Events and Workshops
Upcoming Events
First Joint Research Workshop WSU School of Law and University of Palermo Law Department on "Intergenerational Fairness"
Intergenerational fairness addresses whether and to what extent each generation bears duties toward past and future generations, and whether those generations (including those not yet born) possess enforceable rights that should shape present policies and institutions. There is a growing need for a policy framework that integrates an intergenerational perspective across education and labour market policies, wealth accumulation and redistribution, housing affordability, health and well-being, environmental protection, and the design of public institutions and services — especially in the face of accelerating technological change, climate risk, demographic shifts and changing public preferences. Because the issue spans normative philosophy, economics, sociology and several branches of law, an interdisciplinary approach is required: public law questions (the social contract, the state’s duty of care, democratic representation) intersect with private law concerns (contractual fairness, remedies, fiduciary duties) and governance tools (impact assessments, institutional representation for future interests).
View Program
In 2027, the School of Law launches a new curriculum. We are delighted to invite members of the legal profession, the academy, and students, to join us in celebrating the launch of a program designed to prepare graduates for the realities of legal practice in a time of profound transition.
The keynote address will be delivered by the Honourable Justice Jeremy Kirk, Chair of the Legal Qualifications Committee of the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW. His Honour’s address will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives of the legal profession and members of the Faculty. There will be refreshments to follow.
Date: 16 October, 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 1PSQ, Level 9, Conference Room 3&4
RSVP: Please advise of any accessibility, interpreting or dietary requirements when registering.
About the event
Law schools face clear imperatives in the age of AI:
- to produce employable graduates who are familiar with and who can collaborate with AI tools that are now common and essential in legal practice
- to educate students to think critically and independently.
Navigating the tension between collaborating with AI and maintaining legal knowledge, analysis and skills is an urgent task for law schools.
Law schools must also confront several equally important questions that until recently have received far less attention:
- how to go beyond legal theory and doctrine and integrate into the curriculum fundamental practical legal skills that employers expect of graduate lawyers
- how to inculcate in students the moral capabilities and ethical judgment that will enable lawyers to defend the rule of law and the role of the legal profession in a democratic society
- how to support the wellbeing of students and enable them to flourish in a time of crisis, economic uncertainty, and historic levels of distrust for institutions.
At Western Sydney University School of Law, our approach to these issues is shaped by our place in the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious region in Australia; by our recognition that we must respond with determination and measured urgency to the circumstances of our time; and by the character and aspirations of our extraordinary students.
We have pioneered a new curriculum and approach to legal education that elevates the essential “human skills” that distinguish excellent lawyers and that employers consistently tell us they value most: clear, empathetic and persuasive communication; the ability to think critically and strategically without over-relying on AI; the capacity to exercise ethical judgment, honed through exposure to real-world problems; deep understanding of the global context in which law operates; an orientation to technology that not only develops proficiency with the AI tools of today, but which also gives students the confidence to adapt to and use technological tools that have not yet been created.
We look forward to sharing our program with partners in the legal profession, fellow academics, members of the business community in Western Sydney and beyond, and new and current students. For students, this evening is also an opportunity to meet practitioners and learn how the new curriculum connects to careers in law.
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Past Events
The Pacific’s Cyber Infrastructures: Detangling Regulatory Tensions Amongst Multiple Actors - Friday 28 November 2025
Inaugural James Martin Moot between Western Sydney University School of Law and Sydney Law School - Tuesday 2 December 2025
An annual moot between students from the oldest law school in Australia, Sydney Law School, and students from the most diverse and dynamic law school in Australia, Western Sydney University School of Law. We are very grateful to the Hon. Andrew Bell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, for conceiving the idea, agreeing to be one of the judges, and providing the facilities of the Banco Court as the venue. This event was sponsored by Mistry Fallahi Lawyers. One of the firm’s partners, Ehsan Fallahi, is a proud graduate of Western Sydney University School of Law.
The Moot is fittingly named after Sir James Martin (1820–1886). Sir James was Premier of NSW, Attorney-General, and Chief Justice of NSW. Born in Ireland, he and his family relocated to Parramatta in 1821. After attending the Dame’s School at Parramatta, he gained entry to Sydney College (now Sydney Grammar School), walking 20 km each day from Parramatta to the city to attend school.
As Premier, Sir James improved educational opportunities in NSW and supported the establishment of the University of Sydney. It is wonderful to recognise Sir James’s connection to Parramatta, his contribution to the legal profession, and his commitment to public education, through a competition named in his honour.
The event was followed by a reception in the foyer of the Banco Court.
Attorney-General's Address: The Hon Michael Daley MP - 20 May 2026
This address is a significant moment in our calendar, providing a forum for engagement between the academy, the profession and public law leadership on contemporary issues of law, governance and responsibility. Past speakers include the Hon. Judith Collins MP, Attorney-General of New Zealand; the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, federal Attorney-General; and the Hon Gabrielle Upton, NSW Attorney General.
The 2026 Sir James Martin Criminal Law Moot Competition brings together outstanding law students from Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney to compete in a prestigious inter-university mooting competition held at the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Named in honour of Sir James Martin QC, former Premier, Attorney-General and Chief Justice of New South Wales, the competition celebrates excellence in legal advocacy, critical thinking, and the pursuit of justice.
Guests will witness talented student advocates argue a complex criminal law problem before an eminent judicial bench, showcasing the next generation of legal professionals. The evening also provides a unique opportunity for students, academics, members of the legal profession, alumni, and invited guests to engage with the legal community in one of New South Wales' most iconic legal settings.
Whether you are a legal professional, student, alumni member, or supporter of legal education, this event offers an inspiring celebration of advocacy, scholarship, and professional excellence.
Join the Western Sydney University School of Law for a public talk and panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence can help advance justice. Professor Philippa Webb KC, Director of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice at the University of Oxford, will discuss how AI can help close the global justice gap, the benefits and risks of AI in the courtroom, and the principles that can guide its responsible deployment.
The talk will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the challenges and solutions for building AI tools that are impactful, sustainable, and meaningful to the individuals who use them.
Speakers
- Professor Philippa Webb KC, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, Director, Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice
- Professor Athula Ginige, School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University
- Dr Jacinta Sassine, School of Law, Western Sydney University
- Dr Armin Alimardani, School of Law, Western Sydney University
Past Alumni Events
Thursday 4 December, 5:30pm-7:30pm in the Banco Court Reception Foyer, Supreme Court of NSW
The final event of the year is specifically for our alumni. We invite alumni to join us in the reception area of the Banco Court in the Supreme Court building in Phillip Street, to reconnect with former classmates and lecturers in a celebration of all that the School of Law has achieved in its 30 years.
More details will be released here later in the year and we will also be sending individual invitations to alumni.
