The Social Justice Portfolio endeavours to keep all ANU Law students engaged with the issues of equality, opportunity and justice, promoting a culture of compassionate, informed and socially conscious graduates. Through panel events, formal galas, guest speakers and outreach opportunities, this Portfolio provides students with a forum to discuss the ways in which legal education, the legal profession and the law itself deal with minorities, diversity and structural disadvantage.
Gala Events
Women in Law Breakfast
This event is one of the flagship Social Justice events. Students are provided with a delicious breakfast while listening to the presentation of an eminent speaker (the 2018 guest speaker was Gillian Triggs). Discussion addresses current issues surrounding the equitability of women in the legal profession.
Social Justice Dinner
This event is one of the flagship Social Justice events. Students are provided with a fantastic dinner while listening to the presentation of an eminent guest speaker (the 2018 guest speakers were Julian Burnside AO QC and Marion Lê AM). Discussion varies each year, generally focusing on a contemporary social justice legal issue.
International Initiatives
Cambodia: Law in Action
Entering its third year, this student-led program allows 12 ANU Law students to travel to Cambodia to learn about international social justice issues. Students fundraise throughout the year and then visit human rights groups, legal aid organisations, United Nations bodies and local and international courts to learn about their work.
Speaker Panels
LGBTIQ* Issues in the Law
This has proven to be an increasingly popular event on the ANU LSS calendar. This event involves a panel discussion with guest speakers including ANU Academics and other distinguished guests. Discussion focuses on contemporary LGBTIQ* issues in the law and legal profession, and may cover issues pertaining to gender roles, gender identities, sexualities, and other related topics.
Social Justice Careers Evening
Organised in collaboration with the Careers Portfolio, this event aims to explore legal careers with a Social Justice focus. The event involves a panel discussion, with previous guest speakers working for legal organisations such as Canberra Community Law, Department of Public Prosecution and the Australian Government Solicitor.
Local Initiatives
Social Justice Mentoring Program
Newly implemented in 2018, this program is designed for law students who are passionate about social justice, and aims to assist and inspire students to pursue meaningful social justice law careers during their studies at ANU and beyond. In 2018, there were 11 pairings, and with high levels of student interest, it is expected that this program will expand substantially over the next year.