Before the Court - Deakin Law Students' Society

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.