teams that
Looking back, the Macquarie University Law Society, the famous ‘MULS’ was where many of these lessons began to crystallise It was where I learned the politics of influence, the mechanics of running an organisation, and the subtle art of making people feel valued, needed, and empowered
TAYLOR MCCOY, FARRAH MIKHAIL, TENDAI GEZIMATI, SIMEON LEVINE
2023-2024 MULS JESSUP TEAM
THE EIGHT LESSONS OF JESSUP
Public international law is th heart of our global collective c large part, it is a human formulating and documenting the unspoken contract that connects us all - our humanity. As such, public international law does not exist in a singular space or time - it reaches into the past to carry us forward into the future. Treaties are interpreted both by reference to the travaux preparatoires (the intention of the drafters) and to contemporary understandings of particular concepts or obligations To study international law is to be a student of history, politics and anthropology, as well as jurisprudence At present, the normative strength of international law is under immense strain as more nationstates wield their contents as instruments of convenience rather than conscience Accordingly, participating in the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition was not only an incredible opportunity as an intellectual challenge and development as an advocate, but also an urgent reminder of the important role lawyers play in upholding
competition in the world. Each year, between 500 and 800 teams from universities across the world compete in National Rounds before the International Rounds, bringing together the top 160 teams in Washington D.C. From August 2023 to April 2024, our team worked tirelessly on creating submissions in a fictional manner before the International Court of Justice.
Continuing the great tradition of Macquarie University success, we were announced as National Champions and progressed to the Round of 32 in the International Rounds This success followed the previous success of the 2023 Macquarie Team who were the first team from Macquarie University to win the National Championship in the High Court of Australia
The 9-month journey taught us hundreds of valuable lessons, but these are the most prominent 8 that we continue to reflect on to this day:
1. LEGAL RESEARCH
Each year, Jessup teams are confronted with a fact pattern that is approximately twenty pages in length, which can canvass an array of legal, political and diplomatic issues - some of which are directly relevant to the grounds of legal challenge you must answer and others are red herrings. The first step, in preparing written submissions, is not actually to start reading judgments of the ICJ or textbooks, but the fact pattern - dozens of times. In Jessup, as in legal practice, cases are won and lost on their facts.
In respect of approaching the task of legal research, your task is both to research widely and deeply First widely, to figure out what the merits of each possible argument ar deeply in order to make your case Y records of General Assembly mee fifty years ago, read case law t thousands of pages and also consult and diplomatic communications states Unlike other tasks at law scho not required to just know and develo law is, or even how it has developed is being interpreted and applied by states in real time
2. DRAFTING WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
Your argument is only as good as your ability to express it, and written submissions provide the first testing ground. Jessup offers the unique opportunity to draft, re-draft and re-re-draft your arguments, each time refining both the arguments and your written advocacy skills. This stage is where your arguments evolve from research notes into coherent legal arguments. You begin marrying up the factual matrix with the most pertinent authorities to create your submissions. At its core, the process mirrors familiar analytical frameworks: identifying issues, deriving rules (though perhaps from a broader range of authorities) and applying them to the facts The process will pull you between the minute details of subarguments and the overall structure and flow of your submissions, moving back and forth until the architecture of your case emerges Gaps in your authorities or reasoning will become apparent, and you’ll be sent back to research with targeted questions Through this iterative process, you’ll learn to assert each side’s position as persuasively as possible
Given the density of the written pleadings, the way in which you decide to present your arguments is crucial and tests not just your knowledge of the law, but your skills in putting together concise, practical and logical arguments At its core, the oral phase is all about mapping out the best path to victory out of the numerous arguments that are in your written submissions Clarity, succinctness and mastery over the subject matter are key as you now need to convince a set of judges to accept your submissions The mystery and fun that comes with oral advocacy is preparing for the unknown Judges will throw hypotheticals, counterfactuals, historical and modern examples at you to test the strength of your arguments It is in these moments that you can infuse your presentations with your unique style and passion
4. WORKING IN HIGH-PRESSURE ENVIRONMENTS
Although you moot in a team, there are 20 or so minutes of isolation When you stand up at the lectern to commence your oral submissions, there is no longer time for collaboration
Each oralist is left to their own knowledge, whether it be their memory of the arguments or responses to left field questions This creates an additional layer of pressure, especially in elimination rounds where any slip-up could be the difference between the team progressing in the competition or not The semi-finals of the Jessup Australian National Rounds typifies this pressure A win, and the team is guaranteed a grand final birth and a trip to Washington A loss, and a plate final results where two teams will battle out for the final plane ticket Using that pressure as motivation was imperative to our success It wasn’t about hiding away from the occasion, but rather, embracing it as an opportunity to rise to a new level of advocacy The pressure allowed us to enter a state of flow that we look back on and think, “how did I do that?”. Embracing the environment rather than shying away from it.
5. COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK
Success in any mooting team is reliant upon team communication, but in Jessup, the stakes are even higher The reality of the Jessup experience is that we all spent more time with each other than our own family and friends over the 9 months. Therefore, it was important that we communicated effectively with each other. This meant being honest when we were unavailable, accountable for decisions we had made, and open to receiving feedback on our progress. This fostered a team environment founded on support. Whenever one team member was struggling, others could pick up the slack. This was particularly relevant in early January as the deadline for written submissions was approaching. Two of our team members fell ill and were out of action for a few days. However, the other team members were able to continue working and remain in contact despite the situation Although productivity may have decreased during that time, the team’s communication remained strong This was a consistent theme throughout our Jessup journey, and one which helped us achieve success in the competition and beyond
6. RECEIVING AND APPLYING FEEDBACK
Few other opportunities in law school offer the level of guidance available through Jessup You
will be provided support through a faculty advisor and a mooting coach, who are known to generously invest their time and expertise in helping teams prepare and position themselves for success in the national and international rounds To make the most of this support, you must be open to receiving and applying feedback, of which there will be plenty This can be challenging at times: arguments you’ve grown attached to might be dismantled, your favourite authorities questioned, and unconscious habits in your oral delivery pointed out But learning to receive and use constructive criticism is imperative to both your success in Jessup and in your career It is among the most valuable skills for ongoing development
7. LIFE POST-JESSUP
What is wonderful about the Jessup community at Macquarie is how close-knit it is: former teammates come back to practice, judge, or meet amongst each other to discuss different opportunities, or just life (as you do get your life back once Jessup concludes) When you participate as a team member in the Jessup competition at Macquarie, you are the beneficiary of immense generosity that has been cultivated by Shireen and Fareed (and their predecessors) that is passed down by generations of competitors
Macquarie Jessup alumni are spread all over the world, working for NGO’s, intergovernmental organisations, firms, or at various courts Others are pursuing post-graduate study, or working as solicitors in government roles or at the DPP Jessup gives you transferable skills that will equip you to excel in a future legal career, even one completely removed from international law (although you will carry your interest in the topics of your problem question with you for life).
TAYLOR
My favourite memories are from the late nights spent on campus - whether it be running to Indigogo for chicken and cheese naan bread, arguing with my teammates over whether a sentence should have a colon or semicolon, or laughing at one of Fareed’s endless stash of dad jokes
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do Jessup twice - and I am forever changed by the amazing friendships I made over those two summers. They are the people, no matter where I am or how much time passes, that I will drop everything to answer the phone when they call.
SIMEON
The people I met along the Jessup journey continue to transform my life day by day Jessup, and particularly MQU Jessup, is an incredible community of individuals with a drive to achieve success To push the expectations of what a law student and law graduate can strive for Whether it be my inspiring teammates, selfless coaches,
or the numerous practice judges who gave up their time to assist our team, they all continue to have such a significant impact on my life.
TENDAI
My favourite memories from Jessup were the moments when all the work we put in as a team, all the late nights and debates over points of law came to fruition, whether in a Grand-Final or a preliminary round. The most notable thing about the Jessup competition is how far removed the rewards are from the actual work that you do day to day. It is a slow and consistent grind and push to improve by at least 1% every day, but when the fruits of your labour start to blossom, it can be the difference between representing Australia in Washington DC, or going home Jessup is an amazing opportunity to not only compete against the best legal minds in the world, but also to work with them My teammates are some of the most intelligent, tenacious and dedicated people I have ever met, and it is through working with them that I have refined my academic skills beyond what I could have imagined
I studied at Macquarie University between 1997 and 2001. After graduating, I worked as an Associate to a Federal Court Judge and, in 2009, was called to the Bar
My time at Macquarie was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. At the time, the law school was envied for its Socratic approach to teaching and learning and for its focus on the “why” and not just the “what” Testament to that approach, the first year “history and philosophy of law” course was taught over the whole year. It provided a solid foundation for the subjects taught in later years
I derived a great deal of enjoyment from the extra-curricular activities on offer. At various stages, I took up mooting, client interviewing and witness examination.
That led me to join the MULS committee in 1999 As I suspect is the case now, MULS was one of the most well-run student organisations on campus. It produced regular news publications, career guides, organised events with prospective employers, and generally sought to advance the interests of law students Its social events were the envy of students across campus. The tickets to the annual law ball would often sell out within an hour or two. The annual harbour cruise attracted attendees from all corners of the campus.
I became president of MULS in 2000 During that year, we merged with what was previously the mooting club (which had a committee of law students but was separate from MULS). As part of the merger, we created a position “VP Competitions”, who (together with others) became responsible for organising mooting and other competitions under the MULS umbrella. We also pursued several initiatives, including (i) setting up a moot court (which, admittedly, was a far cry from the state of the art facility in the Michael Kirby Building), (ii) establishing the Macquarie Law Journal, (iv) setting up a law revue (it was a fantastic success) and (iv) expanding the sponsorship base to include the likes of the College of Law. We also set up the annual Peden Moot between Macquarie University and the University of Sydney
As a proud graduate, I continue to take a great interest in the law school In recent years, I have taken pride in the success of Macquarie law students in various national and international mooting (and other) competitions I have also watched the law school grow and build upon its academic strength and stature.
On a personal level, I have had a number of Macquarie Law School graduates work for me as assistants over the past 10 to 15 years Recently, I had the privilege of judging a moot in the moot court. I have also presented a seminar to law students on behalf of the NSW Bar Association (also at the moot court). Needless to say, the Michael Kirby Building is magnificent, and the moot court is an impressive space (perfectly suited for mock trials) I hope to maintain my connection to the law school for years to come
Congratulations to MULS on its 50th anniversary. I hope the organisation continues to grow and build During my time at Macquarie, there was never a shortage of people wanting to join the MULS committee. I hope that remains the case A well-run law students' organisation is an important part of the fabric of every law school. It fosters participation, career advancement and leadership opportunities It also provides a crucial link between staff and students
CLASSOF2000
THE TIME OF GEN X
GARRYRICH SC
My time at Macquarie University and my membership of the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) began in 1992. The USSR had just been dissolved, Nirvana had recently released Nevermind, and Tim Berners Lee had made the first public web browser available a few months earlier, although none of us had heard of the Internet, let alone surfed it.
It was a time when much seemed to be in flux. None of us trusted the world of our ‘Boomer’ parents. We suspected it was rotten: we were not wrong. Unlike our parents, we did not think we could change that world: we were not wrong. Since 1992, four Boomers have been President of the USA, plus Biden, who was older still. No member of Generation X has ever been President.
It was thus an interesting moment to spend time at a law school that emphasised critical thinking and eschewed the rote learning of legal doctrine. Our compulsory first-year course, known as The History and Philosophy of Law exemplified Macquarie Law School in that era The course explored how and why the law and legal system came to be as it was Our first assignment - which was handwritten and submitted by hand into a box within Building W3Arequired an analysis of Rober Cover’s, “Nomos and Narrative”, in which he argued that law and narrative are inseparably related; that law acquires its meaning from a broader discourse, including history, myth, and an imagined future
There were plenty who questioned the utility of that course, and the wisdom of Macquarie’s method more generally It seems they ultimately won the debate The History and Philosophy of Law has since been replaced by the decidedly utilitarian Foundations of Law (a misnomer, since the course focuses on practical skills such as legal research and writing, as well as correct legal citation) and Law, Lawyers and Society (a course on legal ethics that seems more suited to the College of Law than a University) This is regrettable While I have not cited “Nomos and Narrative” since leaving university, the ability to think critically about the law, and the instinct to study its history, context and purpose in order to understand what the law is or means, are attributes that I use every day in my practice at the Bar
Those who doubt the relevance to contemporary practice of the law’s historical development need only read, as one example among many, Gageler J’s exposition of the development of the action for restitution of money paid under a mistake in Australian Financial Services and Leasing v Hills Industries. As his Honour explained, ‘[t]he point is not to look back to ‘an assumed golden age’ but rather ‘to help us to see more clearly the shape of the law today by seeing how it took shape’.” If students learn only what the law is, without understanding how and why it came to be as it is, they will never truly comprehend it.
There are limits, however, and I fear that Macquarie Law School did not always observe them in the courses which we undertook in subsequent years We read denunciations of private property in Property Law and tirades against corporations in The Law of Business Organisations We spent many hours deciphering sociological jargon that seemed deliberately designed to obscure the author’s point, which was usually neither original nor persuasive This did nothing to advance our understanding of the law or our ability to solve legal problems More of that time could and should have been spent on the sorts of legal issues that are fundamental to the smooth operation of a democratic society with a capitalist economy, and have been occupying courts in common law countries for centuries
But overall, we benefitted from a degree program that equipped us to think for ourselves and to develop an argument After almost 30 years of legal practice, I am convinced that these attributes are far more important than memorising what the law currently is, being able to answer convoluted “problem” questions within 30 minutes, or – heaven forbid – proficiency in the correct methods of legal citation There were some outstanding academics who brought the law to life and taught us much about how it worked I particularly enjoyed learning from John Gava (Contracts), Tony Blackshield (Constitutional), Russell Hogg (Criminal), and Archana Parashar (Discrimination / Family) There were no doubt others whom I have unfortunately forgotten
When we were not studying, MULS organised social events and extracurricular activities. I have MULS to thank for organising the Law Ball at which I met my wonderful wife. We are still together, some 32 years after that event. MULS also organised the internal mooting competition in those days and helped to arrange intervarsity competitions. During those competitions, I developed friendships that remain close and was able to appear in courtrooms for the first time. I fondly recall travelling to Tasmania with MULS representatives and other students for the Australasian Law Students Association (ALSA) conference in 1995. The following year, MULS hosted the ALSA conference, and Macquarie won the mooting competition, defeating UNSW in the final.
I therefore have many happy memories of Macquarie and of MULS. My time there shaped me as a lawyer and as a person.
D E G R E E
T H E M Q L A W
I’ve spent much of my life at Macquarie Law School Five years as an undergraduate straight out of school, then a time in practice (mainly in criminal defence), and then back for four years of PhD and now nearly ten years as an academic
There is one question that is often asked of both law students and prisoners: how long have you got left? And in both cases, those asked always know the precise answer.A great deal has changed about Macquarie Law since the 1990s, almost all of it for the better. Students today receive a better legal education than I did, no doubt. I do worry though that perhaps the modern law student forgets to have enough fun. Undergraduate study should be the best time of your life, not a sentence to endure.
I get it – a law degree is long, it’s expensive, and by year four or five, you’re ready for a change. It was ever thus (although my HECS was much cheaper). My advice though: appreciate what you’ve got and enjoy it. Professional life has advantages (more money, higher status) but it’s also a grind; 48 weeks out of every 52 in the same office, with the same people, often for more hours than you would like
Nothing demonstrates my concern better than LinkedIn, the natural habitat of the law student We celebrate every success - as we should - and I am of course 100% in favour of students being successful It also exacerbates the FOMO that law students are naturally prone to: that person is already a paralegal and I’m not, that person has a better CV than me, that person is going to get a clerkship and I’m not It leads to students in firstyear (first-year!) stressed out that they’re not paralegals already, or students working more jobs or more hours at law firms than they want to, or students more worried about how a volunteer experience will appear on their CV than if they’ll actually enjoy it It also leads to students pursuing career directions because it’s the expected or prestigious thing, or just because everyone else is doing that and they don’t want to miss out Social media is amazing but part of me wonders if we weren’t better off when we weren’t constantly told about the achievements of others
The beauty of a legal education is that it opens so many doors The profession is so varied: you can work in a global firm or for yourself, you can be in court every day or never set foot in one, you can work with people or with spreadsheets. Or you can never be a practising lawyer at all. The goal should be to work out what works for you, what makes you happy, and take that path. Working that out can take time – definitely don’t feel bad if you don’t know in your first year or even at graduation.
Having fun needs no justification, but it's not just fun for fun’s sake. Having fun at law school is when you make friends and making friends is vital for your career. It might sound like a funny thing for an academic to say but the friends that you make at law school are almost as important as the units you study. They will help you through uni, they will help you find your way in the profession and with any luck, three or four decades from now , you’ll still know each other.
One constant of my time at Macquarie has been MULS and the role that it plays in building social connections and community MULS is vital to the life of our Law School Imagine life without it: no mooting, no careers events, no law ball, and that’s just for starters For generations of law students, having fun and making friends has begun with a MULS event
Of course, fun is in the eye of the beholder, so do what works for you It could be a sport, it could be mooting, it could be hitting Ubar with your mates Whatever it is, make sure to fit it in (there will still be plenty of time to study!) I promise you that when you look back, you’ll never regret the fun
MQLS:AFERTILE FIELD FOR INNOVATION
PROFCARLOS BERNAL-PULIDO
It was the Autumn of 2011 A carpet of multicoloured leaves covered the pathway that I used to take from the carpark to the old Law School building. I encountered my friend, George Tomossy. He rushed to me, as excited as someone who had had a spiritual revelation. He invited me to belong to a team, along with him, Zara Bending and
esign of the Foundations of Law Unit. His idea was unique. brief concert of the music of law, we would create a e from High School to University that, in addition to providing s of law in a liberal and constitutional democracy, would provide them with training in key lawyering and university skills. It would be a pass/fail unit, with continuous work and intensive mentoring, without the threat of the most feared punishment: the mark.
George’s invitation coincided with the end of a year in which legal pedagogy had awakened my curiosity and my interest I have always been sceptical of the value of lecturing, memorisation, and exams I considered myself a victim of the continental legal system's traditional pedagogy of the nineties, according to which the role of the instructor was to perform a detailed exposition of the relevant topic, and the role of the student was reduced to taking detailed notes of the lectures and memorising the notes with accuracy The exam had a twofold purpose: serving as a memory test and as a retaliatory weapon that professors used against disruptive and disengaged students In the model that George, Zara, Catherine and I devised, the student would play an active role The student should be challenged by Kant’s invitation: Sapere Audere, and be the star of the unit
It took the four of us a semester to design and implement the new model for the Foundations of Law unit I could have never imagined that a model, which was so disruptive of the traditional legal pedagogies, could garner support from the Dean of the Law School and from the Faculty Learning and Teaching Associate Dean In any case, we successfully designed and implemented the model For this initiative, we received the Faculty and the Vice-Chancellor Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning
It is my perception that this story is not uncommon in the trajectory of Macquarie Law School. Innovation belongs to its DNA. At a dinner, when my palate experienced Kangaroo for the first time, Tony Blackshield openly said to me that one of the reasons he joined Macquarie Law School was that the School was a fertile field for innovation. This feature accurately represents the present. Indeed, one of the research strengths of the School is creating innovative solutions to the most pressing legal problems concerning the use of artificial intelligence and other challenges of the digital society, the creation of mechanisms for achieving constant energy
supply in the midst of a transition to renewable resources, achievement of a framework to mitigate and adapt to climate change without renouncing the human aspiration to a fair development, and more It is also an opening to innovation that drives Macquarie Law School initiatives to cooperate with strategic academic partners in Europe and Asia, and industry partners in the Macquarie Park business hub Moreover, in the last few months, it has been easy to be inspired to innovate from the privileged views of the academic offices of the Michael Kirby building, where we can observe students interacting, dialoguing, researching on their own laptops, or discussing new ideas in the meeting rooms
It is my hope that students in their law career can uphold Macquarie Law School’s drive to innovation Thinking like a lawyer today is very different from thinking like a lawyer 50 years ago In a multicultural and interconnected world, in which we can get relevant information with a click, thinking like a lawyer encompasses embracing new technologies with a critical mindset Being able to understand key legal issues behind generally accepted truths, develop research skills beyond the help of artificial intelligence, analyse relevant information in a short period of time and unconditionally adhere to ethical principles - these are the key components entrusted to our industry leaders Receiving training in those sets of skills is what Macquarie Law School offers to current students who will shape Australia’s future Innovation is also in the seal of origin Macquarie Law School’s research outcomes and outputs. Innovation has put the Law School on an upward trajectory. I am confident that this trajectory will exponentially follow the same path in the next 50 years to come.
“BIG THINGS TURN ON SMALL, SOMETIMES IMPERCEPTIBLE MOMENTS.”
PASSION
A MULS LOVE STORY
FOREVER FROM A SHORT APPEARANCE
THE BEGINNING
KRISTI HEWETSON & FAREED QURESHI
Most first-year university students learn Thomas Hobbes’ famous analysis of life as “nasty, brutish and short”. From the trenches of law school, two or three of those descriptors usually ring true. People expect law school to shape who they will ultimately become. They anticipate learning professional skills and growing as human beings Most quietly hope to find a special someone Very few, however, see the wheels of these developments turning in real-time Big things turn on small, sometimes imperceptible moments
So it was for the two of us On a cold Monday night in April 2015, our paths first crossed as we attended Macquarie University’s old City Campus for a round of what was then the MULS Junior Mooting competition Our meet-cute consisted of the appearances we announced to the bench After 45 minutes of submissions, Kristi and her team walked away winners while Fareed’s team blamed what must have been inept judging for their misfortune and thought Hobbes must have been a mooter too It was an inconsequential night of the sort most law students will have a hundred times over through the course of their degrees An imperceptible moment in which big things turned
Over the next couple of years, the two of us took to competing together to wild success At one stage, we held the trophies for Mooting, Negotiations and Senior Client Interview – a law students’ infinity gauntlet Like Thanos, whilst we held the stones, we failed to see a deeper meaning - wheels turning without our knowledge
An appearance at the 2017 ALSA Championship moot resulted in a free trip to Canberra and a first-round exit In the course of those commiserations came a recognition, however, of wheels turning in real-time We realised that while we made fair mooting partners, we might pair better as life partners So it has been from that point on A foundation well-laid
JESSUP AND THE SUCCESS OF MACQUARIE
In 2017, Kristi competed in the Jessup moot The group stage exit was heartbreaking but consistent with Macquarie Law’s overall form guide for the world’s premier mooting competition Fareed entered the competition in 2018 and fared little better
By the middle of 2018, we had both said goodbye to Macquarie Law and MULS, or so we thought We periodically returned to judg competitions at MULS’ request By however, Fareed accepted a role as th
e y aren t the lectures or the textbooks, but the competitions we took part in And it’s not just because that’s where our love story began (though that certainly adds a special layer). The truth is that those competitions taught us more than we could ever have imagined The technical expertise we gained, combined with the lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, were transformative. They helped shape the professionals we are today
Fareed now thrives as a Senior Associate in the Shine Lawyers Institutional Abuse team. Kristi, on the other hand, has carved out her own path as a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property team at Allens
Looking back, those competitions weren’t just where we learned how to argue our case, but where we learned how to win at life and, as it turns out, at love We recall only the friends we’ve kept, the fun we had, the life we’ve built and the feeling it was all over too soon Charming breezy and short, or whatever Ho
of Macquarie Law School’s Jessup Team
Like Persephone, Fareed spent his winters with Kristi and his summers with Jessup Two great passions co-existing, courtesy of a great deal of patience from Kristi
Over the following six years, with Fareed and Dr Shireen Daft at the helm, the Jessup Team went on to become a storied program with a perfect record of reaching the knockout rounds, three grand final appearances at the High Court of Australia and two national championships. ChatGPT agrees: Macquarie University has become the country’s premier mooting institution
50 QUESTIONS WITH DR MICHAEL KIRBY
HOSTED BY ANYA MACLURE & DIAKO NABAVI
1. How do you like your coffee?
Soy mocha, no sugar
2. What is a common misconception people have about you?
One misconception at one stage in my life was that I was straight, but we put that straight, and I don't think anybody continues to act under this misapprehension.
Aside from that, people assume that I am a very radical person since I disagreed quite a bit with the judiciary I believe in the application of the law, but that itself leaves a space for different views of the law on particular subjects So I'm not really a red-hot radical I'm just a slightly, I suppose you might say, pink radical
3. What’s your favourite thing to cook?
Well, I don't do any cooking I suppose, in a pinch, I could cook a boiled egg My partner, Johan, is quite a good cook. At the time I left the High Court in 2009, I gave up meat - I'm basically down to vegetarian plus a bit of seafood.
4. What's something you wish you were better at?
I did wish that I was better at school in mathematics. In fact, at Fort Street High School, I had a wonderful mathematics teacher. I ended up coming top of the state of NSW in modern history and general mathematics. I'm proud I mastered an area I wasn’t good at. In law, I suppose, property law, well, it didn't excite me And income tax law didn't excite me either, though I got to be better at tax law
5. What does your morning routine look like?
Well, I'm always early I've always been early When I was a barrister, I would start at 4 am
Now I've pushed this back to 6 am The first thing I do when I wake up is to clean my teeth, have a Metamucil, and drink a big glass of Sydney water, which is very nice water by the standards of the world. So that's about it. And beyond that, well, it's getting a little bit too intimate to go past that point…
6. Who is your biggest inspiration?
In my family, both my parents were an inspiration Then came my teachers, and then people I knew in public life, people I read about I've got lots of inspirations, and I wouldn't like to single them out in case they get jealous
7. What is your favourite book?
My favourite book is the latest that I'm readingRichard Evans’ ‘Hitler's People’ It's a book on the visual faces described in the text of the leaders of the Third Reich.
On holiday, I also take some back issues of the London Review of Books. recommend these books for
busy people who want to get a good cross-section of Western civilisation, mostly, and to pander to those areas that are known to them, in my case, history, and those areas that they don't know much about, which includes the story of poetry and philosophy, and aspects of ancient and modern civilisations in countries that are different from our own
8. What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen in the courtroom?
I was sitting with Justice Gummow and Justice Hayden, and at one point, Justice Gummow's mobile phone went off, and I was horrified about this! If something like this happened to a barrister, they'd be out, and execution would quickly follow. But the most interesting thing was not only did he answer it quickly and then turn it off, but within a few minutes, the phone went again! I couldn't believe that this would be happening to me because Justice Gummow was generally so well-behaved I was so shocked that I called the sheriff's office and told them to take that man outside the court They didn't do so, but that was one of the most unusual things that happened in my career of 35 years in the courts as a judge
9 What is something you wish more people knew about you?
I think it would be good if they knew what a lovable person I am. One should ask oneself, how does it come a
bout that his partner, Johan, an apparently rational person, after whom a lecture theatre has been named at the Macquarie Law School, put up with this man for 56 years? You've got to be lovable to live with a person for 56 years Either they've got to be blind and deaf, or you have to be lovable
10. Is there a matter you were involved with that you still think about a lot?
Generally speaking, no I'm so busy even now You have to learn as a judge to turn the page, to have a good sleep, and to start the next day without worrying too much about the things that are done. So long as you've given your very best, given your all to the judicial task, that is as much as can be asked from you by the society that appoints you.
My great professors of philosophy, Professor Julius Stone and Professor Tony Blackshield, taught that there are leeways for choice amongst judges, and that means often the ambiguity of the language of the case leaves room for different answers to questions If you're giving a different answer, you must try to explain it, and I tried to do that
11. What is your favourite colour?
My favourite colour is gold For a particular time in my life, I was famous for a golden jacket There are even pictures on YouTube of me doing a rap item with a golden jacket – that was me at my hip-hop best
Johan has told me that that is such an old scene now and to throw out the jacket and get something else But gold is my favourite colour. Studies that I learned of when I did an economics degree show that if you want to make a store sell products well, you've got to paint them yellow. Yellow makes people
feel happy. In the High Court of Australia, my chambers had a light yellowish pine wood from Tasmania, light in colour, bright in appearance, lifting in psychology So, I think I love yellow too
12. What's something you love/d about Macquarie University from your time as Chancellor?
The beautiful campus Most Australian campuses started in the 19th century, and they're just now overcrowded Some of them have been set up in city districts, and they're very overcrowded and inhospitable There isn’t enough yellow in the courtrooms and lecture rooms.
It also has a beautiful Law School. That wasn't there when I was the Chancellor, but it has come along. There is a wonderful article about it in the latest Journal of Architecture. If you look at the building, it has a lot of gold, a lot of yellow in the appearance of the wood. I think that's destined to create generations of happy lawyers and happy law students
3. What’s one skill you wish you had?
Typing I could have got my emails done more quickly in
the past than I have. But now I have mastered the technique of voice dictation, and therefore I can do my emails and shoot through most items by voice dictation I'm about 99% accurate
14. Do you have a favourite part of the Michael Kirby building?
After sitting in a Jessup practice moot recently, I think the moot court is my favourite part To sit there listening to very complex arguments put forward by student advocates and to be paying attention and concentrating on quite tricky legal submissions that are being put to you is a rather all-consuming activity. But to sit there and see an ibis or other birds jumping across the sky as you're listening to the advocate, or even to see an aeroplane in the distance passing by, is wonderful. When I was appointed President of the NSW Court of Appeal in 1984, I had a courtroom and I was in the central seat that had a sight line which took me down Hyde Park out to the distance, and I could see an airline rising into the sky from Mascot Airport You get that sort of view as well as brilliant advocacy at the Macquarie Moot Court - it's wonderful
15. What style of advocacy do you find most effective?
I'll say what doesn't appeal to me or any judges, and it is very common, unfortunately Barristers come to the podium, and they say, “Can I take your honours to page 78 of the transcript, which requires a correction? There's a misspelling of a word there ” You wouldn’t believe this, but how many barristers start by giving you unimportant things that can be covered by a little note or by verbal intervention at a later stage The moment you start is magical You will never again have such an unanimity of attention to your words, and therefore, you must focus the mind of the decisionmaker on something that explains why this is an important argument or appeal or whatever you are there to do to make the job of the judge easy. So don't waste your time on trivial things, don't lose the great opportunity of an opening, and concentrate on what is the most important message.
16. Who did you look up to while you were in law school?
I looked up to Professor Julius Stone Professor Stone was the professor of international law and jurisprudence, and he taught the leeway of choice that justice had This was at a time when Sir Owen Dixon, the great Chief Justice of Australia, was teaching the Australian legal profession that judges don't have choices Another lecturer who tutored me in law school was Professor Upendra Bakshi Professor Bakshi was from India and taught me in 1967 or so, when the White Australia policy was still in operation. He is going to receive, in October of this year, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws of the University of Sydney, where he worked so long ago.
17. What do you think of young lawyers today?
I think they have wider opportunities Their numbers are different There are now many more women They are not as stuffy They are not as boring They have a greater appreciation of the reality of the world, and they take a personal interest in and participate in that reality, including through social media, which was not in existence when I was at law school
In my time, there was also a cloud over my head because of my sexuality - that was a nasty thing that has passed away, I hope. I think nowadays, most young law students find people's sexuality a big yawn, and if you don't like it, well, you've got to move on and get on with something else. But these are things that have changed. However, law students today still overwhelmingly come from private and religious schools, which is something of a worry If you've received your values in an exclusive or privileged institution, you may end up carrying those values through your life We all have to challenge these values and make sure that our values are our own and that they move with the times, experience, and knowledge available to us
18 If you could redo one thing in your career, what would it be and why?
I think I would redo the openness about my sexual orientation. I don't want to appear to be obsessed with
subject, but the fact is that for most of my life, especially as a law student and as a young lawyer, this was something of a no-no, and it was never mentioned despite being an important part of my growing up On the other hand, as my partner Johan points out, if I had, prior to the decriminalisation of sexual orientation as a subject of the criminal law, been open and candid about that in the years before 1984, when the law was changed on that subject, I would have never had the appointments to the Court of Appeal, the High Court, or any other things that followed because that was something that you were expected to remain silent about.
19. What’s your favourite dinner spot in Sydney?
We go to Cafe Rex. Cafe Rex is on Maclay Street in King's Cross, and it was where Johan and I met At that time, it was a pub and it had a number of bars It was the second time I had gone in, and I saw this very handsome young Dutchman across the aisle to whom I spoke Johan came home to my flat in Kirribilli that night, and he had the good manners to leave at the end of the encounter But two days later, I heard a little knock at the door I opened the door, and there was Johan with two big suitcases - he decided to move in.
20. How do you still engage with the legal profession and the academic world?
I keep going to university functions. Recently, I spoke at the University of New
South Wales, and a moot at the University of Sydney I'm about to go to Newcastle for a conversation with one of my associates in the High Court, who is now teaching law at the University of Sydney, Ross Abbs About half of my associates or more came from non-Sandstone universities, including Macquarie University I'm all for variety in all things, including the relationship between associate and judge
21. What is your favourite place to travel to?
I would say my favourite would be the Netherlands or perhaps India Very early in our relationship, Johan decided that we would go on a combi van tour of India through to England. We might return to that when I’m done with my professional work. I suggested to him that we might upgrade the travel and hotel space a little from a tiny combi van, but he's not so sure. He thinks that was an economic and good way to get from one place to another.
22.You’ve been described as most law students’ favourite judge - why do you think this is true?
I think it may be true because of Professor Stone He taught me that on the bench, we are not sitting there like a pilot of a jumbo jet on autopilot We are human beings with human emotions, who need to recognise these feelings in others as well as the importance of the rule of law We should recognise the law that may be binding in most courts but also understand that there are cases where we should change the law and re-express our societal values.
23. How do you think a law student can set themselves up for success while they’re still at law school?
Be a joiner. You must join civil society organisations You must join the Council for Civil Liberties Join Amnesty International Join sporting organisations if you must Do not live in a little vacuum or a particular spot on the law You've got to be openminded to lots of experiences In my case, it involved joining student politics and becoming very deeply involved in every level of student politics Dip your toe in the water to understand change - It's a matter of appreciating how law operates, why it is there, and learning its lessons to work in favour of people from minorities. I think that's the way to get ahead and be noticed.
24. Early in your career, how did you deal with managing conflicting attitudes and behaviours from clients, lawyers, and other professionals? From clients, I didn't have conflicting emotions because most of the clients in my time were people without a lot of funds, and
hey were dependent on their representation to provide access to justice In my
1950. To name a law school building after a living person is unusual. But to name a lecture theatre after a chancellor's same-sex partner is even more unusual. I don't think it's ever happened anywhere else in the world.
In our lives, we probably received thousands of letters from young people saying how our being open
about our sexuality has helped them When I'm invited to schools, I always work the issue of sexuality s because the sted in earlier nd gays was st be broken ust all do for must break the k freely, and versity, which ace of free
pizza - yes or am too familiar o pizza really on a holiday d, a friend of a bottle of pizza to be h-class hotel. I ne has ever that hotel, and y ordered one ch champagne. must admit, I I remember it e pineapple. I oice
to interview ould you ask
grets? I have a was not more he High Court got to the High level went up markedly compared to my 14% in the Court of Appeal of NSW But in the High Court, cases are at the final station on the train line, and it requires you to perform the creative role of the court I think I could have worked harder at finding concurrence. Justice Gummow was very skilled in getting together the concurrence of the essential number. You must have four justices to have a binding
rule laid down by a decision. Justice Gummow was very skilled and paid attention to doing that He would give way points that he had originally arrived at to lead the four That was not so important for me in that environment My role, I think, was to point out there is another way, there is another take, there is another theme, there is different music, and you should be attentive as a lawyer to our freedom and obligation to express the different notes in the symphony.
28. What is your opinion on the wigs worn by Judicial Officers and Counsel?
I think wigs have a place in criminal trials and appeals, but I doubt that they have a place in civil appeals or trials. That is the compromise we've reached in Australia - wigs do not exist now in federal courts at all We still have wigs in the state courts, and I'm not sure whether all states retain wigs in criminal appeals, but they don't have them in state magistrates' courts or in the state court of appeals I think that's a fair compromise
29. You were highly involved in the response to the AIDS Epidemic. In 2023, at the Kirby Institute, you delivered the David Cooper Lecture In this lecture, you praised the Health Minister and the response of society to the epidemic with the following words, quote, “We can inform them of the way to protect each other and by protecting each other they
society.” In your opinion, how does this statement compare to Australian Society today? What I was trying to say is that by informing the LGBT+ community, injecting drug users, sex workers, and others at risk, we were doing a service for those who were not at risk in the rest of the community This was the lesson that the gay community passed on to Dr Neil Blewett, the Federal Minister for Health in the Hawke government, joined by Professor Boehm It was a lesson of self-protection, but it wasn't an easy lesson to sell. We did manage to sell it, and the net result of that was that we in Australia and New Zealand were at the forefront of saving peoples’ lives because we reached out to those groups.
30. What has been the most awkward moment you have had in your career?
The most awkward moment in my career was the certain differences that arose about whether my partner, Johan, should be provided with a travelling allowance in the High Court It seems a trivial, petty, and embarrassing matter to mention today, but at a certain time, Justice Gordon said, 'You must stand up for your rights ' And I said, 'But I can't vote on this because I would take benefit of it ” In the e Justice Gordon said, “Y have no right to withd from participating.” I took step and the majority agre to provide funding.
31. What is your claim to fame outside of your highly esteemed career?
I think my hip-hop skills I do hope you'll give the readers an image of my lost career as a hip-hop rap artist (pictured right)
32. If you had to choose one skill, which would you say is most important for law students to develop?
A devotion to study and a seriousness about getting matters into their brain Law is not a job for the light-hearted or for those who don't want a hard life, absorbing huge amounts of information, advocating causes they don't necessarily personally agree with, and defending the unlovable. It's a job that requires hard work. If you don't want to have hard work all your life, including at the age of 86 (which I am now), then you should look for another job, like banking, where you can fiddle with money and make an awful lot of it.
33. Do you think you deserve the title of the Great Dissenter?
I didn't dissent in the Law Reform Commission I didn't dissent in Student Politics I didn't dissent in the Industrial Relations Commission I didn't dissent in most of the work of the Court of Appeal or the Federal Court In the High Court, I did have a higherthan-average dissent rate, but that was just part of my conception of the job
34. What did the road from law
business. You've got to be in the right place at the right time when the offer comes
35. What do you predict the judicial system will look like 50 years from now?
Totally different We're already on the brink of the impact on the judicial system of artificial intelligence The decision in Mabo No 2 would not have been reached if that had been done by artificial intelligence The decision in many refugee cases would not have been reached without a variation. The rule of variation expressed by Charles Darwin is still the rule for a just legal system, and that's where judges and lawyers come in.
36. How do you like your eggs? If you like eggs… Poached And preferably not too many of them
37. Thinking diplomatically, how would you de-escalate a situation in one line?
My go-to to de-escalate a situation in one line: Reach out to those of a different view, respect their different view, try to find common ground, and be sweet to your enemies
38 If you could have dinner with an influential figure, past or present, who would that be and why?
It would be with the two wonderful and beautiful interviewers (Anya and Diako) at Café Rex, with Johan present to keep the peace.
That's very sweet.
I didn't mention who would have to pay….
Oh We'll sort it out, don't worry
39. Do you have a song on repeat at the moment?
Over the last fortnight, the death of Roberta Flack occurred She was a popular singer when I went to the Netherlands with Johan in the 1980s She sang 'Killing Me Softly' and I think she has a lovely, rather eerie African-American voice She grew up singing hymns, and she has a mysterious way of holding a note Listen to it ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘The First Time I Saw Your Face’ Beautiful songs, wonderful singer
40 How has the last 50 years shaped you as a lawyer and person?
Well, it has shaped me to understand how big a role chance plays in life. If I hadn't had an early appointment, I wouldn’t have had later appointments. If I hadn’t had early opportunities, I would have gone down different paths. Our paths in life are always unpredictable. But I’ve had a lot of good luck in my life. The secret is to be ready for it when it comes and to seize it - allow it to kill you softly
41. What does success mean to you?
To me, success means feeling comfortable about myself At the end of the day, I want to feel that my life has not been a burden on other people, that I haven’t been unkind or cruel, and that I have been understanding of the variety of human talent
42. What was the subject you performed best in at law school? In law school, it was jurisprudence - I attribute this to my wonderful professors. In the High Court, I became particularly fond of administrative law and found myself quite comfortable when attempting to navigate the uncertainty of it.
43. If you were to teach a subject at law school, what would it be and why? It would have to be jurisprudence As a subject, it goes beyond the rules of the law and asks why the rule is what it is and why it should be changed
44. In your opinion, what is the best written domestic judgment handed down by the High Court?
It would have to be a case out of the US - Lawrence v Texas It was a supreme court case that ruled that US states criminalising sodomy between consenting adults are unconstitutional. From a straight man for a straight audience, I think the ruling did a really good job.
45. Having visited many courts from other jurisdictions in your official capacity, which was your favourite from an architectural perspective?
The Macquarie Moot Court has to be my favourite for the reasons I mentioned previously The use of wood, natural lighting, as well as the wonderful advocates who get to practice in such a court make it wonder
46. What is the most fun you’ve had presiding over a matter?
As I mentioned earlier, I think ordering the court official to arrest Justice Gummow when his phone went off That shocked me quite a bit, but it was funny to witness.
47. What would you like people to think when they think about you?
think it’s up to other people to decide, especially when you are gone In saying so, I’d rather not write off the last ten years of my life – I’m going to keep at it
48. What is your favourite movie? It would have to be East of Eden
49. What’s the rest of your day look like?
Emails, which I’ll be using voice dictation for These are the little things that make lawyers happy
50. And finally, for our 50th question, what is the Macquarie University Law Society to you?
To me, the law society is a group of students who live and work on the most beautiful campus, inspiring and lifting themselves to think beyond the now and about the future Being such a lovely place (named after me as well), I think the Michael Kirby building houses brilliant minds who will enter the field with more than a mechanical view of the world, but rather hearts
and minds that are open to injustice I think about the birds that I saw fly past the moot court during my last visit to witness the Jessup competition practice - I think it represents beautifully what a law student society can do To push minds beyond themselves and their legal problems, and to soar into the heavens from new horizons and make the world a better place – this is what I believe
SHAPING A CAREER
THE HONOURABLE BELINDA BAKER
I never intended to study law at Macquarie University I arrived at Macquarie intending to study psychology I was fascinated by the workings of the human mind, and enrolled in the combined degree, aiming to be a psychologist who knew a little about the law By the end of my first year, that vision had inverted: I wanted to be a lawyer who knew a little about psychology
Looking back, I feel profoundly fortunate to have found my way into Macquarie Law School The faculty were not only formidable legal scholars, but generous mentors; they freely gave their time, their intellect, and their passion for the discipline As I reflect now, I am reminded of Professor Tony Blackshield’s lectures in constitutional law in my third year His energy animated a subject that, in lesser hands, might have remained dry and technical. Equally memorable was Professor Kercher, whose deep knowledge of legal history - particularly Australian legal historyplaced the law within its broader historical and cultural context.
Among the most influential on my development was Professor Desmond Manderson, whose ability to draw connections between law and society was nothing short of inspired. I still remember his lecture comparing the evolution of tort law to the development of Royal Doulton pottery - a metaphor that was as unexpected as it was illuminating. Under his guidance, I began to grasp the power of language in shaping legal precedent. In his lecture on Donoghue v Stevenson, he urged us not merely to accept its status as the cornerstone of negligence law, but to interrogate why this case, above others, had so profoundly shaped the legal landscape.
What united all my lecturers at Macquarie was a commitment to critical inquiry They did not simply teach us what the law was, but challenged us to understand how and why it had come to be Years later, when I undertook a Master’s degree at Harvard, I came to appreciate even more deeply the intellectual foundation Macquarie had provided
Outside the classroom, the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) offered further challenges Early in my degree, Ed Cox (now of senior counsel) persuaded me to join his mooting team Ed and I approached the task from opposite ends of the spectrum: he was irrepressibly optimistic, always convinced we held the stronger argument; I was more cautious, often convinced that in a real-world scenario, we ought to be drafting a generous offer of settlement Together, we made a balanced team Ed’s confidence buoyed my own, while I like to think I occasionally persuaded him that “perhaps” the opposing side’s arguments “might” merit a rebuttal
Mooting proved invaluable as I transitioned into legal practice It taught me the importance of clarity and structure in written submissions, and honed my skills in legal research - an often underemphasised but essential aspect of the profession
Nearly three years ago, I was appointed a Justice of the ACT Supreme Court. Though decades have now passed since my time at Macquarie, its influence endures. The practical skills I gained through mooting continue to serve me, as do the habits of critical thought and legal methodology instilled in the classroom And the interdisciplinary nature of my studies - adding “a little” psychology to my law studies - has proven particularly useful in the wide range of cases I now preside over, both civil and criminal
I remain deeply grateful for my time at Macquarie It shaped not only my career, but the way I think about the law, its history, and its human dimensions
T H E F O U N D A T I O N S O F L A W
When I think about my time at Macquarie – and indeed, my successive postgraduate studies – I am reminded of the words of historian and bestselling author of “Educated”, Tara Westover, that “[a]n education is not so much about making a living as making a person ” Our teachers provide the seminal texts and cases, run workshops, simulate legal disputes and, more broadly, encourage us to think critically and creatively about the world, and what our place is and could be Who are we? What is our role and responsibility as lawyers? As citizens? As members of a global community?
The process of shaping me as an international lawyer both predates Macquarie and was significantly facilitated by it Growing up in the Hills District of Sydney, I was often involved in community outreach and social justice initiatives, such as volunteering in remote Indigenous schools, participating in local clubs and organising fundraising drives As a voracious reader, I was also drawn to modern history, politics and international relations, and how solutions to many of the world’s challenging problems lie with people, their relationships, and tools borne from consensus, such as international law.
Those same interests turned my inquisitive gaze towards Macquarie, especially the Centre for International Environmental Law and the university’s community and international portfolio. In due course, I developed human rights materials at a local children’s rights NGO in Cambodia through PACE, interned at the Australian Human Rights Commission for unit credit, and represented Macquarie (and Australia) alongside Nandini Bajaj at the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot in Geneva. That was the first time that the university had entered, and – I believe – the first time that Macquarie reached the international rounds of a mooting competition. We ultimately placed 12th worldwide, supported by our coach Dr Shireen Daft (If you’ll indulge this proud alumnus, it has been thrilling over subsequent years to see Macquarie flourish in international law moots under her leadership )
In addition to serving as Executive Director of the powerfully – and somewhat confusingly for local whey warriors – named student society “MUSCLE” (Macquarie University Students for Community Legal Engagement), and later as Social Justice Officer of MULS, these were only a few of many fond memories and formative experiences at Macquarie These aspects of university life have enriched, complemented and expanded upon my lessons in more formal classroom settings, along with my enduring friendships and valuable exchanges with peers
Looking back, one lesson that has resonated through my career thus far is that the best human rights lawyers are those who do not simply listen to the client, but who really hear them And reflect and amplify those voices accordingly Too often within international institutions there is a disconnect, a democratic deficit between what happens at the grassroots and the upper decision-making levels –simultaneously feeding upon and fuelling the growth of institutional distrust and disillusionment.
As the UN Special Rapporteur’s primary legal advisor, I was responsible for leading research and development of his official biannual reports to the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly, including on Freedom of Thought and Indigenous Peoples and Freedom of Religion or Belief. I would spend several days and weeks
interviewing individual rights-holders and their communities, international and local NGOs, UN representatives, lawyers, policymakers and beyond, across all the world’s regions. I greatly valued their contributions and the opportunity to learn about their lived experiences, concerns and beliefs. That outreach was especially befitting and conducive for Special Procedures as one of the relatively few UN human rights mechanisms that is directly responsive and accessible to individuals and communities.
We all learn in law school about the important ethical and professional duties incumbent upon us as lawyers, as well as the various rules and procedures to follow. Yet those lessons take on a profound resonance when confronted with real cases of rights violations and lives changed forever. That is one reason why I appreciated how Macquarie has encouraged hands-on experience for its students Ethical guidelines may tell you what not to do, but the positive examples of peers and colleagues striving to be the best possible lawyer for their clients can actually show you what to do and how to do it well
After the Special Rapporteur’s report was delivered on the floor of the UN General Assembly in New York, a Native American leader and advocate made an acute observation that lingered with me, namely that “you really hear the voices of Indigenous Peoples in that report ” For the present and future generations of Macquarie Law graduates, I hope that you embrace the various windows of opportunities that the university opens for you, and the chance to learn and grow as lawyers, to listen and not simply to hear In my own experience, that education has helped to make the person, not just the profession
Ms Tridgell is a public international lawyer and PhD Candidate (International Law x Computer Science) at the University of Cambridge, where she is a Ramsay World Postgraduate Scholar An experienced practitioner, she has expertise in international dispute settlement, human rights and technology governance She was previously the Senior Legal Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and has worked for leading international firms, National Human Rights Institutions and several human rights NGOs. She has worked for judges on the International Criminal Court and the High Court of Hong Kong, and serves on the Executive Council of the International Law Association. She holds a BA (Politics and I.R.)/LLB (Hons.) from Macquarie (2017) and a LLM (International Law) from Cambridge.
DEAR MULS
GEORGIA CAM
Dear MULS,
I write to you still buzzing after tonight’s moot I cannot quite believe how much I have learnt in such a short time The hours I’ve spent carefully crafting my submissions, the nervous energy I felt in the courtroom, and the thrill of standing on my feet with arguments and precedents at the ready, will all form core memories that I will reflect upon regularly with gratitude
PRECEDENT IN PRACTICE: THE MULS TRADITION
What astonishes me most is the generosity and dedication of the experts that you bring into our orbit. Professors, barristers, and even judges who once studied at Macquarie Law School all unreservedly dedicate their time to mentorship, usually late in the evenings after their long day at work.
They challenge us with incisive questions, then patiently explain how we might respond with more clarity and conviction. These challenges form critical lessons in advocacy that I am sure I will value dearly throughout my career.
In your capable hands, I have discovered skills that will last me a lifetime: communicating under pressure, advocating persuasively, and negotiating with mutual respect and understanding You encouraged me to grow beyond what I thought possible, and through that growth, I found my identity as an advocate
Thank you for standing by the MULS tradition of providing invaluable mentorship to the next generation of advocates
With gratitude,
A very nervous, novice mooter, Georgia Cam
Dear MULS,
There is, prima facie, overwhelming evidence that you have never been stronger. Your calendar brims with competitions, workshops, career fairs, and countless opportunities for mentorship and growth. I now proudly engage with you from a different perspective, no longer as the nervous, novice mooter I once was, but as an academic at Macquarie Law School, shaped profoundly by the generosity of service I received as a student.
I now proudly engage with you from a different perspective, no longer as the nervous, novice mooter I once was, but as an academic at Macquarie Law School, shaped profoundly by the generosity of service I received as a student.
I could never have imagined that one day I would be drafting moot problems, sitting on the bench as a judge in competitions, and mentoring students as they embrace critical lessons that I once seized At every opportunity, I sign myself up to fulfil these roles, knowing with great certainty that these experiences are indispensable in producing the next generation of effective advocates
The ability to speak with clarity to large audiences, to distil complex legal concepts into accessible ideas, and to argue with conviction, are skills that you gifted me, skills I now use daily
When I received 256 student nominations for the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Education a few months ago, I knew I was standing on the shoulders of those who have long upheld the tradition of dedicated service to the Macquarie Law School community
With admiration, A proud colleague, Georgia Cam
PRIMA FACIE PROOF: THE MULS TRADITION THRIVES
OF NEW BEGINNINGS: THE MULS TRADITION AHEAD
Dear MULS,
I write to you on behalf of my former students, who once sat on desks in the Macquarie Law School building, and now sit on benches in courtrooms, boards in charities, and chambers in parliament I recognise them instantly from the confidence in their voices, the clarity in their arguments, and the conviction in their advocacy
One of my former students now argues cases on climate justice at the International Court of Justice Another has opened a legal clinic for refugees, ensuring voices too often silenced are finally heard A third has entered politics, shaping laws to reflect the values we once instilled in them Each carries the imprint of MULS: the courage to speak under pressure, the discipline to prepare, and the heart to serve
I have now proudly witnessed the full circle of the MULS tradition with generations of students who received the same mentorship I once had the pleasure of receiving. I look forward to what comes next.
With anticipation,
An eager participant in your next chapter, Georgia Cam
Dear MULS,
If it was true that you once gave me my earliest lessons in effective advocacy, and truer still that you now give even more students that same platform to grow, then it follows with even greater force that your best is yet to come
As one who has walked with you as student, competitor, and now academic, I know that your impact cannot be measured in trophies or events, but instead in the sheer volume of students whose futures as effective advocates are shaped by your dedicated service.
Your journey has always been one of strengthening; from tentative beginnings to national recognition, and from a society that supported a handful of mooters to a community that embraces thousands of advocates in its orbit.
So, I close with the certainty that each stage has built upon the last, and together they reveal not just growth, but momentum for strengthening the MULS tradition even further into the future
With conviction, A life-long observer, Georgia Cam
WITH GREATER FORCE: THE STRENGTH OF THE MULS TRADITION
TAKING THE LEAP
WHY INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES MATTER
PAUL KALETSIS
When I started at Macquarie Law School in 2016, I noticed a common ambition among many of my friends and peers dreams of working at the UN, becoming international lawyers at the ICJ, or working overseas as diplomats for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade But somewhere between equity exams and choosing our first electives, those ambitions often faded under external pressures and expectations to follow a more conventional legal career path. If you’re a law student and haven’t felt that pressure yet, just wait until clerkship applications begin. This is more than understandable we all have to navigate through life and find a job to support ourselves. But I’m sharing my story to show current law students that a career in international affairs is not farfetched as you’re told, and it is attainable even if there is no single “right” way to build that career. Whether your passion lies overseas, in diplomacy, development, or international law, you can make it happen.
Those with a passion for international affairs often attribute this to a defining experience. My own “why” was shaped during a trip to the Philippines in 2014. Traveling to rural provinces, I saw how economic and social systems deeply affect young people’s lives, and restrict their opportunities to pursue deeply-seeded goals and dreams That experience sparked a lifelong curiosity about the forces shaping our region and a professional commitment to building more accessible, inclusive pportunities for youth I realised studying law, and the skills this would afford, would give me the tools to do just that The international experiences I undertook whilst studying at Macquarie are what have truly accelerated my career to date: a short-term Spanish language course in Uruguay, a short-term law exchange at the University of Vienna, a semester at the National Law School of India University through the Asia Society Scholarship, and a New Colombo Plan Scholarship that took me to Vanuatu and New Caledonia These programs, paired with volunteering for student societies and self-funded trips to global conferences, opened my eyes to diverse legal, political and cultural systems and helped me better understand how I could turn my “why” into a tangible career
But the journey wasn’t always easy I took six and a half years to finish my double degree - while my friends were starting full-time legal roles, I was juggling casual jobs at Macquarie with late nights writing scholarship applications I was rejected for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship (twice), and more workplaces than I care to admit knocked me back, including the DFAT graduate program in 2023 I spent weekends volunteering student societies and not-for-profit associations, and worked overtime
to fund my participation at internati conferences and professi development programs. There w moments I seriously considered gi it all up for a more predictable path I held on to what my gut kept telling that my “why” was still worth chasin
Having graduated in 2022, I look b on the decision to persist as the b I’ve ever made I’m currently workin DFAT’s Office of the Pacific where international experiences I h undertaken, especially my work for for-profits in Vanuatu and New Caledonia, are highly valued by my colleagues. I have a global network of not just peers, but friends, that I’ve met from every corner of the world. The skills and perspectives I’ve developed throughout a diverse and longer-than-average journey are beginning to open doors for me to pursue my “why” - and I’m incredibly excited for whatever life has around the corner
So if this path calls to you, here are a few practical tips. First, research and identify your “Career Anchors” - the values and motivations that guide your professional decisions, such as a desire for meaningful work, international impact, or continuous learning Let those anchors guide your decisions over the coming years Second, you will never regret pursuing a shortterm or semester-long exchange - Macquarie’s Student Mobility Office is filled with passionate people who will open these doors for you. Third, get involved with university societies or youth organisations with a global focus - think UN Youth, Young Australians in International Affairs, or the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership Fourth, forge meaningful relationships with Macquarie Law School staff and alumni who have areas of interest similar to your own No one makes it on their own, and those who have already trodden similar paths will be all too happy to share their experiences and help you along your way. And finally, have conviction. The path may not be obvious or easy, but if you know in your heart that this is where you’re meant to go - don’t give up
A conventional law path isn’t your only option Stay curious, stay bold, stay committed There’s no single “right” way to build a career in international affairs. But that’s precisely the beauty of your own, unique journey. Your world is waiting.
“TAKE THE CHANCES THAT COME YOUR WAY, EVEN IF THEY DON’T SEEM TO FIT NEATLY INTO YOUR PLAN.”
VALOUR
SUBJECT: FOUNDATIONS OF LAW
FROM: ZARABENDING
DEAR FIRSTYEARS,
No doubt many of you have received multiple announcements about the dedicated ‘first year mooting competition’: the Foundations of Law Moot This moot has a special place in MULS’ history, so please read on and consider applying
The first Foundations of Law Moot was held in 2012 during the Deanship of Professor Natalie Klein The moot was started by our Foundations of Law Academic Team as an opportunity for students who had completed the (then) revamped Foundations of Law Unit to apply their newly acquired knowledge of public law and skills in statutory interpretation, case analysis and legal research in a competition setting.
Consultation with students told us that some were still getting used to the idea of an ungraded first session unit where the focus was on developing competencies and collaborative skills rather than chasing a rank or mark. In response, the moot was a way for those who wanted to go the extra mile to distinguish themselves through a bit of healthy competition.
Dr Margaret Kelly and (to be Dr) Catherine Greentree drafted a question around the implied freedom of political communication, retrospective effect, and stat interp, with the latter even using her own funds to purchase prizes for teams and best oralists With staff judging multiple rounds and using their professional networks to bring in practitioners and academic prospects to give teams feedback, the moot was as much a labour of love for the team as it was an academic exercise
2012 was a different time Back then, we didn’t have Australia’s most Insta-famous Moot Court We didn’t have LawTok to amuse ourselves, we had Vines The ‘go-to’ names we used for hypotheticals were from ‘The Walking Dead’ and a new legal drama called ‘Suits ’ And, I distinctly remember someone hyping themselves up pre-round outside the Trevor Martin Moot Court listening to Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ on an iPod Nano
After a couple of successful years demonstrating that the competition truly had legs, the decision was made to pass the baton over to MULS to see how far they could run with it And, run with it MULS did The comp has grown steadily every year since and in 2025, under the stewardship of Sophie Nixey (2024’s best oralist in the Grand Final), a record number of 62 teams commenced prelim rounds in Session 2
There are many reasons to moot at law school and no doubt some of you will seek counsel from genAI on why it’s a worthy endeavour Most outputs will tell you that mooting ‘sharpens advocacy skills’, ‘deepens legal writing and research’, ‘develops public speaking’, ‘provides networking and career opportunities’ and ‘requires teamwork’ These are all fine reasons, but let me tell you some things genAI may not capture as personally
For advocates-in-the-making, mooting teaches you to ‘show up’ for the job you want no matter the situation and to relish the rituals and details along the way Over the past 13 years I’ve seen your versions of ‘dressing to impress’, even in online moots For some of you, this meant wearing the same shoes and suits you wore to your Year 12 formals Others used the moot to buy new fits or live out their Elle Woods fantasies Some of you now appreciate how distracting an uncentred tie can be after having Paul Maluga tutor you on proper placement and knot variants Now I see droves of you smartly dressed and, in your element, as you go about your business across the city.
You may have heard the saying ‘we are what we do repeatedly,’ and mooting is a path to actualising your student-selves into your future advocate-selves by going through the paces repeatedly. You learn about time management, what to do if the bench is hot or cold, and how to find your way back to your submissions after answering multi-part questions from multiple judges. You’ll learn NEVER to lie to the bench, to adhere to proper bar table behaviour, and that questions can sometimes be a helping hand, not to be smacked away defensively. In post-moot feedback, you’ll learn that smart mooters learn from their mistakes, whereas wise mooters learn from the mistakes and praises given to others. You’ll learn how to navigate teamwork, from savouring the sweetness of a shared victory to finding resilience as a unit when recovering from defeat. You’ll learn that effective communication shouldn’t be reserved for the bench, but is a ‘must’ when dealing with each other, your learned friends, and comp administrators You’ll learn about how those cultures of collegiality and comity you read about look and feel like in practice
Side bar: mooting is great fun and we see your humour in the team names we’ve seen over the years. Here are my favourites in no particular order:
‘The Mootsketeers’
‘Beyond Reasonable Clout’
‘Devil’s Advocates’
‘Ex Parte Animals’
‘Liti-gators’
‘Law & Order MQU’
‘The Objectionables’
‘Voir Dire Wolves’
The Verbal Gymnasts’
‘Subpoena Coladas’
‘Advocates’ Anonymous aka Team 6’
I’ve spent almost half of my life at the Macquarie Law School (combining my student + academic stints) and the truth is that I think back to your first moots and it makes me so proud I’ve seen so many of you make friendships that see you into your early careers and beyond I’ve gotten to know your families when they come to support you in Grand Finals, then at graduation, then at admission I’ve seen some of your fall in love and get married and have kids Some of you go onto be MULS Presidents, intervarsity mooters, international mooters, industry awardwinners, go-to mentors in your chosen fields, and beyond I’ve driven down to the High Court of Australia to watch some of you moot I’ve seen you win the national rounds of Jessup (one of you, twice)
There are tremendous people who are committed to building tomorrow’s advocates: Dr Shireen Daft, Fareed Quereshi, Abbey Bojanic, Simeon Levine, Taylor McCoy, and Kyle McIndoe to name a few heavy hitters. In the coming years we will see champions coaching champions coaching champions. You could be one of them.
Moot. And keep mooting.
Warm regards, Dr Zara Bending
CAREERS ACROSS BORDERS
RICHARD
SMITH
As a student, I imagined my future would unfold within the neat outlines of a legal career in Australia. When I graduated from Macquarie Law School in 2014, I could not have predicted that ten years later I would be living in Paris, France, where I am a lecturer and run several businesses
My experiences at Macquarie Law laid the foundations for where I am today.
One of the most significant was participating in the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Preparing for this competition demanded more than knowing the law It required mastering the art of research, building persuasive arguments from obscure authorities, and delivering them with precision and confidence
It also taught me the unglamorous but essential skill of working closely with others under tight deadlines, a lesson as relevant in business and lecture halls as in the moot court in North Ryde
Equally important was my work on the editorial board of the Macquarie Law Journal. This role honed my attention to detail and deepened my appreciation for effective legal writing. It also gave me an early taste of the publishing process, from selecting articles to working through edits with authors At the time, I didn’t realise it, but learning how to manage the balance between rigour and readability would become a constant in my professional life.
Another defining experience was my semester abroad in Brazil Immersing myself in an entirely different system and language was as exhilarating as it was humbling. It was my first encounter with civil law reasoning, and my first taste of functioning in another language, forcing me to develop a mental agility I’d never had before
I learned to interpret not only the words of a text but the cultural context that shaped it. I discovered that misunderstanding could be a productive starting point if met with curiosity rather than frustration, a lesson that would echo years later in French lecture halls where I guide students through a similarly unfamiliar legal landscape.
My semester abroad planted the seeds of what would later become my professional and intellectual home: the space between cultural and legal systems, where precision - both linguistic and conceptual - is indispensable.
After Macquarie, I departed for the United Kingdom to read for a Master’s degree at University College London (UCL). Studying in this international environment furthered my appreciation for comparative law and gave me the chance to examine legal questions from multiple perspectives at once
From there, the path took an unexpected turn I moved to Paris, initially for personal reasons, but quickly realised how much the city had to offer intellectually and professionally. In Paris, my life has been varied, divided between teaching at universities such as the Sorbonne and Nanterre, working on literary and publishing projects, and running a legal translation agency
This combination might sound unusual. But to me, it is the logical culmination of the interests and skills I began developing during my studies in North Ryde - whether in a moot courtroom, on the editorial desk of the Macquarie Law Journal, or halfway across the world in Brazil
If there’s a common thread running through my life so far, it’s the idea of reinvention Each stepmoving from Sydney to London, London to Paris, student to teacher, law to literature - has been a de novo moment.
The training I received at Macquarie Law gave me the confidence to start over when necessary, to embrace uncertainty, and to trust that while ideas are immutable and skills transferable, it’s only ever the backdrop that changes.
I often tell my students in Paris that a law degree is a passport, not a cage It prepares you for legal practice. But it also equips you for careers in diplomacy, academia, policy, publishing, and countless other fields. The research habits, analytical thinking, and communication skills you develop are assets in almost any context
To current Macquarie law students, my advice is to take the chances that come your way, even if they don’t seem to fit neatly into your plan Those MULS social events That Jessup Moot application form The exchange program brochure Invitations to work on projects outside your comfort zone. You never know where these opportunities will lead.
De novo is a legal term meaning “from the beginning ” It’s also a way of approaching a career and life itself with the willingness to rebuild. To adapt. To start over wiser than you were before. It’s a mantra to live by. And one Macquarie Law offers those willing to take the leap.
Richard Smith (BA/LLB (hons) ’14) is a writer, academic and translator living in France
FROM MQLS TOTHE BAR
LLOYD BABB
At the time of writing, I am a barrister in private practice in Sydney at Maurice Byers Chambers. I have previously been in practice at the Bar twice, doing interesting and satisfying work. Admitted to the bar in 1995, I took silk in 2007
The private bar offers something for practitioners at every level As a new barrister, it gave me priceless learning opportunities, friendships and connections As a senior practitioner, it provides a fruitful field for applying decades of acquired knowledge and skill and the opportunity to act as a mentor for junior lawyers
Between stints at the bar, I have been the Director of Public Prosecutions in NSW and the Northern Territory, the Crown Advocate for NSW, a Crown Prosecutor and a Public Defender
My career as a public barrister and legal
administrator has been incredibly satisfying In some ways - as many of the best things in life areit was an unexpected direction shaped by the changing tides of life
A momentous change in my personal circumstances led to me taking a role as a Crown Prosecutor, the relative regularity of which allowed me to fulfil my other responsibilities
My appointment in 2003 to the role of Director of the NSW Criminal Law Review Division was followed in 2007 by my appointment as NSW Crown Advocate I knew by this time I had found a calling for leadership and service in the law and in July 2011 I was appointed to a ten-year term as the NSW DPP During that time, I learned much and experienced many highs and lows, including the loss of my wife following a long illness Career can be a great driver and immensely satisfying but it is never experienced in isolation I offer this personal context as a reminder that work sits within a broader context which ultimately makes career a broader, richer landscape
In 2021 at the conclusion of my tenure as NSW DPP, I travelled to the Northern Territory to appear for the Crown in R v Hoffmann, a series of random shootings second only in scale to Port Arthur in Australia’s history. I enjoy challenging work and working collegiately to achieve results. I have a love of nature and the environment, and these things drew me to the DPP role in the Northern Territory. I took the role in February 2022 and remained in the NT in that capacity until September 2025 when circumstances called me back to Sydney.
As well as many large and complex trials, I have extensive appellate experience including in the High Court in Hughes v The Queen and McPhillamy v The Queen (which relate to tendency evidence) Swan v The Queen (which relates to causation), Edwards v The Queen (which relates to the Crown’s disclosure obligations), and Bugmy v The Queen (which relates to the relevance of a background of deprivation for the sentencing offenders)
My academic journey began with a combined Arts/Law degree at Macquarie University, commencing in 1985 I took two years to complete a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice in Chicago before returning to complete my Law Degree at Macquarie
My experience at Macquarie was of a dynamic, innovative and progressive law school with a commitment to small group teaching and active participation It was fertile ground for a genuinely diverse range of approaches and ideas The introductory, year-long History and Philosophy of Law course was a lens across what a legal system is and it placed the law in context for me My Macquarie law degree taught me the fundamentals of how to interpret the black letter of the law while also teaching me about the role of law in shaping society In my memory, the school approach favoured collaborative and collegiate learning over individual competitiveness
What I learned at Macquarie built my capacity for and interest in critical thinking and has been invaluable to my ability to engage in significant policy change processes
While studying at Macquarie I worked at the University Union Bar and played rugby and basketball for the University. I forged some amazing and enduring friendships and made great networking connections. My first job as a solicitor at a small law firm came through a friend of someone I studied with at Macquarie. Years later, my first brief at the Bar was a large commercial case in which I was briefed by a friend from Macquarie. I can unequivocally say that the contacts I made through Macquarie helped me get my professional start in the law. Further, the inspiration to apply for my scholarship to study in the USA came from meeting a student who had travelled from the USA to study at Macquarie on a scholarship.
I am a proud Macquarie Law School alumnus and I am grateful for the education I received, the friendships I made and the solid foundations that my time there provided for life and for my career in the law.
MEASURING THE MULS IMPACT
ADITI PAL2025 MULSVP(EVENTS)
Fifty years ago, Australia panicked, but law students panicked quicker The Governor-General had rewritten their constitutional law syllabus overnight.
I’d imagine the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was the kind of event you couldn’t ignore. Constitutional law, often tucked away in the pages of a textbook, suddenly filled the headlines with students spilling out of lectures, congregating in the courtyards and discussing the news across campus. The law wasn’t confined to the four corners of the page; it was alive, it was breathing and it was all the more controversial The law embodied a shared experience, sparking conversation, curiosity, and community
Fifty years on, MULS captures that very energy, committed to connecting students across Macquarie Law School with their peers and their degree (without the need for legal crises!).
The lecture theatres teach the fundamental theory, but the legal industry demands more The sentiment that the ‘law does not exist in a vacuum’ is well-travelled. As encompassed by Professor Julius Stone, the law is ‘socially derivative and non-autonomous’, evolving from the society it serves. Thus, Macquarie Law School envisions its ‘job-ready graduates’ as those capable of navigating real problems in real environments In supporting this vision, MULS seeks to ease the transition from notebooks to practice through its breadth of initiatives, providing an outlet for professional and social experiences that equip students with the essential toolkit to carry beyond their degree
My introduction to MULS came from a small, almost forgettable decision It was the first semester of my first year and I had just seen a social media post about a Competitions Expo being run on campus (how we’ve come from carrier pigeons to fax machines to Instagram). That evening, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop by on my way home after a full day of classes, which I was still getting used to. What I thought would be a five-minute detour instead became an introduction to a group of equally nervous first-years who soon became friendly faces, and a law society that was committed to giving students across their degrees opportunities beyond the lecture theatre.
MULS’ achievements from its inception to the present are not only measurable in trophies, publications, or the number of attendees Instead, it is the countless connections it has facilitated between students and mentors, peers turned colleagues, and between ideas that started as casual classroom conversations that moulded into tangible change. MULS is more than a calendar of events It is a community engine, shaping the narrative of what it means to be a Macquarie University Law Student.
Fifty years forward, whilst I am unsure as to whether we will have flying cars by then, I am certain our norms will be changed by innovation With innovation comes new opportunities, and so I look forward to seeing MULS’ growth in supporting and empowering each new generation of law students to come.
JASON JOHNSON
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Partners
FROM COURTROOMS TO BOARDROOMS
A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE & POSSIBILITY
As Macquarie University Law School celebrates its 50th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact this institution has had on my life and career. It was here, in the lecture halls of Macquarie, that I first discovered the power of critical thinking, the importance of ethical leadership, and the value of curiosity a mindset that has guided me through every chapter of my professional journey
THE FOUNDATION: LAW AND ECONOMICS AT MACQUARIE
I was fortunate to undertake a double degree in Economics and Law at Macquarie. This combination gave me a unique lens through which to view the world - one that balanced analytical
rigour with a deep understanding of human systems It also instilled in me a belief that law is not just a set of rules, but a framework for shaping society and enabling progress
During my time at Macquarie, I thrived in its vibrant culture, including serving as President of the Macquarie University Law Society This role opened extraordinary doors and taught me some important life lessons One memorable episode was leading a coalition of universities in opposition to controversial changes in the admission process proposed by The College of Law for graduating lawyers. Together with the Law Societies of several other universities, we organised a protest march down Phillip Street to the College of Law. Our collective voice was heard, and the College of Law ultimately agreed to defer the commencement of their changes.
profound importance of leadership and the power of voicing alternative views It was a testament to the strength of unity and impact we can achieve when we stand together for what we believe in
THE LEGAL CHAPTER: ALLENS AND THE ART OF DISCIPLINE
Upon graduation, I was privileged to join Allens, one of Australia’s leading law firms, first as a summer clerk and later as a graduate The five years I spent there were formative I learned the discipline of precision, importance of preparation, and the value of working alongside brilliant minds
THE PIVOT: FROM LAW TO LEADERSHIP
At 28, I made what I now consider the most mature and impactful decision of my life: I stepped away from a promising legal career to enter the executive search industry. It was a leap into the unknown, but one grounded in a desire to work more closely with people, and to help shape leadership across the region That decision changed the trajectory of my life I found my purpose in helping others find theirs
BUILDING JOHNSON PARTNERS: A VISION REALISED
In 2005, after five years as a Partner in a global executive search firm, I founded Johnson Partners with a simple but ambitious goal: to elevate leadership across the region Today, we are proud to have 15 Partners, 8 Directors, and 34 staff across six locations We’ve appointed over 2,500 of the region’s most senior leaders each one a story of potential realised
What drives me is the opportunity to build cohesive, diverse, and inclusive leadership teams that outperform. Whether it’s an ASX 10 company or a for-purpose organisation, the difference between a good and a great CEO and Leadership Team is remarkable. When it all comes together, it’s incredibly exciting.
LESSONS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
To current students and recent graduates of Macquarie Law School, I offer this: your degree is not a destination, but a launchpad. Be open to reinvention. Follow your curiosity. And don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled.
The legal profession is a powerful foundation, but your impact can extend far beyond law firms and courtrooms.
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received and now share often is to be brave and courageous. Follow your heart, not just your head. If you pursue something that aligns with your life purpose, doors will open in ways you couldn’t imagine.
A FINAL WORD
Macquarie gave me the tools to think, to question, and to lead For that, I am deeply grateful As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, I encourage every student to dream boldly, act with integrity, and pursue a path that aligns with their values The world needs more leaders who are not only smart but wise And I believe many of them will come from Macquarie
B R I D G I N G T H E G A P
My journey at Macquarie University (MQU) started some 30 years ago In 1995, I was a young and enthusiastic student, eager to embrace all that university life had to offer In my first year of studies, I joined MULS and had the privilege of meeting many talented and inspiring students from diverse backgrounds In particular, I had the pleasure of working alongside several future MULS Presidents, including James Lawrence (now a Partner at Addisons) and Henry El Hage SC (now Barrister at 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers)
To me, MULS was, and still is, the most important student-run organisation for law students The dynamic benefits of being a member of MULS extend well beyond its many memorable events - such as Trivia Night and First Year Law Camp - and its wide range of competitions, including the Contract Law Moot. MULS offers its members a unique opportunity not only to connect, socialise, debate, and share ideas about the law, and much more, but also to bridge the gap between student life and the legal profession One initiative that MULS has taken, which is most worthy of mentioning, is its focus on career engagement and publications for its members I actively support and encourage this by offering MLS students the opportunity to participate in annual ‘Field Trips’ to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, as well as through publications in two flagship LexisNexis journals, for which I serve as General Editor. Through MULS, students have the opportunity to attend public speaking events, law firm open days, firm presentations and legal conferences, both local and abroad, and so much more
I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at MQU, and as a member of MULS, a time which was well before the emergence of the many modern buildings and surroundings that have since transformed the campus. I completed 50 subjects while working part-time or full-time to support my studies, and graduated with three undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honours), and a Bachelor of Commerce
During my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate to receive support from several outstanding academics at MLS, including Associate Professor Margaret Kelly and former MLS Deans, Professor Rosalind Croucher and Professor Peter Radan. I am grateful for the support, guidance, and encouragement of these academics as well as many others who, in various ways, played a part in encouraging me to apply for the Master of Laws program at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom
After completing my postgraduate studies overseas in mid-2003, I was honoured to be invited by a much esteemed and beloved academic, Penelope Watson to assist in teaching Torts at MLS. I am forever indebted to Penelope - not only for her invaluable guidance on teaching, but also for being the first academic to offer me the opportunity to teach at university I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing in 2016, following her courageous battle with cancer She was a remarkable colleague whose impact I will never forget
I have always had a passion for teaching at MLS. In my view, a good university lecturer is one that excels in both subject knowledge and the ability to effectively communicate and engage students It is acknowledged that Australian Competition Law (ACompL) and Australian Consumer Law (ACL), the primary subjects that I teach at MLS, are among the more complex areas of law, and lie at the very ‘heart’ of commercial law
In the classroom, my lectures and tutorials are structured in a manner that encourages critical thinking and engagement. One of my teaching objectives is to simplify complex key concepts and legal principles in a concise manner and ensure that students have at the very least a basic understanding of what we are learning in class. Another objective is to teach students how to develop their thinking about the law and how to apply it in a practical manner. In my view, connecting my textbooks in ACompL and ACL and other course material to practical examples, case studies, and current events helps students understand and appreciate the relevance of their studies.
I feel fortunate to have been teaching at MLS and other universities continuously for over 20 years. During this time, I have taught well over 15,000 students, many of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the legal profession There is little doubt that part of that success is due to the professionalism of the teachers at MLS
The current Dean of MLS, Lise Barry, along with the entire academic and professional staff, is committed to delivering first-class legal education to all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate I am proud to work alongside such a professional and experienced team, and I look forward to all that the future holds for both MLS and MULS
Adrian Coorey is a Senior Academic & Principal Lawyer in the Competition and Consumer Law Unit, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
“A LIFELONG LOVE OF, AND CAREER IN, THE LAW WHICH NEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DOORS THAT THE MULS COMMUNITY OPENED FOR ME AND SO MANY OTHERS BEFORE AND AFTER ME.”
LEGACY
I remember my first lecture in constitutional law, taught by Dr Marag moment I came to see the ways in which the law interacted with and c political power. Margaret had me spell-bound: I took every course I first lecture It was Margaret who introduced me to the problem especially the prerogative, which became a life-long interest, and led my own doctorate some years later MULS made her a life-member, a to commemorate that occasion.
In 2007, I was elected President of MULS That year, the committee effort into rebranding MULS (with a new logo and website), increasi and organising new and different events This was very time-consum that, within a couple of years, the University decided to provide a branding system for student societies and most of our rebranding eff on the committee with many excellent people including Steve Mor Wotton Kearney specialising in complex technology disputes; and partner of Gadens who specialises in financial services disputes Both friends.
In writing this contribution, I have realised that the most enduring im framework for relationships and especially friendships within the Ma Looking back, I can now attribute a significant part of my enjoymen school to MULS. So it is with nostalgic gratitude that I wish MULS a ver
OUR JOURNALS JOURNEY
ILIJAVICKOVICH
HONORARYLECTURER, MACQUARIE LAWSCHOOL
There were nine editions between 2001 and 2009 Scholarly articles were published around the themes of Law and Genetics; Self-Determination, Secession and the Creation of States; The Rule of Law and the Separation of Powers; Law and Exclusion; Law, Religion and Medical Science; Globalisation and the Quest for Social and Environmental Justice; Regulation Reconceived; and Law, Religion and Social Inclusion
However, lack of resources, the pressure of time and the priority given to research and teaching made working on a journal increasingly demanding for senior academics. Voluntary involvement made recruiting Student Editors increasingly difficult, with the final four editions student-free. The journal eventually ground to a halt in 2009
In 2012, the Dean of MLS, Professor Natalie Klein, sought to revive the journal Understandably, senior academics were wary of the enormous amount of time that was required for such a venture. I was a relatively new member of staff at the time. I had had long stints in legal practice and legal publishing before deciding to venture into legal academia. Familiar with the publishing cycle, I had been an experienced editor with various legal and business products in private industry It occurred to me that the journal could be revived if it could recruit students who would be rewarded with credit points towards their degrees Also, in order to make the project costeffective, the publication had to make use of the digital revolution and give up its hard-copy format. I volunteered and was appointed by the Dean in 2012.
Our first attempt in 2012 was a dry run with a terrific volunteer group of Student Editors Some hurried meetings were held to familiarise the volunteers with the tasks that had to be conducted This allowed time to design a teaching unit that would attract and reward students for their efforts. I felt strongly that working on a law journal offered major pedagogical benefits for students. We bonded the learning and teaching framework with the journal in Session 2, 2013.
HISTORY OF LAW JOURNALS
Why have law journals played such an important role in schools of law? The history is very chequered, with different experiences around the globe. Law journals in Australia and the United Kingdom have attracted little attention and have tended to escape the prolonged controversies surrounding their publication in the United States, where they have been the subject of highly polemical and often vociferous battles about their worth and proper role
As early as 1936, Professor Fred Rodell of Yale University famously declared he no longer wished to contribute to law reviews, which had become ‘quantitatively mushroom-like’ and ‘qualitatively moribund’ Venting his frustration with the state of American law journals in particular, he forged an unforgettable place in law journal folklore with the following censure:
There are two things wrong with almost all legal writing One is its style The other is its content That, I think, about covers the ground … [I]t is in the law reviews that a pennyworth of content is most frequently concealed beneath a pound of so-called style. The average law review writer is peculiarly able to say nothing with an air of great importance When I used to read law reviews, I used constantly to be reminded of an elephant trying to swat a fly
American law journals, characterised by commentary and opinion about judicial decisions, emerged in the mid-nineteenth century. According to Professor Richard Posner:
The primary aim of the law review was to serve judges and practising lawyers, rather than the professors, by offering careful doctrinal analysis, noting, for example, divergent lines of authority and trying to reconcile them
From the 1930s New Deal period onward, however, they increasingly incorporated critical perspectives on the law and law reform. By the end of the Second World War, the training of US lawyers was almost totally in the hands of a new wave of university law schools, with many of their law reviews increasingly becoming vehicles for law reform
The other important aspect of the American discourse has been the various views about their educative function. The pedagogical benefits of law journals have been noted by many observers and commentators, including Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States (1953-69), who expressed the view that legal education is probably their primary end
However, the single most prevalent and vexed issue in the US commentary on law journals, unresolved over the preceding century, has been the virtually exclusive and unsupervised editorship of students and the lack of academic peer review. The criticism, a constant over many decades, has come mostly from academics.
James Lindgren of Chicago-Kent College of Law went so far as to promulgate in 1994 an ‘author’s manifesto’ because ‘our scholarly journals are in the hands of incompetents’ who:
‘often select articles without knowing the subject, without knowing the scholarly literature, without understanding what the manuscript says, without consulting expert referees, and without doing blind reads Then they try to rewrite every sentence ’
So the major criticism was that university law journals were run by unsupervised students and without a double-blind peer review system. This seriously compromised the quality of the journals and the transparency of the article selection process
The body of literature concerning law journals in the United Kingdom and Australia has been far less prolific and heated although, again, relatively little attention has been paid to the benefits for students. The primary focus of the discourse has been the purpose of the journals and the role of academics in legal education.
In Australia, the literature about Australian law journals has been limited, probably because it has avoided the American anxiety and controversy In a well-noted 2002 exchange about law journals between Hon Michael Kirby and academic John Gava, neither author cites a single article or book devoted to Australian law journals, which is in stark contrast to studies and commentaries on US reviews
Kirby acknowledges Rodell’s 1936 frustration with law reviews and presents his own list of their ‘ten deadly sins’ The substance of these deadly sins may be summarised as follows There are too many journals that offer nothing new and simply provide an outlet for the ‘academic industry’. The articles are generally not well written, are poorly cited and read, and do not engage enough in the kind of criticism that lawmakers need The editorial standards are low, the costs are high and the journals’ sustainability in the electronic age is questionable The real advantage of the journals, in his view, is that they contribute to the development of the law and to law reform
His view was that journals were useful in providing the judiciary with information about ‘the history of the relevant branch of the law, the conceptual weakness of past authority, and the social and economic context in which the law must operate.’ They helped judges and legislators achieve law reform.
The essence of John Gava’s response was that Kirby was promoting ‘an instrumental view of the judicial role which is at odds with the traditions of the common law ’ Contending that judges should act as ‘guardians of liberty with a healthy suspicion of government’, Gava argued that the legal research culture, and law journals used in this way, ‘harm our law schools’ because they are diverting academics from an objective ‘search for truth’ and turning them into advocates.
If the limited Kirby-Gava exchange epitomises the attention that law journals have attracted as a genre of Australian legal literature, it may be argued they have been seen principally as a battleground of divergent views about the judiciary and the contributions academics and law schools may make to those views. There may indeed be no better reason to disagree about the role of law journals, but their contribution to student education has so far hardly been one of them
LAW JOURNALS AS LEGAL EDUCATION
In view of the historical discourse about law journals, mostly between judges and academics, the impetus for creating a unit of study was what working on law journals could offer to students, with particular focus on attaining threshold learning outcomes (TLOs) for law, transitioning to work and designing the curriculum This was predicated on the availability of a formal elective unit of study in which students could engage in advanced legal writing, critical review, legal editing and the production of a general or themed edition of a law journal.
It is well established that the study of law entails not only what law graduates need to know but also what they need to be able to do On the basis that doing is just as important as knowing for effective transition to work in law, Australian educators Christensen and Kift have argued that
procedural knowledge is just as important as conceptual knowledge and that a curriculum which successfully integrates and fosters the development of a combination of personal qualities and meta-cognitive functions (particularly self-reflection) will produce a highly desirable graduate
A law degree in Australia must meet six threshold learning outcomes (TLOs) that represent what law graduates should know, understand and be able to do. The TLOs relate to knowledge; ethics and professional responsibility; thinking skills; research skills; communication and collaboration; and self-management In short, students who work on the production of a law journal under academic supervision meet all six TLOs The Law Journals unit could be linked to all the TLOs TLO 1 (Knowledge) focuses on legal knowledge and the context in which that knowledge is found Most of this knowledge, of course, covers ‘fundamental areas’ acquired through core units. Exposure to law journal work puts students in the position of acquiring advanced contextual knowledge of an interdisciplinary nature by reading, discussing, critiquing and editing submissions from academics on a wide variety of topics and issues
TLO 2 (Ethics and professional responsibility) develops ethical and professional dimensions In the course of working on the production of a law journal edition, student editors are frequently confronted with the necessity to exercise professional judgement and make ethical decisions.
These include checking the integrity of academic submissions, selecting appropriate and unbiased peer reviewers, de-identifying submissions for peer review, deciding upon the criteria for selecting submissions for publication, and other tasks.
TLO 3 (Thinking skills) is concerned with graduates’ capacity to reason, analyse, research and be creative with legal concepts and issues Student editors are typically required to familiarise themselves with submitted articles in order to identify the stated aims of the piece and its theoretical underpinnings, analyse the central arguments and methodologies; assess the provided evidence; appraise the author’s standard of communication and fluency; place the article in the context of the wider literature of the topic; and undertake other analytical and critical functions if they are to produce a critical review of the piece
TLO 4 (Research skills) Law graduates are meant to acquire certain skills directed to information literacy in order to select and use ‘appropriate’ information sources and ‘determine their authority’. Its focus appears to be on equipping students with the capacity to locate information in a technologically changing environment and to discriminate between reliable and unreliable sources Law graduates are meant to acquire certain skills directed to information literacy in order to select and use ‘appropriate’ information sources and ‘determine their authority’
TLO 5 (Communication and collaboration) focuses on oral and written communication skills and teamwork Law journals work promotes high level communication and collaboration in several ways In the technical editing stages, the students are primarily proofreading submitted articles and checking carefully for errors, discrepancies, inconsistencies and ambiguities in style, grammar and syntax Fidelity to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation is paramount, and the style guide should be studied in detail. This frequently requires discernment and high-level literacy skills, discussion in the editorial team and communication with the author.
TLO 6 (Self-management) fosters personal growth, fulfilment and reflection that prepares law graduates for a life of learning Law schools are constantly challenged to provide opportunities for students to depend less on teachers, develop self-reliance and ‘manage their study and time autonomously and effectively.’ Although law journal editors work closely with a production team, they will invariably need to create their own time and agenda to complete their editing tasks This foster both ‘emotional intelligence’ and ‘self-reflection’, two attributes that employers value
All of this points to a further important pedagogical benefit of law journals – this kind of work facilitates the transition to professional legal work. It provides opportunities to experience law in the classroom and to integrate undergraduate studies in a crowning experience. In other words, it enables experiential learning and, typically, in a final year capstone unit Such units tend to provide for reflection, closure and transition to work
The challenge for the MLS in 2013 was to create a Law Journals unit of study with credit towards a Law degree. For a unit of study encompassing law journals work, it was seen as essential to aim for appropriate learning outcomes and assessment tasks that would constructively align with those outcomes
Learning outcomes for a Law Journals unit was seen as focusing on the skills that final year students may amplify on the foundation of already internalised content. Various iterations of Bloom’s taxonomy identify these as higher order skills that allow students to analyse, synthesise,
evaluate and create In the model chosen for the unit, students ideally arrived at ‘understanding’ through a variety of tasks aimed at honing their writing, researching, critical analysis and editing skills in the context of real communications with external stakeholders.
The TLOs for the unit of study were decided upon as follows: to recognise and identify the fundamentals of legal academic publishing; to appreciate and describe the production and peer review processes of an academic law journal; to demonstrate a capacity to proofread and edit legal academic works for publication; to critique legal academic articles and other works; To produce written academic work to a publishable standard; and to demonstrate a capacity to collaborate effectively and develop interpersonal and communication skills as part of an editorial team
In summary, the learning outcomes congregated around two strategic goals: firstly, the acquisition and refinement of high order skills, transferable to the legal workplace, that focus on legal writing, editing, research and analysis; and secondly, student participation in the production cycle of a law publication, inclusive of external stakeholder relationships, that replicated the workplace experience
Since law journals work is usually housed within a final year elective unit for high achieving students, the balance between formative and summative assessment was seen as different to that of core law units earlier in the law degree Various combinations around the two strategic aims, customised to law school needs and resources, were considered The chosen model was predicated on a course outline and structure that required students to participate in group discussions or ‘classes’ on legal writing, editing, referencing and the publishing process earlier in the semester, with a focus on the production of the journal edition later in the semester.
The model required the students to produce two written works of equal weighting, one requiring independent research and the other linked to the journal edition in production The former was a case note, to a publishable standard, on an important and current superior court decision The latter was a critical review of the submitted article for publication the student was editing.
The remaining assessment was linked to the second strategic outcome, the students’ participation in the journal production process It included a class participation mark to cover readings, discussions and editing exercises in class The largest component was reserved for the handling of the editor’s role in the production cycle This included communications with authors and reviewers, presentation of reports on the submissions to the editorial meetings, the technical editing of the articles, the meeting of journal deadlines, the management of documents and time etc All of this took place under my supervision as unit convenor and editor-in-chief of the journal edition
Classes were held on Introduction to Law Journals; Macquarie Law Journal Process and Precedents; Legal Writing and Style Issues; Legal Editing and Reviewing Skills; Legal Referencing and Citation; and an Editing Workshop
In most semesters, the editorial team also undertook a field trip to the Chatswood headquarters of LexisNexis, where professional staff and editors demonstrated editing techniques, showcased major publications, elaborated on commercial publishing cycles and discussed technological advances in the legal publishing industry.
Finally, a major design issue was the coordination of the formal unit of study with the publication of the journal. The publication of a journal edition does not always align neatly with the conclusion of the law school semester. Student editors often worked beyond the close of semester to accommodate publishing demands, author availability and a range of other technical issues, mostly unanticipated
THE FALLOUT
This design could have had alternatives, but the chosen model worked well for the time I was editor Due to resource and funding challenges faced by all universities, the unit of study was decommissioned in 2020 in the context of elimination of all units of study with low student numbers The average number of students in our Law Journals unit was necessarily between six and eight students. More than this proved to be unwieldy and could have resulted in inequitable work distribution if submissions were low. However, the Student Editors went through a selection process and were invariably high-achieving students, who were often completing undergraduate Honours theses at the same time
The fallout from our ’journey’ was ten editions on a variety of themes, often with specialist guest editors. There were several general editions but also special editions on Animals and the Law; Transitional Justice, Reconciliation, State-Building and Democratisation; Synthetic Biology and the Law; Elder Abuse; Civil Justice and Technology
Each student was responsible for giving a class on an aspect of the AGLC and presenting on the submissions allocated to them for editing. What is most noteworthy is that student satisfaction was invariably high and positive, with a lot of interesting classroom banter and discussion. I have fond memories of many brilliant students and many laughs It was without doubt one of the more pleasant experiences for me at MLS
I would encourage the law school to explore the possibility for resurrecting (once again) the Macquarie Law Journal, and all students who are interested in the intersection between law and language in an experiential working environment to agitate for a third iteration of the journal or – if opportunity arises – working in legal publishing as a stimulating career choice
Thank you to all the Student Editors for your wonderful efforts and achievements
This article by Ilija Vickovich has direct paragraphs pulled by a different article that is published by the LER This version of Ilija’s article for the Brief has been approved for publishing by the LER
Student Editors, Volumes 1-5 (2001-2006)
Volume 1, 2001: Catherine Agoustinous, Annesley Athaide, Jenane Azzi, Sue Lyn Chan, Theresa Chan, Henry El Hage, Tim Holmes, James Lawrence, Yasmin Noone, John Reid, Michael Sadaat, Joseph Seisdedos, Irene Sekler, Jo Thanyakittikul, Cinda Virana.
Volume 2, 2002: Cary Di Lernia, Aaron Kloczko, Justyna Krzywicka, Rebecca McMahon, Jong Sok Oh, Rasika Ramburuth, Nicholas Savage, Pru Sawyer, John Truswell, Steven Yates
Volume 3, 2003: Lindsay Buckingham, Sarah Connolly, Andrew Dahdal, Yvette Dulfer-Hyams, Allison Feldman-Squires, Amanda Grant, Verity Greenwood, Sarah Ryan, Charu Shankar, Allison Waring
Volume 4, 2004: Duncan Brakell, Victoria Amelia Dunn, Gisele Kapterian, Danielle McDonald, Rebecca Lucy Pettett, William Potts, Nariman Aspi Sahukar, Brent Salter, Ellen Ruth Tilbury, Annie Tsui.
Volume 5, 2006: Thomas Buterin, Michael Lalji, Keira Wong
Volume 11, 2013: Mishalini Kartages, Isabel Myatt, Mark Woodberry, Wayne Zheng.
Volume 12, 2013: Melissa Barnwell, Andrew Clark, Adrian Low, Patrick Lum, Sean Meehan, Dilara Reznikas, Timothy Patrick, Dominic Tran
Volume 13, 2014: Alice Biscu, Rose Dlougatch, Andrew Gill, Danielle Kroon, Elysse Lloyd, Richard Smith, Kathleen Tennikoff, Sarah Wilson.
Volume 14, 2014: Claudia Elvy, Emma Gorrie, Dominique Lardner, Merryn Lynch, Jack Oakley, Arda Reznikas, Samuel Voller
Volume 15, 2015: Nicola Amys, Luke Dominish, Anna Glen, Benjamin Roe, Rebekah Stevens, Valiant Warzecha.
Volume 16, 2016: Tarun Bhushan, Emma Grimley, Connor Hogg, Karina Marlow, Sevanne McGarrity, Tanya Thomas, Max Turner, Laura Webster
Volume 17, 2017: Rhiannon Bell, Michaela Garcia, Sassica Hoolahan, Kimberley Grellinger, Jack Skilbeck, Aaron Wong
EMERITUS PROFESSOR TONY BLACKSHIELD AO FASSA (1937-2025)
IN MEMORIAM
BY PROFESSOR LISE BARRY
It is with profound sadness that Macquarie Law School announces the passing of Emeritus Professor Anthony Roland (Tony) Blackshield AO FASSA on Friday, 12 September 2025. Tony was not only one of Australia's most distinguished constitutional law scholars whose research profoundly shaped the understanding and development of Australian constitutional law, but also a cherished member of our academic community whose influence on legal education spans more than five decades
A DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC CAREER
Professor Blackshield's academic journey was one of remarkable breadth and excellence Beginning his teaching and research career in the 1960s at the University of Sydney's Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Tony was profoundly influenced by Professors Julius Stone and Upendra Baxi, whose scholarship shaped his conviction that law was not merely a technical exercise but a practice deeply intertwined with moral judgment and social responsibility He went on to become a founding member of the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales in 1971 After serving as Professor of Legal Studies at La Trobe University from 1979 to 1988, he joined Macquarie University as Professor of Law in 1988, a position he held with distinction until 1999 Throughout his tenure, his leadership and commitment were instrumental in helping navigate change and build teaching and research excellence in the Law School, ensuring
Tony's scholarship was characterised by intellectual rigour, clarity of thought, and an unwavering commitment to understanding the complexities of Australian constitutional law His magnum opus, Blackshield & Williams, Australian Constitutional Law & Theory, co-authored with Professor George Williams, became the definitive textbook in its field, shaping the education of generations of law students and practitioners First published in 1996, the book forged Tony’s reputation as an intellectual giant, with its influence enduring through successive editions, now in its eighth
SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS AND RECOGNITION
In 2001, Tony joined with Professors Michael Coper and George Williams in editing The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia, cementing his reputation as a leading authority on Australia's highest court His scholarly output extended beyond textbooks to encompass numerous articles and commentaries on constitutional issues, including analyses of federalism, judicial power, and comparative constitutional law
Tony's academic excellence was recognised through numerous honours, including Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, Honorary Professorship at the Indian Law Institute in New Delhi, and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia.
THE BLACKSHIELD LEGACY
The annual Tony Blackshield Lecture series, established in his honour, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on legal scholarship and public discourse. As one colleague observed, Tony was "a constitutional law scholar of the highest order and one of the most influential figures in Australian legal education over the last 50 years".
A MASTER TEACHER
Those who experienced Tony's teaching remember him "striding up and down the lecture theatre, being both entertaining and provocative for the benefit of his students, displaying his superb knowledge of constitutional law and the common law He is a lecturer without peer in his ability to engage and challenge students" His classroom was a place of intellectual discovery, where students were not merely taught the law as it exists, but encouraged to think critically about its development and application
In both teaching and research, Tony brought together a brilliant mind and a profound humility He inspired others, yet was equally inspired himself, committed always to lifelong learning He welcomed debate and new ideas with a generosity of spirit that enriched his scholarship and deepened the intellectual rigour of his work For many, this openness and willingness to learn alongside his students and colleagues was as powerful a legacy as his formal writings: a reminder that great scholarship is built not only on intellect, but on curiosity, humanity, and the courage to be transformed by ideas Among his early students at the University of Sydney were future luminaries of the legal academia and profession, including the late Professor Michael Coper and former High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson, and Justices Jane Mathews, Brian Tamberlin, and Michael Kirby, among others As Justice Kirby later reflected, Tony's early teaching classes included "two future Justices of the High Court of Australia, judges of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and of the Federal Court and other Federal and State courts, two future professors of law, leading businessmen, politicians and legal practitioners".
Beyond the academy, Tony was a respected public commentator on constitutional matters, notably during significant national events including the dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975 and the Murphy Affair of 1984-1986 His contributions to public discourse reflected his belief that constitutional law was not an abstract academic exercise but a living framework that shapes the daily lives of all Australians and that it should serve to advance social justice and human rights
A LASTING IMPACT
Tony Blackshield's influence on Australian legal education and constitutional scholarship cannot be overstated Through his teaching, research, and writing, he helped shape the minds of countless lawyers, judges, and legal scholars who continue to carry forward his commitment to excellence, intellectual curiosity, and the highest standards of legal analysis
His warmth, generosity of spirit, and dedication to his students and colleagues made him not only a respected scholar but a beloved member of our academic community Throughout his distinguished career, Tony generously nurtured the development of students and colleagues alike His legacy endures in the scholarship he produced, the students he inspired, and the colleagues whose careers he shaped and enriched through his guidance and encouragement
Perhaps most memorably, Tony possessed a unique talent that distinguished him from his academic peers: his ability to transform the gravitas of High Court cases into engaging operettas. This remarkable gift demonstrated not only his deep understanding of legal principles but also his belief that law should be accessible, engaging, and even entertaining. Through these creative works, Tony showed that constitutional law could be both intellectually rigorous and genuinely enjoyable.
On behalf of Macquarie Law School and the broader legal community, we extend our deepest condolences to Tony's wife Rosemary, his family and friends. We have lost not only a giant of Australian constitutional law but a true gentleman of the academy whose contributions to legal education will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
MULS was never just an auxiliary student society for me it was a raison d’être.
To my everlasting shame, I was originally one of many Higher School Certificate recipients disappointed not to have achieved a UAI / ATAR of sufficient numerical value to permit me to study at the hallowed sandstone halls of Hogwarts School of Legalcraft and Equity (AKA The University of Sydney)
How misplaced my disappointment was
From the moment I stepped onto the bus headed to First Year Law Camp; to the numerous nights spent advancing ‘ambitious’ submissions before distinguished academic and MULS stalwart Dr Margaret Kelly in preparation for the Jessup International Law Moot; to the moment I stepped off the dais at my graduation ceremony having plagiarised the late Robin Williams in issuing an imprimatur to my fellow graduands to seize the day, MULS was there every step of the way ensuring that I made the most of every second of my time at university.
MULS CAME
This publication is no doubt already replete with the hallowed tales of ‘The Originals’ Macquarie Law School’s first graduating class of 1980 The late great Stuart Clark was one of them (and a founder of MULS to boot) The fact that Stuart’s was a household name even throughout my time at Macquarie (2010–2014) is testament to the formative impact of that cohort upon the experience of every Macquarie Law School student since. Stuart would often take time out of his busy day to give presentations to students and attend MULS-organised career seminars. He spoke with such fervent passion of his time at Macquarie, how it produced the best prospective legal practitioners, and how important it was to throw oneself into all aspects of student life Put simply, his speeches alone made me embarrassed to think that I could ever have preferenced Macquarie anywhere other than first on my UAC list Putting his parables into practice during my time at Macquarie only further served to redden my face
I was privileged to both study and graduate with Stuart’s son, Andrew Clark suffice it to say that the desire to advance the best interests of one’s fellow aspiring lawyers was an apple that did not fall far from the tree. Every reader of this publication should take extreme solace in the fact that the combination of Macquarie Law School and MULS (stewarded by passionate individuals like Stuart and Andrew) produces the best lawyers so long as you entrust them to do so
MULS SAW
MULS has weathered many storms since its inception, including several governance reforms (some University-mandated). I was part of one of them one which arose out of a backdrop of malfeasance by former members of the MULS Executive. It is important to take stock that, with so many Icarus-like qualities, MULS is so much more than the sum of its individual parts. There will always be people to ensure that MULS does not fly so close to the sun so as to lose sight of its true purpose the betterment of its constituents as a whole.
In that vein, the establishment of the Macquarie University Social Justice Clinic by Macquarie Law School is to be wholeheartedly commended Deserved reward for the faith and confidence maintained in MULS and its members noting MULS has independently maintained its own Social Justice portfolio for many years the Clinic provides Macquarie Law students with meaningful opportunities to experience (with appropriate practitioner supervision in place) the day-to-day practice of the profession in areas of legal practice much in need of support and resources These are the types of vocational experiences about which most law students can only dream
MULS CONQUERED (AND WILL CONTINUE TO CONQUER !)
I have never been more fortunate (and prouder to be a Macquarie Law alumnus) than to have been invited back on a few occasions to observe Macquarie Law’s best and brightest in action as a guest judge of various of MULS’ many student-run competitions With no disrespect whatsoever intended to the hallowed arena of the Banco Court of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and with all due bias disclosed upfront, my favourite forum to observe these future doyens of the profession has been the Moot Court at The Michael Kirby Building home of Macquarie Law School since March 2024.
Having ‘grown up’ amidst the washed concrete visage of Macquarie Law School’s original home (Building W3A), it has truly been a source of great personal satisfaction to witness the construction of a home deserving of Macquarie Law students’ attitude and aptitude. With such a brilliant home to foster knowledge and passion for the law, Macquarie’s recent unheralded successes in toppling year after year ‘GO8’ universities at the highly prestigious Jessup International Law Moot comes as no surprise to me.
As a solicitor of nearly ten years’ experience, it has likewise come as no surprise to me that I have seen more Macquarie alumni hired by the firms at which I have worked than any other Australian university As an aspiring barrister, it further comes as no surprise to me that the majority of readers over the last five years on my future floor have been sourced from Macquarie
As I’m sure Stuart Clark would have agreed, it is MULS that makes all the difference
Lord Byron once wrote that the “days of our youth are the days of our glory” My uncle introduced me to this infamous quote of Lord Byron’s on my 18th birthday and told me that one day it would come to describe my days at university I didn’t know then that this university would be Macquarie In fact, at that time I was adamant that I would be moving to Bathurst to study journalism at Charles Sturt University. As fate would have it, six months later, when it came time to confirm my university preferences, I chose Macquarie University, and a combined degree in Law and Arts, majoring in Media, on a whim
10 years since I graduated, my time at Macquarie University, and as a member of MULS in particular, were indeed “the days of my glory” as Lord Byron and Uncle Rob had envisaged
When I started at Macquarie I immediately threw myself into campus life: afternoons spent drinking jugs of beer at Ubar, studying by the lake and attending conception day But when I speak of these “glory” days, I refer not to accolades or triumphs, but rather, of the life changing friends and colleagues I met through MULS, who have shaped me into the woman and barrister I am today. What stands out when I reflect on these years, beyond the togas, the moots, the law cruises and the law balls, is the profound sense of community one experiences from studying at Macquarie and being part of MULS
It is this sense of community that stays with you long after your days strolling along Wally's Walk I was lucky enough to experience the formidable bonds of community that studying at Macquarie offers in a variety of forums: from my time as an executive on MULS, competing in numerous internal and external moots, including competing at the Australian Law Students Association conferences and the national round of Jessup, starring in law revue and playing intervarsity sports
My journey to where I am today, as a Barrister at Seven Wentworth, wasn’t your typical story of someone who came from a family in law, or someone who worked their way up the corporate ladder after a clerkship at a top tier law firm Rather, I got to where I am today from the community I was part of at Macquarie
In my penultimate year when I missed out on a clerkship, I was sure that I would never be destined for a career in law and told myself so many times that I should just give up My friends, who were an eclectic mix from MULS, mooting and law revue, wouldn’t let me give up and encouraged me to see my degree through So persevere I did, and after some encouragement, I enrolled in my thesis with Margaret Kelly as my supervisor
Deciding to write a thesis, which was based on a topic I had done a moot on, pushed me to new limits and truly crystallised my love of the law. Writing my thesis was not all smooth sailing: I was once again plagued by self-doubt and crises of confidence
Throughout all of that, Margaret helped me to realise my true potential, with quips like “always do your best, as I know you will, but have confidence and believe in yourself”; “stop worrying about yourself, and start looking at the problem and what its answers may be” Margaret was so much more than a teacher: she was a true mentor These quips are only a very small insight into the wise, insightful, inspiring, caring and supportive teacher, mentor, and friend Margaret was to her students throughout her 18 years teaching at Macquarie
From writing my thesis with Margaret, I went on to do Jessup with her as my team’s coach Through Margaret’s wisdom, guidance and leadership, my team progressed to the semi-finals ofJessup, which was a first forMacquarie at that time
Despite my periods of self-doubt, one thing stood out for me: my love of advocacy and dream to one day become a barrister A love and a dream which was continuously nurtured and fostered from the profound passion for the law that the professors in the legal faculty all imbued their students with and the many experiences Iwas fortunate enough to experience through MULS
When I started my first full-time legal job at Ashurst I was surrounded by other Macquarie alumni, many of whom I had met either from my mooting career, or as ex-proteges of Margaret’s Now that I am at Seven Wentworth Chambers, I am once again surrounded bymanyMacquarie alumni from those same circles
Some of the most formidable and influential moments in my life can be tied back to my experiences at Macquarie University. What initiallystarted as a ‘whim’ quicklyturned into a lifelong love of, and careerin, the law, which was formed by diving head first into life at MULS, and from the friends and professors who never let me give up and who constantly inspired me to push the bounds of my learning, my confidence and my belief in myself. A lifelong love of, and career in, the law which never would have been possible without the doors that the MULS communityopened forme and so manyothers before and afterme.
A PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
RACHEL DUONG
2025 MULS PRESIDENT
We stand on the shoulders of giants. MULS past and present has worked tirelessly to become the organisation and community that we know today. Over the past year as the President of MULS, I have been privileged to meet, work with and grow the many stakeholders that we serve. Through this, I have gained a deep appreciation for every single President who led this organisation before me as it is on their foundation that MULS continues to deliver and expand its events, initiatives and community for more students each year
For this very special edition of The Brief and in dedication to the 50 anniversary of MULS, this article celebrates the achievements of the 2025 MULS team A team that I am so grateful to have worked with Their dedication, creativity and commitment delivered a year that honoured the grandeur of history and tradition while building upon the strong foundation of MULS th
MULS AND MACQUARIE LAW SCHOOL
“IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.”
A defining highlight of the year has been working so closely with the Macquarie Law School. Through this collaboration, we have been able to extend our reach and provide greater opportunities for more students The year commenced with our presentation at the Law School Welcome, followed by our First Year Afternoon Tea, where we welcomed many of our newest members Since then, our first-year cohort has become an integral part of the MULS community, enriching our society with their enthusiasm, energy and vibrance
Offering professional development opportunities has been the core of MULS. We strengthened this commitment by working with Macquarie Law School to establish a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure stronger, more consistent and expanded competition opportunities for students in the years to come. In a time where the rapid rise of AI is reshaping the legal profession, the importance of strong interpersonal and professional skills has become more important than ever for graduates. We wanted to play our part by creating more opportunities for students to develop these skills during university in a supportive and fail-free environment. Together with the Law School, we also produced a series of podcasts and videos on study strategies, the responsible use of AI in studies and career pathways in research and academia.
OUR
DEDICATION TO INNOVATION
Innovation has been the driving force behind MULS in 2025 This year, we were proud to receive the Australian Law Students’ Association Innovation Award, a testament to the team’s creativity and commitment to the success of MULS This award is dedicated to our Executive Council, who have brought new event ideas to life, which have truly expanded and grown MULS this year A special mention goes to our first Health Pop-Up, Run with MULS and our new program introducing young women of refugee backgrounds to the study of law in Australia
We also expanded our professional development opportunities and resources We delivered new events and initiatives including a Public Interest Careers Night, Public Interest Careers Guide, Bill Drafting Simulation in the NSW Parliament, JD Clerkship Panel, Mock Clerkship Interview podcast, Leaders in the Law Panel, LinkedIn Headshot and Professional Branding session and junior careers events.
“INNOVATION DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN A LEADER AND A FOLLOWER.”
Innovation was also at the heart of growing our community In each semester, we hosted events focused on engaging high school students Our Doing Good with the Law panel and workshop welcomed Year 12 legal studies students, inspiring them to engage with principles of justice and the possibilities of law reform At Macquarie University’s Open Day, we held a series of competition demonstrations and a Law Student Panel to give future students a glimpse into MULS and the excellent legal education at Macquarie Law School
OUR 50 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS TH
Leading MULS in its 50 year has been an honour, and we have kept the anniversary at the forefront of our service this year We designed our 50 anniversary MULS crest, which is on the back of this edition of The Brief Our crest was also released as part of our 50 anniversary merchandise We launched the inaugural MULS Intervarsity ADR Championship, scaling our unique competition to an intervarsity level, where we welcomed interstate teams to the beautiful and newly built, Michael Kirby Building at Macquarie Law School.
“APPRECIATION IS A WONDERFUL THING. IT MAKES WHAT IS EXCELLENT IN OTHERS BELONG TO US AS WELL.”
Our greatest celebration was the inaugural MULS Celebratory Gala This event brought together the entire Macquarie Law community from students, Macquarie Law School faculty and legal practitioners who contributed to MULS this year We celebrated the people that have made MULS possible and enjoyed the richness of the Macquarie Law community built over the last 50 years The gala featured the presentation of trophies to our 2025 competition winners, recognition of Law School faculty and community members who have supported and shaped our organisation this year and celebration of the Class of 2025 as they prepared for the next chapter of their careers We also created this very special The Brief Retro: 50 Anniversary Edition filled with articles written by many alumni, showing us what is possible with our Macquarie Law School education th
Every interaction, conversation and opportunity has left a lasting impact, and I sincerely thank all who have shaped MULS into the organisation and community that it is today. I am deeply grateful for the professional development this society has provided me throughout my law degree and serving as President in its 50 year has been one of the greatest privileges in my law school journey th
A MULS TIMECAPSULE
SOPHIE NIXEY
DIAKO NABAVI
ANKHITA SEKHAR
RACHEL JUSTIC
KAYLEN LA BROOY
SASCHA TAURINS
MILLY MENON
ANYA MACLURE
ional role in the governance and ve student organisations Since its m a small student-run group into a t student members in 2025. The purpose of the society is to support law students academically, professionally, and socially. The Administration Portfolio emerged as a natural requirement for a President, Secretary and Treasurer to administer the governance, legal compliance, and financial accountability of MULS. Over the decades, it has become the backbone of MULS’s internal operations, ensuring that the society functions transparently and in accordance with its constitutional and legal obligations.
Another major achievement of the Administration Portfolio has been securing MULS’s charitable status in 2012. The status has been maintained with MULS operating as an unincorporated association. This designation affirms MULS’s commitment to educational and welfare-focused objectives. The portfolio has taken the lead in ensuring compliance with ACNC requirements, including the submission of annual information statements and financial disclosures These efforts have enhanced the society’s credibility among external stakeholders, including sponsors and donors, and have reinforced its legitimacy through consultation with legal and financial advisors
Equally important has been the Administration Portfolio’s role in strengthening MULS’s relationship with Macquarie Law School and the broader Macquarie University administration Through consistent liaison and strategic collaboration, the portfolio has helped strengthen MULS’s relationship with the academic and administrative operations university MULS representatives participate in advisory discussions with Law School leadership, offering student perspectives on curriculum and engagement The portfolio also coordinates with faculty to secure venues, promote joint initiatives, and ensure that MULS events complement the academic calendar Following the opening of the Michael Kirby Building in 2024, the portfolio facilitated MULS’s integration into the new space, enhancing the society’s visibility and accessibility to students
Looking ahead, the Administration Portfolio remains committed to continuous improvement. This year, with the consultation of lawyers assisting MULS pro bono, a full constitutional audit has been undertaken. This is to align the foundational document of our society with the requirements of Macquarie University and in a manner which best achieves the purpose of MULS. Through these initiatives, the Administration Portfolio continues to uphold the values of accountability, transparency, and philanthropy that define the Macquarie University Law Society.
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
U C A T I O N
The dynamic nature of Macquarie Law School has been reflected in the everchanging composition of MULS as it has adapted to accommodate student needs. The Education portfolio, established in 2017, is a prime example of such flexibility.
Between 2017–18, the inaugural Director of Education, Cynthia Constantin, along with her portfolio team, sought to support students with the rigorous academic demands of law school. She recalls initiating a relationship with the Macquarie University Library to support students as they learnt the fundamentals of legal research This partnership involved highlighting useful resources and running legal referencing workshops As the Australian Guide to Legal Citation has developed beyond its third edition, the collaboration has expanded to include the MQ Learning Skills Team and LexisNexis Many students have benefitted from these relationships when making crucial decisions on the placement of italics, or deciding between round and square brackets
The Education portfolio isn’t limited to intellectual pursuits The portfolio aims to recognise all aspects of the law school experience and foster a sense of belonging and social cohesion Celebration of World Mental Health Week acknowledges the importance of prioritising wellbeing in the midst of assignments, study notes and relentless weekly readings Moreover, the MULS Kickstart stall and First Year Afternoon Tea organised by the Education portfolio are often the first opportunity for students to interact with MULS and play a critical role in attracting student memberships Ultimately, the Education portfolio looks to make law school a little easier, whether it be through a correct citation, a piece of advice, or just a friendly face!
The Education portfolio first made its mark by pioneering the Education Guide, a comprehensive collation of essential information every law student should know. Among a vast array of topics, the Guide included past student experiences, guidance for choosing electives and tips for achieving First Class Honours.
The Education Guide has evolved into the Justified podcast, launched in 2020 to deliver unique stories and helpful advice in an accessible audio format. Stand-out episodes include a detailed clerkship series, interviews with current legal practitioners, and discussion of exciting opportunities such as the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship.
The Competitions Portfolio is responsible for organising and hosting a wide variety of law based competitions which allow students to develop transferable skills for their later careers. Competitions available to students include Advocacy competitions such as Mooting and Witness Examination; Professional Skills such as Client Interview and Negotiation; and intervarsity competitions against fellow law schools across the country.
The Competitions portfolio has maintained its place at the heart of the society by providing students with the opportunity to improve Courtroom and advocacy skills in a practical manner. Since its establishment, the portfolio has dedicated itself to bridging the gap between classroom principles and the demands of the legal industry, preparing students for practice.
Over the decades, the portfolio has evolved to reflect the changing skillset required of future lawyers Expanding from traditional mooting into areas of criminal law, contract law, private law and international humanitarian law, MULS competitions have successfully catered to the varied industry areas of interest to students Students are offered a diverse range of advocacy experiences, and engage effectively with clients, witnesses, and their opposition The portfolio has served as a launchpad for representation beyond the internal university level, with teams successfully representing Macquarie University in championships nationally, and internationally, achieving recognition for their advocacy skills
Advocacy competitions remain central to the identity of MULS and the Macquarie Law School cohort, allowing students to apply classroom learning in a real-world manner The portfolio continues to grow, as more students participate and further the aims of the advocacy portfolio
The Advocacy portfolios’ stand out event is the Environmental Law Moot Embodying MULS’ commitment to advocacy simultaneously with pressing global issues, the competition challenges students to examine laws that are grounded in environmental concerns, including climate change and the protection of biodiversity. A flagship MULS competition generating engagement with various universities at a national level, the competition has increased recognition for our competitions portfolio at a national level. Receiving widespread participation from academics and legal professionals, the competition cements MULS's reputation in socially conscious advocacy.
CO M P E T I T I O N S
O N S
U B L I C A T I
PThe comprehensive guides offered by the Publications Portfolio have been a staple of the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) since its establishment. Launched with the aim to disseminate the most transparent, accurate and practical information to the broader university community, the Publications Portfolio allows MULS to support law students at Macquarie University by providing all-rounded guidance from the onset of their undergraduate LLB or postgraduate JD program.
The publications portfolio finds its roots in the first edition of ‘The Brief’, where students discussed topical legal issues In addition to this, The Brief has since expanded its operations digitally in “The Brief Online” The Publications Portfolio began the production of guides a short time later, starting with the first edition of the “Education Guide” In the years following, the introduction of guides like the “First Year Guide”, “Competitions Guide”, “Clerkship Guides”, “Diverse Careers Guide”, “Wellbeing Guide” and “President's Half Yearly Report” have been invaluable resources to undergraduates undertaking their law degree at Macquarie University
Ultimately, the Publications Portfolio has a background founded on the goal of engaging with MULS members in the most informative way possible
The Brief remains the flagship publication for MULS Published triannually, each edition of “The Brief” is produced by the MULS publications team, with the help of fellow law students, writers and editors to encourage discussion around topical legal issues Segments of each edition may discuss topics concerning the Law and legal affairs, politics, business/economics, technology, science, university student life and more. Overall, “The Brief” has been widely acclaimed among the university community for its informative nature, having garnered traction from firm representatives and advertisers who have contributed to final editions in past.
Events is a long-standing portfolio led by a Vice-President and more recently growing to include multiple Executive Officers and a sub-committee In 2025, we oversaw numerous initiatives - from maintaining the traditions of First Year Law Camp and Start of Semester drinks, to social sport team successes and the introduction of a run club ahead of MULS return to City2Surf
Our initiatives have all sought to encourage new and stronger connections MULS events have canonically been the peak social experiences at Macquarie University (MQ) With the proud expansion of numerous other clubs and societies, we have seen more social events than ever. Despite that, MULS continues its reputation as the height of events at MQ. We’ve built an inclusive environment to support students and affiliates to both succeed professionally, and build life-long connections and friends.
Law Ball remains the flagship event of the MULS events portfolio and has been a constant since the Society’s first rendition in 1979. As a black-tie celebration marking the end of the academic year, this event provides a platform for students to celebrate their accomplishments in a sophisticated yet festive atmosphere over fine dining, live entertainment, and dancing. In 2024, MULS hosted Law Ball at Accor Stadium (the largest venue in Australia), and this year, MULS sold out Law Ball within the hour of tickets being release.
V E N T S
The Social Justice portfolio is responsible for coordinating initiatives that provide opportunities for Macquarie law students to engage with legal issues that have a social justice focus. This involves promoting career paths in the public interest, creating awareness of inequalities in the legal profession, fundraising for nominated charities, and stimulating debate about topical social justice issues facing the legal world and broader community
Each year, Vice Presidents have brought their own social justice passion to the portfolio, aiming to integrate that passion into the year’s events The Executive Officers are also encouraged to bring forward a social justice passion that are integrated into the portfolio Overall, the SJ team aims to educate students on many social justice issues both in the community and the legal industry
This year, the SJ team had the incredible opportunity of hosting the ‘Doing Good with the Law’ Workshop ; an event designed to highlight the intersection between law and community impact
We were joined by three exceptional panelists who brought unique and inspiring perspectives to the discussion:
Ebony Birchall – Legal academic, lawyer, and Deputy Director of the BHR Access to Justice Lab
Nicolette Boele – Community Independent for Bradfield
Heike Fabig – Disability Activist and CEO of Tech4Justice
Their reflections highlighted the role of lawyers as both skilled professionals and advocates for accountability, particularly in the pursuit of access to justice for marginalised communities. The panel also emphasised the importance of law reform efforts in ensuring that our laws remain relevant, effective and just in today’s society.
The event welcomed not only Macquarie Law students but also Legal Studies students, Captains, and Prefects from local high schools. S O C I A L J U S T I C E
The Careers Portfolio in MULS is dedicated to providing law students with meaningful access to the wide range of career opportunities that a law degree can offer Led by the Vice-President (Career Engagement), together with Executive Officers for Corporate Careers, Sponsorship, Public Interest and the subcommittee, the portfolio works to connect students with the profession through a diverse program of initiatives. Career panels, workshops, and networking events are central to this portfolio, highlighting pathways across corporate law, government, the judiciary, and advocacy. Events are carefully aligned with the legal hiring cycle, with corporatefocused initiatives featuring prominently in the first semester, while the focus shifts to alternative and public interest career opportunities later in the year.
Crucial to the portfolio's mission is building and maintaining positive, professional relationships with sponsors and legal organisations. These partnerships enrich student engagement by creating meaningful connections with legal professionals and organisations.
Over time, the portfolio has grown to serve as a vital link between law school and the legal profession Its primary goal is to provide students with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities necessary for success in their legal careers By combining strong professional partnerships with initiatives tailored to student needs, the Careers Portfolio empowers MULS members with the insights, skills, and networks essential for thriving both during and after their studies
The Careers Portfolio proudly hosts the annual Clerkship Fair, a flagship event that connects law students with leading law firms and employers This event provides invaluable opportunities for students to network, explore firm pathways, and secure increased knowledge about clerkships This year’s Clerkship Fair was the largest in MULS history, partnering with 18 sponsors to provide extensive career opportunities for students The event also featured MULS’s biggest-ever Interview Roulette, with 54 participants gaining valuable mock interview experience and direct engagement with potential employers
CA R E E R S
A R K E T I N G
MThe Marketing Portfolio is responsible for ensuring Macquarie students, corporate stakeholders, and the general public are always up-to-date with the latest society information Marketing promotes our events, competitions and initiatives across our various social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and our website Accessibility, visibility, and creativity, are at the forefront
Offline, the Marketing Portfolio is also responsible for the creation and distribution of MULS merchandising, ranging from O-Week giveaways to the iconic Law Hoodiesthey never go out of style!
To celebrate 50 years of MULS, the Marketing team produced an exclusive range of MULS merchandise, including hoodies, keyrings, and much more!
ie University celebrates its 10th graduate students have only been represented within the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS) since 2021. As a recent addition to the Society, the MULS JD and Postgraduate portfolio has been actively exploring its potential for development and growth alongside its young academic program.
Since 2021, the portfolio has successfully bridged the gap between its cohort and the undergraduate community, while strengthening its commitment to representing the interests and supporting the unique needs of its student peers JD and postgraduate students come to Macquarie with prior academic and professional achievements, often balancing additional responsibilities beyond their academic pursuits This portfolio was established to acknowledge those realities and foster a supportive community tailored to their needs
Its initiatives go beyond social connection, offering targeted professional development opportunities that help students leverage their diverse backgrounds as they transition into the legal profession Chief among these initiatives are professional networking events that connect current JD and postgraduate students with alumni who have successfully entered the legal field
Today, the portfolio continues to build and strengthen these connections with its alumni network while simultaneously integrating its students into the broader MULS community
The JD and Postgraduate Diverse Careers Initiatives have become some of the most impactful events run by the portfolio. These events bring together alumni and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to share their experiences in finding unique pathways into the legal profession. By showcasing how Juris Doctor and postgraduate students can draw on their prior academic and professional experiences, these events encourage students to leverage their diverse backgrounds to stand out in their transition to legal practice.
Complementing this professional focus is the JD & Postgraduate Welcome Lunch, now held at the beginning of every semester. This event provides an early opportunity for students to meet one another, engage with faculty, and build connections before the demands of law school fully set in By fostering these relationships from the outset, the portfolio cultivates a stronger sense of community and belonging among postgraduate students, ensuring they feel supported both academically and socially
MULS x MULC NSW Parliament Bill Drafting Simulation
28 July - 3 August 2025
13 October 2025
CAREERS
8 April 2025
1 May 2025
7 May 2025
8 May 2025 12 May 2025 14 May 2025 15 May 2025 19 May 2025 26 May 2025
28 May 2025
28 May 2025
23 October 2025
Competitions - Advocacy
ALSA Conference & Competitions
Justified Podcast: Career Pathways in Research and Academia with Dr Rita
Matulionyte, Macquarie Law School
Vice-President of Careers - Jordan Lau
Leaders in Law Panel
King & Wood Mallesons Clerkship Presentation
Ashurst Clerkship Presentation
HWLE Clerkship Presentation
Clayton Utz Clerkship Presentation
Allens Clerkship Presentation
Gilbert + Tobin Clerkship Presentation
Baker McKenzie Clerkship Presentation
Gadens Clerkship Presentation
Interview Roulette
Clerkship Fair
Junior Careers Workshop & Sparke Helmore Office Tour
Vice-President of Competitions (Advocacy) - Emma Reading
MULS Competitions - Grand Final Dates
16 May 2025
26 May 2025
28 May 2025
23 October 2025
24 October 2025
International Humanitarian Law Moot
Criminal Law Moot
Gilbert + Tobin Private Law Moot
Allens Championship Moot
Beatty Hughes Environmental Law Moot
King & Wood Mallesons Contract Law Moot
Clayton Utz Foundations of Law Moot
Sparke Helmore Novice Moot
Moot
Intervaristy Competitions - Grand Final Dates
Sir John Peden Contract Law Moot
UNSW Private Law Moot
UTS LSS x MULS Contract Law Moot
UTS LSS Legal Technology Moot
Sir Harry Gibbs Constitutional Law Moot
King & Wood Mallesons Diversity and Pride Moot Maragaret Cunneen
Kickstart Week MULS Stall 7 July 2025
February - 29
Clerkship Opportunities at DLA Piper
Kickstart Week MULS Stall
Justified Podcast: Education, Exchange & Engagement: Exploring the New Colombo Plan
MULS Mental Health Week Coffee Cart
Justified Podcast: Responsible Use of AI in Studies with Dr Amanda Head, Macquarie Law School
Public Interest Careers with North Metropolitan Law Society
March 2025
May 2025
MULS Social Sports
First Year Law Camp
MULS Celebratory Gala Session 1 and 2 14 March - 16 March 2025
MULS x MUBS Start of Semester 1 Cocktail Night
Law Cruise
Interfaculty Pub Night
Run with MULS
Start of Semester 2 Drinks
Law Ball
MULS x SULS x UNSW LS Fright Night
July 2025 JD & POSTGRADUATE Vice-President of JD & Postgraduate - Connor Loeven
June 2025
July 2025
October 2025
JD and Postgraduate Welcome Lunch
Ashurst Juris Doctor Clerkship Workshop
JD and Postgraduate Welcome Lunch
Vice-President of Marketing - Tara Phimsipasom
50 Years of MULS Pop-Up Shop
LinkedIn Headshot & Personal Branding Session
ENDNOTE
Editing this anniversary edition of The Brief has been both a pleasure and a challenge From endless late-night calls to unexpected meetings with wonderful members of the industry, this project has truly embodied the spirit of collaboration and connection that defines Macquarie Law.
Since its inception, The Brief has aimed to share topical legal issues with a wider audience, both in print and online. This special edition continues that proud legacy, standing alongside The Brief Retro: 30 Year Edition as a testament to our ongoing commitment to thoughtful legal discourse.
To those whose words grace these pages - thank you Each article brings a unique voice and perspective, together weaving a rich tapestry that reflects the 50 years of our community’s beginnings, unity, passion, valour, and legacy
And to you, the reader - thank you. Whether you found yourself eagerly flicking through to a favourite piece or savouring the collection from cover to cover, it is your curiosity and engagement that breathe life into this publication.
It has been a profound honour to be entrusted with this task Alongside the countless people who have made a thought reality, I would like to specifically extend my sincere gratitude to those who have held this office before me Your dedication and vision paved the way for this edition
Here’s to many more years of sharing ideas through The Brief.
Warm regards,
Anya Maclure Editor-in-Chief of The Brief
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL OF THE BRIEF RETRO OFFERS A HEARTFELT REFLECTION ON THE TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY LAW COMMUNITY OVER THE PAST FIVE DECADES. THROUGH A CURATED COLLECTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ESTEEMED STUDENTS, ALUMNI, AND AFFILIATES, IT CAPTURES THE EVOLVING SEASONS OF THE LAW SCHOOL AND THE SOCIETY THATSUPPORTSIT.
THIS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION HONOURS THE JOURNEY - FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A PROUD LEGACY-BUILTONUNITY,PASSION,ANDVALOUR ITISATRIBUTETOTHOSEWHOCAMEBEFOREUSAND THEENDURINGSPIRITTHEYINSPIREDFORTHOSEYETTOCOME
IF THESE PAGES STIR MEMORIES OF LAUGHTER, TEARS, OR A MOMENT OF REFLECTION, THEN THIS EDITIONHASFULFILLEDITSPURPOSE
