Before the Court - Deakin Law Students' Society

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.

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.

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.

Join Ava and Will as they speak to Katherine Plint. Katherine Plint has spent more than 40 years working and volunteering across many vocations that have shaped her life. From courtrooms across the country to the open paddocks on her farm, Kat’s life has been defined by service, resilience, advocacy, tragedy and adversity, and today we’ll hear how all of those experiences shape the work she does in working as a solicitor in domestic and family violence and child protection law. She is the recipient of the City of Ipswich Australia Day Medallion in 2009 and was Queensland’s Volunteer of the Year for Child Protection in 2012 and is an accomplished champion and advocate for water safety, author and community volunteer. Katherine studied her Bachelor of Laws from CQUniversity (Central Queensland University) from 2019 to 2022, completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through the Queensland College of Law 2023, and is now deepening her knowledge in studying her Masters of Domestic and Family Violence Practice at CQUniversity and solicitor since September 2023...

Join Ava and Emilia as they speak to Eva Medcraft. Eva Medcraft is the principal solicitor at Medcraft Legal, practicing as a criminal defence lawyer. Eva graduate from CSU and began practicing in commercial law for 5 years before transitioning over to criminal law, where she now acts in a variety of matters from violent offences, drug related offences, bail applications and court appeals. Additionally, Eva is also a member of the NSW Legal Aid Panel where she provides Legal Aid services. She is also regional president of the Albury and District Law Society.

Join Ava and Will as they speak to Nicholas Donaghy. Nicholas is a Principal Solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. For 11 years, Nicholas was a solicitor in the OPP's Specialist Sex Offences Unit (SSOU), during which he managed the OPP’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.Following SSOU’s dissolution in 2022, he was appointed to lead the OPP’s inaugural Specialist Sex Offences Committee. He now triages and oversees sex offence matters across the OPP and delivers training and advice internally and externally. Nicholas has prosecuted hundreds of matters, including many high-profile and complex cases.Nicholas graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Laws in 2005 and then went on to complete his Postgraduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law. Earlier in his career, he served for five years as a Judge’s Associate at the County Court, working with 39 different judges - primarily with the now Deputy Chief Judge of the County Court Meryl Sexton.

Join Ava and Georgia as they speak to Jane Libbis and Eve Smith from Umbrella Family Law. Jane Libbis is a Managing Partner and Founder at Umbrella Family Law, and has worked exclusively in family law for over 20 years. Jane is also a Parenting Coordinator and provides valuable assistance in facilitating effective co-parenting arrangements. Jane graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws and went on to complete further studies at Swinburne University completing a Graduate Diploma in Counselling in 2010.Eve Smith is a Managing Partner and Founder at Umbrella Family Law; she has practiced exclusively in family law since her admission to practice.Eve graduated from Northumbria University in England with a Bachelor of Laws in 2002 and has since completed further legal education at Deakin University. Subsequently Eve has practiced family law and is admitted as a legal practitioner in both Australia and England and assists clients internationally. Eve was also a Finalist for the Lawyers’ Weekly Partner of the Year award in 2025.

Join Emilie and Emilia in this bonus episode as they speak to Nina Vallins. Nina is a barrister for the Victorian Bar specialising in common law, specifically institutional and public liability cases, as well as a wide range of other areas. Prior to becoming a barrister, Nina worked as a solicitor for cases involving historical child abuse and sentencing applications. Further, Nina has experience as an associate at the county court in the civil division. 

Join Henry as he chats with Alice Mayne (student and former DLSS Director of Education) about all things wellbeing - this is an episode about a really important topic and is not to be missed!

Join Henry as he chats with former DLSS president Courtney McKenzie about all things time management ... crucial ahead of the upcoming assignment season!

Join Ava and Emilia as they speak to Ali Abachi. Ali Abachi is a senior associate within the Commodities Group and Litigation Team at HFW, in the Melbourne office. Within this area, Ali predominately specialises in insolvency, construction and broader contractual disputes. Throughout his career Ali has acted for both small and large companies, as well as financial service providers and high net worth individuals, with many of his matters going on to set important precedent in the world of Australian Corporate Law.   Ali Completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in International Relations & Affairs) at Deakin University in 2013. He then went on to study a Masters of Law, specialising in International Commercial Law at the Australian National University in 2021. 

Join Ava and Will as they speak to Patrice Fitzgerald. Patrice Fitzgerald is the founder, director and Principal Lawyer at Safe Space Legal, the first firm in Australia to practice exclusively in child safety and safeguarding law. She has dedicated her career to protecting children and vulnerable people and works with organisations to ensure children and vulnerable people are kept safe.Patrice completed a Bachelor of Laws at La Trobe University in 2004 and was subsequently admitted to practice in 2006. She has also obtained additional qualifications in investigations and interviewing children.Alongside her role at Safe Space Legal, Patrice is also a Sessional Member of the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal in the Review and Regulation List (Child Welfare).

Join Ava and Georgia as they speak to Emma Murphy. Emma Murphy is currently an Associate at Maurice Blackburn and practices exclusively in the field of medical negligence. She is located at the Bendigo office and is currently the only regionally based medical negligence lawyer in Victoria at Maurice Blackburn. This experience has made her very passionate about attracting young lawyers into the regions. Emma completed her studies in 2013 at Monash University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws majoring in Medical and Health Law, as well as a Bachelor of Science majoring in Development Biology and Genetics. Emma then went on to complete her Practical Legal Training at the Coroner's Court of Victoria and was subsequently admitted to practice in 2014.  Emma is passionate about equality and accessibility within the healthcare system. Due to this passion and her interest in bridging public knowledge between health, science and the law, Emma was eager to commence a career in medical negligence law.