MULSS Elections 2025/26

💌 VOTE [1] HARNOOR FOR PRESIDENT! 💌

After a great year as your Education Director, I’m excited to announce that I’m running for President of the Law Students’ Society!

The goal is simple:

1️⃣ Increased Advocacy:

✨ Your educational experience at MLS should be nothing but the best. I’ll keep advocating for class recordings to stay and classes at diverse times for working students.

✨ I aim to introduce ELECTIVE SUBJECT REVIEWS!! Scared about that WAM taking a devastating hit from a fun elective?

This will be your guide to knowing exactly what to expect in your elective classes from past students!

Tired of fighting for a spot in the library during SWOTVAC? I’ll advocate to have the law building be restricted access for law students only during those precious days.

2️⃣ Strengthened communication and transparency:

✨ How many of you know exactly what the LSS does? We provide SO many services and supports — it’s time you knew about them before last minute deadlines!

✨ I’m also introducing biweekly office hours — two hours where you can drop in for a yap or support ❤

3️⃣ Celebrating our diversity!

✨ Our student body’s biggest strength is its diversity! I’ll work with the Indigenous, WAGDI and Ethnocultural Reps to strengthen and diversify our events!

✨ I’ll also partner with the International Student Rep to launch an LSS orientation for International students!!

4️⃣ A fun year!!!

✨ No explanation needed I fear .. we’ve had a year as a society but the tide is turning and I aim to make this our best year yet as President!

Hi everyone, I’m Tash and I’m running to be your MULSS President for 2026!

I’ve had a lot of fun serving as your Activities Director this year and have loved getting to know so many of you throughout the process of organising all of our flagship social events. Outside of the LSS, I’m a massive sports nerd, especially for tennis and footy, and also love live music (my dream Splendour headliners are Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend and The Strokes).

This year, though, I have seen first-hand that the LSS should be delivering more for its members. We all want fun, affordable events, respected, high-quality competitions and a functioning and accountable student leadership. However, all of these are being put at risk by what is happening behind closed doors. Sponsors are abandoning the Society, and our relationship with the professional legal world has never been worse. This election period, my focus is on rebuilding trust – with sponsors, with faculty, and with our members. With your support, as President, I will lead our Society into a new chapter defined by stability. I will re-fund the LSS and deliver subsidised, frequent social events, high quality competitions with professional adjudication and a new set of constitutional purposes that will ensure that the Committee’s purpose remains focused on you.

A stronger, student-first LSS starts with your vote. Vote [1] Tash this election season!

My name is Grace, and I am an upper-year law student running for Vice President of the LSS. Over the past two years, I have volunteered within the Society. Last year, I served as a First-Year Moot Co-opt, and this year I have had the privilege of working an Internal Competitions Director. I have a strong understanding of the Society’s operations and the importance of community, collaboration, and accountability.

I am passionate and committed to ensuring the MULSS serves its members effectively. I envision a community where every student feels empowered, supported, and connected.

If elected Vice President, I will prioritise transparency and open communication to ensure students know their voices are heard and valued. I want to empower portfolios to engage more deeply with our community, and reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our members. I am committed to strengthening the long-term vitality of the Society, laying the groundwork for future success.

My initiatives:

• Community volunteering opportunities

• Weekly office hours for portfolios and members

• Opportunities for members to attend committee meetings, speak and be heard

• Lowering costs and increasing subsidised opportunities (including merch!)

• Increase funding, events and, initiatives for the representative portfolios

See something missing? Let me know and I will try to make it happen!

With dedication, accountability, and commitment, I will work hard to represent you and create the best experience for all law students. Together, we can have a Society that truly reflects and uplifts its members.

Please vote [1] Grace Staton for Vice President

✨ VOTE [1] JAMES ONGKAUKO for Vice President ✨

I’m James, and for the last year, I’ve had the pleasure of serving as your International Students Representative. I’m currently also your GSA Law Faculty Representative, and have always been working to build strong ties within the MLS community.

As a dedicated member of the community, I have seen the LSS’s potential to support our community firsthand, and it has shown me the importance of a stable, sensible voice to help us get back on track and enhance our law school experience.

I’m running for VP so that I can worry about the LSS’s operations, so you don’t have to! As Vice-President, I promise to:

- Drag resources and support from the GSA building over to MLS

- Ensure that student voices are heard, understood, and acted on

- Get the Pool Cues Fixed

I believe that if I am doing things right, it will feel as if I have never done anything at all. Law school is already a massive challenge; let me take on the parts you don’t see so you don’t have to. By working closely and cohesively with the rest of the council, I will ensure that our needs are felt and your concerns addressed.

Voting Starts Next Week, (6-8th September)

Don’t forget to cast your vote (via the LSS website or the link in your student email)!

TLDR: VOTE [1] JAMES ONGKAUKO for Vice President

Two kittens standing upright, each with the face of Ailee Kim and Gloria Xu edited over the kitten’s head. Both kittens have pink bows added on their heads.

At the top, bold black text reads: “Vote Ailee Kim and Gloria Xu for communications directors!!” Between the kittens, a speech bubble says:“We reply faster than your crush.”

In the bottom right corner, there is a small image of Shrek in pajamas running. At the bottom of the poster, black text reads:“We love clear and unequivocal communication. We will update you whats up in MLS!”

Hey! We’re Elaine and Maria, and we’re excited to be running together for Communications Directors of the MULSS. We understand how important clear, engaging, and accessible communication is for our cohort, and we want to make sure every voice is heard, and every opportunity is shared.

Our vision is to make MULSS communications more transparent, consistent, and engaging. We’ll introduce a weekly digest to cut through the noise, improve social media presence with creative updates, and pilot a communications calendar that maps all events and deadlines at a glance. Most importantly, we want to ensure no student feels left out of the loop, whether it’s about clerkship prep, social events, or wellbeing resources.

We’re committed to making law school communications clearer, friendlier, and more connected. Vote Elaine & Maria for Communications Directors – no hearsay, just clear say.

When I was a kid I would steal Dad’s laptop to write stories. I did not know where they would go, but I knew words could reach beyond me. They could connect and spark something in others. That belief has never left me. It has guided me to the role of Editor of Purely Dicta, where I have had the privilege of curating and sharing the stories of our law school community. Under my editorship, the magazine has reached the highest viewership in its history, read across more than 80 countries — proof of the extraordinary reach of our stories when they are given the right platform!

This passion for communication is why I see myself as a strong candidate for Communications Director. I bring direct experience from working closely with the 2024/2025 Communications portfolio, where I learned first-hand how to balance creativity with strategy. My tutoring in English and Literature has sharpened my ability to write with clarity and persuasion, while my multilingual background in French, Vietnamese, and English allows me to adapt tone and voice across audiences. I also love to post prolifically on Facebook.

As Communications Director, I would bring all of this: storytelling. Detail. Energy. And, most importantly, a strong and memorable voice for our student body.

It’s Tom and Clarita here- Your Future Careers and Development Co-Directors!

Your career journey is unique — and the MULSS Careers Portfolio is here to support you at every step. Whether you’re in first year and just starting to explore, or in later years gearing up to meet professionals, our promise is simple: Student-focused career events designed for you.

From practical workshops and networking nights to panels with industry leaders, we’ll deliver opportunities that are relevant, engaging, and accessible. No matter your stage, you’ll find events that help you build skills, discover pathways, and gain the confidence to take the next step.

We will bring proven experience in student career advising and the commitment to ensuring the Careers Portfolio is all about students – your goals, your needs, your future.

Whether you’re just starting to think about the area of law you’re interested in or you’re ready to meet professionals but just don’t know where – we’re here at any stage of your career, we’re here to help!

Vote for Tom + Clarita for Careers and Development Directors!!

Do you fear the impending start of your working life? 🫵 Wondering how to truly understand a firm’s culture beyond its website? 👩‍🏫 Unsure how to approach networking with professionals? 🤝 Not to worry!

If elected as Careers and Development Director, I will build on the (already impressive) offering to ensure you get the best possible insights into where your career can take you, both in and beyond the legal field.

My name is Kennedy, and like many of you, I’ve faced challenges in finding my path in law. I know firsthand how valuable the LSS Career and Development team has in supporting student with opportunities, resources and confidence, and want to help expand that reach to all.

In this leadership role, I hope to facilitate your connection with the amazing network of professionals both within and outside the walls of the MLS, regularly introducing new areas of law and non-law paths to spark your interest, broaden your horizons and build your skills.

So vote Kennedy, and we can get started :)

Hello, felicitations, and g'day! We're Paul and Lachy, your Careers Officers for 2025, now running to be your Careers Directors for 2026! Over the past year, we’ve organised firm panels, run career events, and made sure you had access to practical advice from across the legal profession. We’ve loved it, and we think we’re a great fit to keep the momentum going next year.

Our goal is to connect you with legal professionals as early as possible. That means more panels featuring practitioners, HR directors and recruitment managers, so you can get the very best insights into your favourite firms (at catered events, of course). Before clerkship season arrives, we’ll hand out free copies of the MULSS Clerkship Guide, packed with career advice from current clerks and law graduates. And in Semester 1, we’ll host Meet the Profession, where you can chat with representatives from dozens of firms.

It won’t be all commercial, either. We’ll feature professionals from the public sector, advocacy and the bar, and the courts. The mission is to help you get wherever you want to go.

If you see us around, feel free to walk up and say hi! We’re always happy to chat.

[Paul Yuan is a second-year JD student with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (Hons), and is studying law to ace his bail hearing. Lachy Downes is a second-year JD student with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), and is forever grateful that his parents did not name him Ben.]

Hi everyone!

We’re Rachel Lee and Yara Kachkouche, and we’re running for Careers and Development Directors. We’re two dedicated and ambitious students who are ready to take on responsibility of this important portfolio and are enthusiastic about helping you make most of your career planning at MLS.

Our objective is to support your career journey by making your time here more practical, integrative and enriching. As current co-opts for Internal and External Competitions, respectively, we’ve gained valuable insight into the workings of the LSS and are eager to bring this experience into the Careers and Development portfolio.

We understand the importance of networking events and panels in shaping your career pathways, and we’re committed to delivering events that are high-quality, diverse and informative. Whether your interests lie in commercial, family or public law, we’ll ensure that our events reflect your interests and aspirations.

Crucially, our role goes beyond event organisation. We’re approachable, receptive and committed to being a genuine point of support for any career concerns or questions you may have.

Together, we promise to create opportunities that are tailored to help you explore and pursue your future in law.

Please take a moment to watch our campaign video to learn more about our vision :)

Sincerely,

Rachel and Yara.

We are so excited to announce that we are running for Education Directors! We have both benefited significantly from the Education Portfolio in our first semester of law school - from the friendships we made in our Pathfinders groups to the life-saving Student Tutorial Service which we could not have gotten through our first exam period without. Experiencing firsthand the positive impact these services have on the law school community has inspired us to run! We are both reliable and organised individuals who want to ensure these valuable services continue to run smoothly and help extend their reach to more students, particularly to those who require extra support.

Additionally, we would love to introduce some new initiatives!

- Extend the Pathfinders program to more regular drop-in sessions throughout semester 1, to facilitate inter-year level support during stressful times.

- Formally organised voluntary peer study groups.

- Annual Education Survey…we want to hear from you!

Ultimately, we will prioritise the voice of the law school community to ensure that these services best support students. What is important to you is important to us. We understand that not every student’s path is linear, therefore we are committed to making Melbourne Law School a place where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. We also aim to engage in constructive dialogue with the faculty to ensure assessment periods run smoothly, balancing demands with mental health considerations.

Please vote for us! We can’t wait to represent you :)

Hi! We’re Grace and Bethany.

Coming from the Tasmanian and Gippsland public school systems, we share a passion for inclusive education and know how much of a difference the right resources and support can make.

● Grace has worked in educational policy at a not-for-profit, contributing to projects on school mental health programs and funding for community-run early education.

● Beth has committed to accessible education by working at Edrolo to improve VCE study resources, and by volunteering as a tutor at the Multicultural Centre for Youth.

We understand how especially important the Education portfolio is for every JD student. We want to be approachable first points of contact for academic issues and strong advocates in discussions with the University.

We’ve got a heap of ideas for the education portfolio in 2026, including facilitating strong STS support earlier in the semester, pushing for flexible alternatives to compulsory attendance, improving and subsidizing the private tutoring platform and establishing a student-based mentoring program.

We’re open to any suggestions or queries, feel free to contact us on facebook messenger or email us at:

gcochrane@student.unimelb.edu.au

bblakeley@student.unimelb.edu.au

Thank you!

We are Alessandra and Hayley and are excited to run for the WAGDI Committee. We are passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering space for all women and gender diverse students.

Together, we bring experience in advocacy, leadership, and community building. Alessandra has worked in peer health promotion, focusing on safer communities, respectful relationships, and psychological wellbeing, while Hayley has worked in a range of community organisations, focusing on social justice, raising awareness and enhancing community connections.

As WAGDI reps, we want to deliver both practical wins and meaningful advocacy.

🌻Safer and more inclusive events, with clear reporting pathways and zero-tolerance for harassment.

🌻 Anonymous feedback channels for women and gender diverse individuals to raise concerns (about classroom issues, events, equity, etc.)

🌻 Networking and mentorship opportunities with women and gender diverse professionals across the legal profession.

🌻 Panels and workshops that centre diverse voices, including First Nations women and gender diverse lawyers, and address issues such as pay equity and progression.

🌻 A welcoming community through breakfasts, small group coffee chats, picnics, and movie nights.

We’d love your support to make MLS more inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all women and gender diverse students.

Vote Alessandra and Hayley [1] for WAGDI Committee on Sept 6–8!

Hi everybody!

If I’m elected as WAGDI representative my focus will be on introducing practical initiatives that make a real difference to student life. A key priority for me is improving safety on campus for all students, especially at night. Many of us stay late in the library or on campus, and no one should feel unsafe leaving after dark. I am committed to advocating for increased security personnel and greater accessibility to safety resources such as the Safe Walk program.

I am a proud intersectional-feminist who is committed to being a WAGDI representative who is trans-inclusive, queer-affirming, disability-minded and dedicated to ensuring that the challenges faced by students of colour, caregivers and underrepresented groups at MLS are addressed. I’m running for WAGDI representative because I believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported and empowered.

It is important to me that we continue to expand access to mentorship programs, increase engagement with the International Women’s Day Panel and ensure that issues affecting WAGDI students are a priority at MLS. I am committed to being a representative who is approachable and attentive. I’m a student you can talk to and who will listen, advocate and act on your concerns.

Together, we can build a law school environment that is not only safer, but friendlier, stronger and more supportive for everyone. Please feel free to reach out or say hello in the hallway!

Take care of yourself throughout the semester,

Vote ① Darcey for WAGDI Representative.

We’re Ambali and Ebby, and we’ve had the privilege of serving as your Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) team this term. This year, we’ve worked together to make MULSS more inclusive, accessible, and representative of all students. From advocating for underrepresented voices to ensuring equity is embedded in MULSS initiatives, our goal has always been to create a culture where fairness and justice guide everything we do.

This year we facilitated the Book Fairy program to help ease financial barriers to students in need, supported the Equitable Ticketing Scheme to make MULSS events more accessible, and organised the Social Justice Lecture to amplify critical conversations. Our focus has been on turning principles of fairness into real, practical action.

We’re passionate about building a law school community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to speak up. Next term, we want to keep strengthening this work by expanding support for students, ensuring equity shapes MULSS decisions, and continuing to amplify your voices.

We’re running as a team because we believe equity and justice aren’t just ideals, they should be at the heart of MULSS, every single day. We know what works and how to make it stronger, and we’re just getting started. Vote [1] for Ambali and Ebby for Equity and Social Justice Directors!

My name is Lila McRae-Palmer and I am running for Equity and Social Justice Director for LSS 2026!

I’ve done my fair share of volunteering since I was 10 years old - in aged care homes, the Red Cross, and sustainability sectors.

I care a lot about making sure people are included in spaces where, for financial, social, and/or cultural reasons, it may not feel so welcoming.

I want to advocate and listen to the feedback of the MULSS students and incorporate people’s wellbeing into the LSS’ function, and be someone that people feel comfortable talking to.

Hi everyone! My name is Tyler Marchiori and I'm running for MULSS Queer Director in 2025/26!

I'm a first-year JD student, a jazz musician by trade and a proud transgender woman. I currently serve as the First-Year Queer Representative with MULSS Queer and have worked alongside our current directors this year to represent the interests of all LGBTQIA+ identifying students within the law school. When I'm not drowning in readings, I volunteer at Fitzroy Legal Service, Transgender Victoria and I run queer-friendly gaming events with AnteikuFGC.

My identity as a trans person is central to why I chose to study law - for me, it's essential that, as an LGBTQIA+ student, you feel that you have a recognised, supported place at Melbourne Law School. Gay, lesbian, trans and nonbinary people have always been part of MLS and its queer students deserve a representative who shows their commitment to queer rep through their actions. My intention, if elected, is to continue representing your interests throughout 2025/26, loudly and proudly, by providing you with opportunities to network with queer legal professionals, connect with each other on campus and have your campus needs heard by someone you trust.

Vote for me on September 6 - 8 via the voting form at www.mulss.com - if you see me on campus, come up and say hi, I'd love to meet you!

Hi everyone, my name is Lee and I’m running to be the MULSS Queer Rep for 2026!

When I first thought about studying law, I worried that my sexual orientation was something I would have to hide in order to succeed in the legal profession. A feeling I’m sure many other queer students have also felt. I want to help change that feeling and show other queer students that they don’t need to choose between authenticity and success in this field.

As Queer Rep, I would work to ensure that every queer student feels a sense of community at MLS and understands the opportunities available to them. My goal is to create spaces where queer students can connect with each other, as well as queer industry professionals to give a glimpse into life after uni. Most importantly, I want to be someone that other queer students can reach out to, whether it’s for advice, advocacy, or just a friendly conversation.

During my undergrad in Gold Coast, I served as a Student Representative and worked hard to ensure that the university was a safe place for all students and that everyone felt that they had a voice – especially other queer students. If elected, I would work to ensure the same for MLS.

I believe my experience, passion, and commitment to the community make me a strong candidate for this role, and I would be honoured to serve as Queer Rep for MULSS in 2026.

Hi ! I am Allie, a first year JD student running for the Environmental Director position within the 2025/26 MULSS Executive Committee.

Sustainability and the environment have always been a passion of mine, with a love for geography, travel and nature inherited from my family’s own enthusiasm towards these areas. Such foundation has shaped the way I view the world, motivating me to seek opportunities that make a tangible difference, whilst striving to educate and challenge myself in every pursuit.

Before commencing the JD, I worked within Lululemon’s sustainability team to lead the roll out of the repairs program across all stores in Australia and New Zealand. This opportunity, whilst daunting for a 21 year old, allowed me to take my knowledge of a circular economy and put it in practice - extending the lifetime of beloved garments, and reinforcing the notion that practical, community driven solutions can create real change.

As Environmental Director I would endeavour to increase accessibility to sustainability, raise awareness about the intersectional dynamic between the law and environment, and ensure that both MULSS and MLS operate responsibly and are held to account for their environmental practices. My goal is to foster a community where feasible, practical changes can be made and sustained.

Hi I’m Kishore, I’m not really sure what to put here so I thought I’d start by sharing one of my less known about and related hobbies of floral arranging (attached below):

I’ve chosen to run for this portfolio as I believe it has so much potential. There is currently a great opportunity to make the portfolios work more visible, creative, and engaging for everyone at law school.

I find that many students I speak to care deeply about the environment, climate change and sustainability, but feel constrained by the lack of opportunity for involvement. I would like to change this. If elected I will bring fresh ideas, including:

🌍 An environmental negotiations competition

🌱 Free Pottery/Bouquet making classes

🌿 New tangible green & sustainability policies

🌸 Free plant giveaways

♻️ Sustainable law school challenges with prizes

My experience: Since primary school I’ve been actively involved in environmental sustainability teams, I’ve also joined climate protests, and have regularly volunteered for initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day.

I’d love to have your support, consider voting for me thanks :))

Vote Kishore [1] !

I am an international student from Brazil with a strong commitment to fostering global connections and supporting diverse communities. My passion for international experiences began early—at just 15, I moved alone to New Zealand. During my undergraduate studies, I completed two academic exchanges, one in Canada and another in Italy, further deepening my understanding of different cultures and educational systems.

At Melbourne Law School, I am particularly dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion. I actively advocate for greater support for international students and for strengthening globalised education opportunities. I believe that the richness of our student body lies in its diversity, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that make all students feel supported, connected, and empowered.

My leadership and teamwork skills have been shaped by varied experiences. Prior to commencing the JD, I worked as a residential advisor, where I promoted student well-being and created a strong, supportive community. I also bring club leadership experience, having served two years as Treasurer and now as Events Officer for the Unimelb Swifties Society, where I organise and deliver engaging events.

At MLS, I aim to strengthen networks among international students by organising monthly Q&As, community events, and networking nights. These initiatives provide guidance on navigating challenges such as visa requirements, balancing study and personal life, and exploring future career opportunities. My goal is to help every student pursue and access international opportunities, while building a lasting, supportive community.

Hey! I’m Olivia, otherwise known as Oli.

Over the past year, I’ve noticed how easy it is for people to feel disconnected. Whether it’s missing out on society sign-ups, not hearing about MLSS events until it’s too late, or finding it difficult to navigate friendship groups. I want to change that.

As your 2L Rep, my priorities are simple:

* Clearer communication so no one misses opportunities to get involved.

* A more inclusive cohort where cliques don’t get in the way of community.

* Better support for students, whether that’s answering questions, raising concerns, or just being someone you can chat to.

I’m organised, proactive, and committed to making the student experience more enjoyable. If you want a representative who listens, takes action, and cares about both the little things and the big picture, I’d love your vote.

Olivia Snodgrass for Second Year Rep!

My name is Millie Bennetts and I am a first-year JD student who excited to be running for Internal Competitions Director in the 2025 MULSS Election.

In my first few weeks at law school, I noticed very quickly how valuable our MLS internal competitions are. Not only do they provide a unique opportunity to sharpen our legal skills and test the content that we learn in real time, it creates a space to connect and grow in confidence. Some of my fondest memories of law school to date are those spent planning, strategising and advocating alongside my First Year Moot team.

If elected, I will continue to advocate for competitions to be an integral part of our JD experience — not just as something to put on the CV, but as a chance to build on skills, meet new peers, and test our intellect beyond the classroom setting.

I would love to serve as your Internal Competitions Director in 2026, to cultivate an engaging and inclusive program for all participants to have a go. I bring strong organisational skills, enthusiasm, and a problem-solving attitude. My goal is to improve the efficacy of the program, making each competition more accessible so that it can be a rich learning experience for all JD students.