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.
Join Emilie and Evan as they speak to Rebekah O'Sullivan. Rebekah O’Sullivan is an award-winning entertainment, intellectual property, and immigration lawyer. Rebekah specialises in the film, television, theatre, and music industries. Her representations include Oscar-award-winning talents, such as Natalie Portman, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, and Chris Hemsworth, as well as platinum-selling musicians, such as Liam Payne and Tones and I. Rebekah holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and the University of California, as well as a Masters of Legal Practice. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts, training at one of London’s most prestigious acting institutions, working as an actor and acting coach. Rebekah has also won the legal excellence award for Queensland solicitor of the year, was appointed as a distinguished fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London and has been consistently ranked on Doyle’s list as a leading lawyer for the past four years. Rebekah, outside of entertainment law, offers her services pro bono, as a senior lawyer at Bond University’s Immigration Clinic.
In this podcast, we discuss Indigenous Law and Constitutional Reform with Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC, the esteemed retired barrister, writer and activist. Dr Bryan’s extensive representations in the High Court on significant native title and constitutional matters provides him deep insight into the importance of Indigenous rights, including as the junior counsel for the plaintiffs throughout the Mabo litigation.
Join us as we explore the key issues of legislating native title, the Voice to Parliament referendum, enacting constitutional recognition and treaty rights for Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In this engaging podcast, we delve into the dynamic intersection of law and empowerment with Sheetal Deo. Sheetal, and her innovative firm, Shakti Legal, are reshaping the legal landscape with their unique approach to justice and advocacy. Join us as we explore herwork in advocating for underrepresented communities, strategies for legal reform, and hervision for a more equitable legal system.
Join Emilie and Emilia as they speak to Jason Goyal.
This episode we are joined by jason goyal. Jason is currently the principal lawyer and managing director of his own firm, resolve employment lawyers, who specialise in workplace relations and employment law. with over a decade of experience in this area, Jason has worked in various roles, such as in-house legal counsel for the Coles Group, a senior employment lawyer and a workplace investigator and mediator. Jason’s line of work involves representing employers and employees in matters including discrimination, unfair dismissal, workplace bullying and harassment claims, where he regularly appears before the Fair Work Commission, State and Federal Courts, and Human Rights Tribunals.
Join Emilie and Ava as they speak to Alison Cusack.
Alison Cusack is currently the Principal Solicitor at Cusack & Co, a firm that specialises in Maritime and Shipping Law. Alison completed her studies in 2010 at Victoria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws and Business. She then completed the graduate program at the Australian Taxation Office and was subsequently admitted to practice in 2012. Alison then went on to work with the Australian National Line as a member in-house corporate counsel, before further pursuing her passion for Maritime Law by establishing her own firm, Cusack & Co, in 2018. Currently, Alison is a highly accomplished and well-respected solicitor and leader within the Maritime Industry, having often lent her passion and expertise within the field, notably acting as the president of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Australia, between 2018-2022.
Join Emilie and Evan as they speak to Dr Cassandra Steer.
Dr. Cassandra Steer is Chair and founder of the Australian Centre for Space Governance as well as being the Deputy Director - Mission Specialists, of the Australian National University Institute for Space (InSpace). Globally recognised for her expertise in space governance, space law, and space security, she has published widely on these topics, including the application of the law of armed conflict and use of force in outer space. She has consulted on these issues to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, the Australian, Canadian and U.S Departments of Defence, the Australian Space Agency and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has taught space law and space security at McGill university, the ANU College of Law, the National Security College and the Australian Defence College.
Dr Steer is multilingual, and has lived and worked in five countries, and has degrees in philosophy, civil law, international law, international criminal law, as well as training in common law, comparative law and space law.
Further, Dr. Steer is the co-founder of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance, a member of the Australian Space Agency's Technical Advisory Group for Space Situational Awareness, a member of the Space Traffic Management Committee of the International Academy of Astronautics, and a member of the International Institute of Space Law.
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 time lawyer, 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.