2026 Past Events
The Western Sydney University School of Law and the University of Palermo Department of Law held their first Joint Research Workshop in Palermo, Italy, from 9 to 11 September 2026. The workshop focused on the theme of intergenerational fairness and brought together academics from both institutions for three days of research discussion and collaboration.
The workshop examined the responsibilities that current generations may hold toward both past and future generations and how these responsibilities could be reflected in law, policy and public institutions. Discussions considered issues across public and private law, including democratic representation, duties of care, contractual fairness, governance and the protection of future interests.
The program also explored broader challenges affecting fairness between generations, including climate risk, technological change, demographic shifts, housing, health, education and the distribution of resources and opportunities. The workshop provided an opportunity to strengthen research links between the two law schools and support further collaboration between Western Sydney University and the University of Palermo.
The School of Law hosted a public talk and panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence could be used to improve access to justice and help address the global justice gap. Professor Philippa Webb KC from the University of Oxford delivered the public talk, examining the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in legal and justice settings. The talk considered how emerging technologies could support access to justice while also raising important questions about responsible development, implementation and oversight.
The presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Professor Athula Ginige, Dr Jacinta Sassine and Dr Armin Alimardani. The discussion brought together perspectives from law, technology and artificial intelligence and considered how AI tools could be developed in ways that were practical, sustainable and responsive to the needs of the people and communities they were intended to serve.
The Sir James Martin Criminal Law Moot Competition is a prestigious annual inter-university competition between the Western Sydney University School of Law and the University of Sydney Law School. Established in 2025, the competition honours the legacy of Sir James Martin QC, one of New South Wales' most distinguished legal and political leaders, who served as Premier, Attorney-General, and Chief Justice of New South Wales. The moot provides law students with a unique opportunity to develop and showcase their criminal law advocacy skills while appearing before senior members of the judiciary and legal profession. Through rigorous legal argument and courtroom simulation, participants gain valuable practical experience and strengthen their professional development in the field of criminal law.
The 2026 First Year High Achievers Award Ceremony is always one of the School’s favourite events each year, and this year’s celebration was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the School’s outstanding first year students and the excellent start they have made to their legal studies. Bringing together students, staff, members of the judiciary, alumni, and friends of the School, the evening recognised hard work, dedication, and the promise of the next generation of legal professionals. Guests were especially honoured to hear from former High Court Justice the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG and Bartier Perry Partner and Western Sydney University alumna Lian Chami, who each shared personal reflections on their careers and thoughtful advice for students beginning their own journeys in law. A special congratulations was also extended to all First Year High Achievers.
Hosted at the Female Orphan School on Parramatta South Campus, this special address by Tony McAvoy SC was both engaging and deeply insightful, inviting students to think carefully about the enduring nature of First Nations laws, legal traditions, and systems of governance that have existed on this continent for tens of thousands of years. A Wirdi man from Central Queensland and a leading Senior Counsel in native title, land rights, environmental law, human rights, discrimination law, and criminal law, Tony connected historical truths with contemporary legal questions in a way that was compelling, generous, and inspiring. Students were captivated by the depth of his knowledge, his reflections on justice and community, and his commitment to advancing justice through the law. The School is also incredibly proud that Tony serves as an Ambassador for Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence, where his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to Indigenous self determination continue to champion this important initiative.
The launch of International Law and the Regulation of Protest, edited by Professor Azadeh Dastyari and Associate Professor Maria O’Sullivan, offered a timely and thoughtful exploration of the international legal framework governing protest through a human rights lens. Providing scholarly insight into issues central to Australian and global public life, the event featured a keynote address by Professor Sarah Joseph of Griffith University on Protest and International law, followed by a panel discussion with Professor Dastyari, Andrea Olivares Jones, and Associate Professor O’Sullivan, moderated by Professor Christopher Michaelsen. The launch brought together academic expertise and contemporary legal debate, creating a valuable space for reflection on the role of protest, rights, and the law in democratic societies.
The NSW Attorney-General, The Hon. Michael Daley MP, delivered the Western Sydney School of Law Annual Attorney-General’s Address, offering students a powerful insight into how law is made and how it impacts the individuals and communities it is designed to serve. Speaking on measures introduced to protect victims of domestic and family violence, and the work still to be done, the address was both sobering and inspiring. For students, the message was clear: law is not only a profession, but a responsibility.
Judge Sophia Beckett of the District Court of NSW visited the School of Law for a powerful and practical address to Criminal Law students and members of the Faculty on sentencing in NSW and the relevance of a history of social disadvantage. Drawing on her work with the Bugmy Bar Book Project Committee, Her Honour guided students through the difficult judicial task of crafting an appropriate sentence, what makes a strong sentencing argument, and the significant impact of Bugmy v The Queen on the sentencing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and others experiencing disadvantage. First Year Criminal Law students in both the LLB and JD programs had a front row seat to this rich discussion, with a vibrant Q&A rounding out the afternoon. Judge Beckett’s visit reflected the School’s ongoing commitment to offering a legal education that blends theory with opportunities to learn about law in action from expert practitioners.
The Post Graduate Dinner brought together JD, GDAML, Masters students, academics, and the WSLSA for an evening of celebration in the heart of Parramatta. Over shared food and lively conversation, attendees reflected on their journeys and strengthened the professional and social networks that support postgraduate success.
Hosted by Western Sydney University School of Law at the Whitlam Institute, this engaging and student‑focused conversation with Justice Mark Leeming, Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of NSW and a leading scholar in equity and commercial law, offered thoughtful reflections on his journey from the Bar to the Bench. Students gained valuable insight into advocacy, judicial reasoning, and the intellectual rigour required in legal practice, while also hearing Justice Leeming’s perspective on the changing legal landscape, including the impact of artificial intelligence. His remarks highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead, reinforcing the importance of strong foundational skills, critical thinking, and adaptability for the next generation of legal professionals.
Our Campbelltown First Year Lunch brought students and academics together over shared catering and conversation. The event strengthened the growing community on the campus and recognised students’ achievements in their early weeks of study.
The First Year Lunch celebrated students’ successful transition into university life, offering a relaxed space to meet peers and reconnect with academics. Recognising that the move into university, and legal study in particular, brings new independence, opportunities, and plenty of reading, it was a joyful chance to pause, celebrate progress, and build bonds across the School community. With an energetic icebreaker and prizes up for grabs, the event fostered a sense of belonging while keeping everyone well fed and smiling.
Our First Year Orientation welcomed the newest cohort with an engaging presentation from School academics, Judge Humphreys, and the WSLSA, offering insights into the legal profession and strategies for success. It was an O Week for the ages, with the Parramatta auditorium packed and an energised audience responding warmly when the Dean reflected on the greater need for lawyers who are courageous, committed to the Rule of Law, and determined to make Australia fairer and freer. Students then enjoyed refreshments and conversations with staff, forming early connections that will support them throughout their studies. The Justice Clinic’s “guess the lollies” challenge added a fun touch while showcasing the Clinic’s important work.
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