Before the Court - Deakin Law Students' Society: Recent Episodes
Deakin Law Students' Society
The Deakin Law Students' Society's podcast, Before the Court, takes an in-depth look into the exciting areas of the legal world. With new guests each episode, the Deakin Law Students' Society interviews leaders in the legal profession to discuss different areas of law, the careers of the guests, and how students can get their foot in the door.
Join Emilie and Evan as they speak to Rohini Jannu.
Rohini Jannu is an accomplished and highly respected lawyer, and cyber governance expert. Following her completion of her Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales, Rohini practiced as a full timelawyer, working across corporate and commercial fields in litigation and dispute litigation.Following an incredible career across various legal settings, Rohini transitioned from a life of big law to a corporate setting, where she worked as Paralegal Manager at an ASX listed world leader in retail asset management. With her extensive background in law, Rohini has worked as an advisor and leader in corporate governance. Now, she is a Senior Analyst in Data & Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance.Alongside side her work, Rohini is a part of the Australian Women in Security Network, the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and the Australian Information Security Association.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Maddison Harrington from 'Gilchrist Connell' as she shares her journey in law, the significance of IDAHOBIT Day, and the challenges faced by Queer individuals in the legal field.
Join Emilie and Emilia as they speak to Anneliese Croker.
Anneliese Crocker is a graduate at Coles Liquor, utilising the skills from her law degree in a non-traditional legal setting. After completing her double degree of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University, Anneliese undertook her PLT at the College of Law. Anneliese was a member of the Deakin Law Students’ Society in 20201 and 2022, and passionately advocates for students to explore pathways that stray from the traditional lawyer career.
Join Emilie and Emilia as they speak to Diana Steicke.
Diana Steicke is the Senior Executive Leader, Intelligence and International and Regional Commissioner of Victoria for ASIC. After graduating from University of Adelaide and Harvard Law School, Diana began her career at Herbert Smith Freehills where she worked as a Senior Associate. Diana then moved to Linklaters in the UK as a managing associate before she transitioned back to Australia and into her government position at ASIC. After working for ASIC for 16 years and in various positions, she has recently been promoted to her current role. In this episode we discuss Diana’s experiences as she has has shifted into a non-traditional role following her law degree and career.
Join Hannah Dickinson and Swathika Karthikeyan to discuss Hannah’s work at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Constitutional Law expert Dr Oscar Roos joins Bella to talk about the upcoming referendum on 14 October about establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Oscar shares his expertise to answer some commonly asked questions, talk us through what the referendum entails, and give a constitutional law perspective on what might come next if the referendum is successful.
Jason Walker is an accredited specialist in Family Law, often being recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a leader in his field. Jason has served as Deputy Chair of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia and has additionally been Chair of the Family Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria. Jason works across areas of family law, now practicing at Forte Family Lawyers in Melbourne. Jason enhances his skills, working with recognised lawyers across the world through the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and is furthermore the co-editor of the Australian Family Lawyer.
Natasha Poppen joins Isabelle and Bailiejean to chat about her previous experience working as a clerk, trainee and solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions. In this episode, Natasha discusses how criminal law is different everyday, her pathway into the Office of Public Prosecutions and her advice for students who are wanting to work in criminal law.You can find Natasha on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-poppen-861094136
In this episode of Before the Court, we are joined by Joseph Ishow. Joseph completed a Bachelor of Criminal Justice Administration before going on to complete his JD. Joseph has had a successful career working at Community Legal Centres as a family lawyer. Currently, at Fitzroy Legal Service, Joseph works within the family violence team. CLC's rely on volunteer law students to continue to provide pro bono legal services to our community. If this episode has sparked your interest in volunteering at Fitzroy Legal Service, apply here: https://fls.org.au/volunteer-program/Some of the other services offered include: Family Violence Health Justice PartnershipsWe provide legal assistance in relation to family violence via outreach to a number of different locations within the City of Yarra.Drug Outreach Lawyer ProgramOur drug outreach lawyers assist individuals with legal problems related to alcohol and drug use. In line with the holistic approach of the program, the lawyers work closely and collaboratively with members of the community and relevant heath agencies to promote and focus on harm minimisation and areas of high need. Program partners across City of Yarra and City of Darebin include YSAS (Youth Support and Advocacy Service), Living Room, Inner Space, North Richmond Community Health, Odyssey House Victoria and Uniting Care ReGen. Darebin Family Law SupportSpecialist family law parenting matters advice and representation for City of Darebin residents. Criminal Defence PracticeOur lawyers can provide legal representation to people who are charged with a summary or indictable criminal offence or are respondents in relation to a family violence intervention order if they are eligible for a grant of legal aid, or are able to pay for representation.Our fees are designed to assist clients ineligible for legal aid and reflect our role as a community legal resource, meaning we are able to assist people that might not be able to afford representation from a private law firm. We work out how much your case will cost based on the work that must be done in accordance with your instructions.Family Law Property and Parenting PracticeFamily Law Property & Parenting Practice: We provide legal representation for family law property and/or parenting matters to people who are eligible for a grant of legal aid or are able to pay for representation. Our fees are designed to assist clients ineligible for legal aid and reflect our role as a community legal resource. We work out how much your case will cost based on the work that must be done in accordance with your instructions. Migrant Employment Law ClinicOur Migrant Employment Law Clinic is open to people from overseas who have been underpaid or exploited in employment, including: International students (500 visas); People on working holidays (417 and 462 ‘backpacker’ visas); Workers invited to Australia through the Temporary Skills Shortage program (TSS visas); and Refugee and humanitarian visa-holders. We can assist with: Recovery of unpaid wages and entitlements; Advice about correct rates of pay; Unpaid training; Unauthorised deductions from pay; Unfair dismissals and breach of general protections laws; Sham contracting; Workplace bullying; Workplace injuries; and Workplace discrimination. We cannot advise on immigration law. If you would like assistance from the Migrant Employment Law Clinic, please make an enquiry for our legal advice night service for initial advice and consultation.COVID Debt, Employment & Tenancy ClinicOur lawyers can provide legal assistance for vulnerable people affected by tenancy, debt and employment issues impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Mr Simon Rubenstein was admitted on the 03rd April 1995 and first signed the Bar
roll on the 22nd May 2003. Completing his Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and then
subsequently his Master of Laws at Melbourne University focusing on commercial
law, financial services law, and employment law. Simon is also well versed in the
Securities law practice area.
Simon has previously appeared in both trials and interlocutory proceedings in the
Federal, Supreme and County Courts, as well as appearing in the Administrative
Appeals Tribunal and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Simon has extensive experience in areas including corporations and financial services
litigation, where he has acted on behalf of both company directors, shareholders,
stockbrokers, and insurers to name a few. As well as this, Simon also has extensive
experience in corporations and financial services regulation where he has acted in
matters on behalf of both companies and individuals facing investigation and
enforcement action initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission. He has acted and advised for persons involved in large-scale ASIC
investigations such as Westpoint, AWB and Trio Capital matters.
Simon has also previously been engaged as a Legal Consultant with ASIC. During
this time, he provided legal advice for large scale corporate investigations as well as
financial market investigations which included market misconduct, continuous
disclosure, and insider trading investigations. Simon was the senior lawyer on the
highly successful investigation and prosecution of Sydney stockbroker, Rene Rivkin,
for insider trading.
Simon’s Email: simon.rubenstein@vicbar.com.au
Alexandria Anthony joins Isabelle and Bailiejean to chat about her experience working as sports lawyer and the difference between a boutique and top-tier law firm. In this episode, Alexandria discusses how sports law is different each and every day, the valuable training she received from a top tier law firm, her work/life balance and how to succeed in the niche area of sports law.
Bailiejean and Emilie are joined this episode by Gemma McGrath from Panetta McGrath Lawyers. Gemma shares with us her career journey from nurse to managing partner of her own medical negligence law firm. In this episode, Gemma kindly provides us with insight into what the practice area of medical negligence encompasses and the variety of clients - from medical professional to mistreated medical patient - a medical negligence lawyer may represent.
Join Bailiejean and Isabelle for a deep dive into the practice area of Wills and Estates with solicitor, Susan Bonnici. Susan has over ten years experience in this area of law, and currently works at Equity Trustees. In this episode, Susan shares with us the skills required to excel in this area of law, the way succession planning encompasses a broad range of practice areas like family law, tax law and property law, and how she has grown her career to reflect her passion for providing care and advice tailored to the needs of every individual.
For our final SUMMER SERIES episode, join Brit, Bailiejean, and the wonderful Sarah Davidson. Sarah studied a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, graduating with First Class Honours. During her studies, Sarah started her legal career at King & Wood Mallesons where she was fortunate enough to work in both the Melbourne and Hong Kong offices. After starting her wildly successful companies Matcha Maiden and Matcha Mylkbar, Sarah pivoted her career to focus on growing them both. Now, Sarah is an influencer, podcaster, ambassador and TV presenter.In this episode, Sarah kindly shared with us her advice on how to make the most of your time at law school, what is like to complete an Honours thesis and how the skills we gain from studying law will be helpful regardless of the career path we take. If you would like to hear more from Sarah, we highly recommend listening to her podcast ‘Seize the Yay’.
Deakin Alumnus James Bell joins Brittany and Deeksha to chat about his experience as a Deakin Law School student, and his exciting career as a lawyer and policy officer in the Victorian Public Service. In this episode, James reflects on his international study experiences in China and Japan whilst studying at Deakin, and provides valuable insight into why participating in mooting competitions is incredibly beneficial to your overall study experience.
Kim Henderson joins Brit and Beth to share the story of his exciting legal career! Kim worked as a solicitor, barrister and a mediator at his self founded practice MediateFirst before recently establishing the consultancy Futures in Law. In this episode, Kim kindly provides insight into what it is like to work within multiple practice areas, including property law, criminal and family law, and also shares with us what he thinks are some of the key attributes of good solicitors.
After conducting mediations for the previous 10 years Kim is now sharing the benefits of his extensive experience by providing a mentoring and career counselling service for law students, junior practitioners and those at the stage of considering their partnership prospects (www.futuresinlaw.com).
Join Brit and Bailiejean for a conversation with Casey O’Mahony. Casey O’Mahony is a Principal Solicitor at Walsh and Blair Lawyers - a law firm based in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. In this episode, Casey shares with us what it is like living and working regionally and provides great insight into her career working in multiple areas of law, including wills and estates, conveyancing and immigration law.
Joining us on this episode of Before the Court is Anika Basset. Anika has had an exciting career working both in Australia and internationally practicing as a human rights lawyer. Anika shares with us her braid range of experiences working for the Ministry of Justice UK, and Victoria Legal Aid, as well as what it is like studying a Masters of Law. This is a must listen episode if you are interested in completing post graduate study, or working overseas in the legal profession!
Join Beth and Brit for a conversation with Deakin Law School Alumnus Bonnie Phillips. Bonnie is now an Accredited Family Law Specialist and Head of the Family and Relationship law team at Coulter Legal . In this episode, Bonnie reflects on her time at Deakin and shares her experience as a team member in the Deakin Vis Moot team. Bonnie also speaks about the practice of family law and the practical process of family law disputes, and the management and team leadership aspect of her role.
Join Britney and Beth for a conversation with Beth Stewart. Beth is a lawyer practicing in employment and litigation. She commenced her career at Lander & Rogers in the Workplace Relations and Safety team, before recently moving to an in-house Counsel role at Bupa. Beth shares the incredible overseas experiences she took part in while studying at Deakin, and gives valuable, in-depth advice about the clerkship application process and how to best approach a clerkship. She also speaks about her career to date, the differences between private practice and in-house legal advisory, and how she creates space in her busy schedule to maintain a good work/life balance. During recording of this episode, Covid -19 was creating rapid changes to workplace laws. Beth provides great insight into how these changes impacted her work. Please note that this content in relation to Covid-19 is not current.
We note that this interview was recorded earlier this year, and the content in relation to covid-19 (rapid, and at times daily, changes to workplace laws) is not current
Join Lily from the Social Justice and Equity portfolio for a discussion with Anika Legal’s social media wiz and founder of Law in Colour, Kim Koelmeyer. Kim discusses the creation of Law in Colour while a student at Deakin, and how the platform has expanded to where it is today. Kim also shares her insights into the importance of social media to legal enterprises, especially in today’s society.
Join Britney and Beth for a conversation with commercial and business lawyer Georgia McLean. Georgia shares her career journey from university to her current role at Whyte Just & Moore Lawyers. She shares some of her recent litigation cases, the disputes they involved in the commercial and business realms, and she talks us through the dispute resolution process. Georgia also discusses her volunteering experiences, as well as her interests outside of the law.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Join Britney and Beth for a conversation with former Deakin student Erin Ritchie. Erin is a lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and has settled in the Property Law team. She shares her experiences as a Deakin student, and the many extracurricular activities she participated in that have helped her in her career as a lawyer. Specifically, Erin shares her experience completing the Vis Moot, International Negotiation competitions and volunteering on the Deakin and Australian Law Student Societies. She then speaks about her current role as a lawyer and gives us an insight into practice. If you are applying for clerkships this year, this is a great episode to listen to as Erin shares advice for the application process and discusses her personal experiences completing commercial clerkships.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Join Laura from the Social Justice and Equity portfolio for a discussion with founder and CEO of Anika Legal Noel Lim. Noel discusses the importance of finding your why when pursuing a career in social justice, and discusses his own journey in creating a social enterprise. Noel highlights the importance of volunteers and students in the work Anika does to assist those facing tenancy issues.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Join Britney and Bailiejean from our Industry Careers team for a conversation with Criminal defence lawyer Ennes Marcellus. Ennes discusses the importance of networking, relating to your clients, and developing strong social skills in the legal profession. He also shares the attributes that Criminal lawyers should possess to allow them to foster strong connections, and to enable a high level of professionalism to be maintained. Ennes discusses his time training in the Australian Army, and the way this impacted upon his legal career. He then shares his advice about time management, and maintaining a work life balance.
In our first episode for 2022, join our Industry Careers team for a conversation with Accredited Property Law Specialist Lydia Eastwood. Lydia discusses life as a junior property lawyer, the differences between law school and legal practice, and some of the court matters she has been involved in. She also takes us through the practical process of an adverse possession claim and the laws relating to airspaces. Lydia provides a great overview of some of the general concepts covered in the property and land law units, and how these concepts are applied in practice.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
In this podcast, join our Industry Careers team for a conversation with Natasha, associate to the Honourable Justice Wilson. We ask Natasha all about her experience as a Judge's Associate, and the amazing court exposure the role provides. Natasha shares some advice for the application process and gives many great insights into the role and the skills it allows you to develop that you can take forth in your career.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Our Social Justice and Equity Portfolio Director, Dan, and Queer Officer, Liv, interview former High Court Justice the Hon Michael Kirby for IDAHOBIT 2021. In this episode, Mr Kirby discusses his thoughts and experiences as an LGBTQIA+ legal professional, and how queer lawyers and law students can forge a path through adversity to the forefront of the legal profession throughout their careers.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Kristina Kothrakis details her career path to becoming a Partner at Doogue + George and what an average day looks like in criminal law. From policy changes that she is passionate about to advice for law students, Kristina discusses the ins and outs of working in criminal defence law and how she has gotten where she is. Kristina is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist which a particular focus on sexual offences, white collar crime, drug trafficking/importations and jury trials.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Paul Horvath discusses his career and experiences as a sports lawyer. Being the Principal of two firms, SportsLawyer and Paul Horvath Solicitor (where he represents clients in employment and workplace law), Paul has worked with clients ranging from professional athletes to National Sporting Organisations (including Richmond FC, Tenpin Bowling Australia, and the Australian Sports Commission). This episode will give you an in depth look into the career of Paul by exploring what practice in sports law is like, the typical work that is involved, and discussions of current policy and legal issues in sports law. You will be surprised just how broad the area of sports law is as Paul talks about various cases he’s been involved in, clients he has represented and international trips he has taken due his job as a sports lawyer. For anyone interesting in learning about sports law, Paul’s incredible experience provides invaluable knowledge and helpful information on how to get into this area.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Leon Fluxman discusses his career as a Managing Principal Solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) in the Higher Court Appeals Division. From beginning as a commercial law Barrister in Johannesburg, to a partner at Galbally Parker working in criminal, quasi criminal and white collar criminal defence, Leon now manages a team of solicitors in the Higher Court Appeals Division of the OPP. Leon offers great insight into working in the criminal law industry, and the vast opportunities available in the OPP.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Maria Jockel, experienced immigration lawyer, discusses all thing career and policy. This episode will give you an overview of immigration law in Australia, the typical work that is involved, and policy developments in this area. Maria’s experience as a speaker, lecturer, and a prolific author makes her insight on all aspects of immigration and citizenship law invaluable, and one that is definitely worth a listen.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the Guest Speaker. The Deakin Law Students’ Society does not necessarily endorse the views of a particular speaker or authenticate the accuracy of the information provided. The use a listener makes of the information provided in this podcast is the listener’s sole responsibility.
The Deakin Law Students’ Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.