UNSW Law & Justice

People can appear in court without legal representation in Australia, and the number of people representing themselves has risen sharply. But there is little understanding of what drives these individuals and what administrative burden their cases place on courts.

Now, UNSW and the Federal Court of Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding 🤝 that paves the way for researchers to find out why.

UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice Associate Professor Dr Harry Hobbs and Professor Kristy Martire from the UNSW School of Psychology are jointly leading the research.

“The ultimate aim is to help develop better guidance for judges about how to manage self-represented litigants,” Dr Hobb says.

Click the 🔗 for the full story: https://bit.ly/4ztPC8z

💬 “Joining a truly international class with students across jurisdictions was invaluable.”

For Naomi Habib, who recently returned from Belfast, participating in the Law Schools Global League (LSGL) 2026 Summer School has been a highlight of her university experience.

Every year, the LGSL organises a cutting-edge Summer School program that's hosted by a partner university and takes place during the northern hemisphere's summer (our winter).

This year, it was hosted by Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. Students not only have the unique social and professional opportunity to study public and private law perspectives on a variety of global issues, but they get to explore a new country during their downtime.

“The discussions around AI and its impact on the profession and human rights particularly challenged and broadened my perspectives. Beyond the classes, I enjoyed making new lifelong friends from across the globe (though, don't test me on my Spanish)!”

Thinking of studying abroad?💡✈️ Find out more info here: https://bit.ly/45vV3q2

Congratulations to Will Martin, Simon Wilton and Rowan Gray on being awarded Runners-Up in the Nuremberg Moot Court! 🎉

The team represented UNSW on the world stage against 137 universities. Not only did the team come second the world, but Simon and Will were awarded Best Overall Speaker and Second-Best Overall Speaker, respectively.

These are remarkable results given this is UNSW's first time participating in the competition.

A huge thanks to coach Jason D**g for his guidance and support throughout the team's journey.

📸 International Nuremberg Principles Academy/LÉROT

2025 Student Community Awards Winner Spotlight: Cordella O’Loughlin 🏆

Recipient of the 2025 Law & Justice Student Community Award, Bachelor of Laws graduate Cordella O’Loughlin embraced opportunities throughout her time at UNSW to build community, champion fairness and create meaningful connections.

For Cordella, the award reflects her commitment to highlighting injustice and help create a fairer playing field—an ambition that continues to guide her today. Throughout her time at UNSW, giving back was a way to support others while positively contributing to the University's culture and reputation, with the belief that these efforts extend beyond campus to create a ripple effect that strengthens the broader community.

One of Cordella's most memorable experiences was serving as Editor of Issue 48(2) of the UNSW Law Journal, working alongside fellow students to produce a 371 page issue. She was constantly inspired by the generosity, diligence and spirit of both the General Editorial Board and the Executive Team.
“Through that process, I also formed friendships that I know will last well beyond my time at university.”

Cordella encourages students to say yes to opportunities that interest them. Whether it's joining a moot, applying for a role with the UNSW Law Journal or simply meeting new people, taking that first step can transform the university experience and don’t let the intensity of a law degree stop you from trying new things.

👀 Know a final-year student making a difference? Nominations for the 2026 Law & Justice Student Community Awards are open now here: https://bit.ly/4yUBkxy

A huge congratulations to Ethan Lee and Zack Fayad, who won the 50th Australian Law Students' Association (ALSA) Client Interviewing Competition. 🏆

Competing against top law students from over 20 Australian and New Zealand universities, the pair claimed victory, making history as the first UNSW team to win this competition.

They will now represent Australia in next year's Brown Mosten International Client Consultation Competition in Canada.

We’re also incredibly proud of our Negotiation Team, Audrey Truong and Nathan Choi, and our Witness Examination Competitor, Zali Slunjski, who represented UNSW with skill and professionalism across multiple rounds and placed ninth in their respective competitions.

Special thanks to coaches Sophie Thompson and Chloe Lee for all their guidance and support through the teams’ journey.

We’re so proud of this outstanding achievement and the skill, professionalism and teamwork our students demonstrated on the world stage. 👏 👏

2025 Student Community Awards Winner Spotlight: Lihara Delungahawatte 🏆

Recipient of a 2025 Law & Justice Student Community Award, Bachelor of Laws graduate Lihara Delungahawatte has dedicated herself to strengthening the UNSW Law & Justice community through leadership, volunteering and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

For Lihara, giving back is about honouring the support she received throughout her own journey and using the opportunities she has been given to uplift others. Through four years of leadership with the UNSW Law Society, alongside a range of volunteering initiatives, she has been committed to helping students feel supported, connected and included.

One of Lihara's most memorable experiences was organising the 2023 First Year Law Camp for 210 students. Creating a space where lifelong friendships could form and a strong sense of community could be created.

Lihara’s advice to current students is to say yes to new opportunities. Whether it's having lunch with the person you are sitting next to in your first tutorial, attending a society event, academic opportunities, competitions and everything in between. There is so much more to gain from trying than from saying no and wondering what might have been.

👀 Know a final-year student making a difference? Nominations for the 2026 Law & Justice Student Community Awards are open here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/law-justice/student-life/law-and-justice-student-experience/student-community-awards

Huge congratulations to Raahat Shaik who won the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2026 Law Student of the Year!

This is the second year in a row that a UNSW student has taken out the award. Raahat was also shortlisted for the Excellence Award on the night.

Congratulations also to UNSW Associate Professor Sean Brennan, Dr Leon Terrill, and Chun-Chi (Michael) Hung who were all shortlisted for Academic of the Year.

We’re incredibly proud to see all four recognised for their outstanding achievements! 🎉 🎉

Read all about the awards 👉 https://bit.ly/4hdzgdO

2025 Student Community Awards Winner Spotlight: Madeleine Morris 🏆

Recipient of the 2025 Law & Justice Student Community Award, Bachelor of Laws graduate Madeleine Morris dedicated her time at UNSW to mentoring students, building community and helping others find their place in Law & Justice.

Inspired by the mentors, role models and support networks that shaped her own journey, Madeleine was committed to giving back by becoming the kind of mentor and friend she had once relied on herself.

One of Madeleine's most memorable experiences was serving as Co-President of the UNSW Law Society. The role gave her the opportunity to work with the Law & Justice Faculty to advocate initiatives informed by students' experiences. It also allowed her to connect with students at every stage of their degree, sharing her own journey to reassure them that it's okay to embrace the uncertainty that often comes with studying law and to feel confident forging their own path.

Madeleine's advice to students is simple: it's never too late to get involved. Whether it's starting a conversation in class, attending a Law Society event or signing up for a competition, taking that first step can build confidence, meaningful connections and a strong sense of belonging.

👀 Know a final-year student making a difference? Nominations for the 2026 Law & Justice Student Community Awards are open now here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/law-justice/student-life/law-and-justice-student-experience/student-community-awards

This year, two exceptional mooters represented UNSW on the world stage at the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva, Switzerland 🇺🇳.

Competing against teams from universities around the world, Brendan Milobara and Anthony Ma, coached by Micaela Mulholland, achieved outstanding individual and team results.

Anthony was named the First Ranked Oralist in the Preliminary Rounds, while Brendan was named the Second Ranked Oralist. Together, they were also the First Ranked Team in the Preliminary Rounds and advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the competition.

What a phenomenal achievement. We are incredibly proud of you!

UNSW Law Society

2025 Student Community Awards Winner Spotlight: Nicholas Hodgkinson 🏆

Recipient of a 2025 Law & Justice Student Community Award, Juris Doctor graduate Nicholas Hodgkinson has built community beyond the classroom by co-founding The Australian Law Student, a platform connecting, informing and inspiring aspiring lawyers across Australia.

For Nicholas, the award recognises not only his own contributions, but also the friendships, generosity and guidance of the many people he has learned from and studied alongside at UNSW, especially The Australian Law Student co-founder Oliver Hammond. More than an individual achievement, Nicholas sees the award as a celebration of the community that has grown around the platform.

One of Nicholas' most memorable experiences was interviewing Ashurst Co-Head of Mergers & Acquisitions Tony Damian for The Australian Law Student podcast. Released during seasonal clerkship applications, the conversations helped law students across Australia make more informed decisions about their careers.

Nicholas encourages students to find the opportunities that work for them. If existing opportunities don’t appeal or fit your schedule while at law school, consider creating your own path.

👀 Know a final-year student making a difference? Nominations for the 2026 Law & Justice Student Community Awards are open now here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/law-justice/student-life/law-and-justice-student-experience/student-community-awards