Before the Court - Deakin Law Students' Society

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. Ja...

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:...

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...

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 inte...

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 pa...

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 la...

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 success...

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 i...

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...

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 immigrati...

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 intereste...

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...

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 abo...

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...

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, Internati...

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 vi...

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 pr...

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 t...

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 fort...

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.&nbs...

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 s...

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...