Social Justice and Advocacy
Welcome to our page for those interested in Social Justice and Advocacy!
We host events and initiatives targeting social justice issue and, raising awareness of careers within government agencies and in criminal law. Our aim is to provide greater networking and mentoring opportunities with organisations such as Legal Aid and the ODPP.
Upcoming Events
DWL Bar Exam Competition 2025
Walk in my shoes Event
In this year’s panel, sponsored by Allens, the focus is on wellbeing for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary individuals in the law!
This event will be an exciting opportunity for both students and legal practitioners, who are from or are allies to the LGBTQIA+ community, to hear speakers from public and private sectors present their stories and perspectives. With panel discussion, there will additionally be an opportunity to network with the panellists and other attendees.
To be able to attend, register by 4th of September through the link below!
PANELLISTS
DWL is pleased to announce the launch of its Bar Examination Scholarship!
Are you planning to sit the Bar Exam in 2026 or 2027? This is an opportunity for DWL members to win a scholarship to fund the cost of the NSW bar examination. It can also be an opportunity to reflect on your reasons for pursuing the Bar and how your mentors inspired and shaped you into choosing this path!
Register and submit an application here!
View the Competition guidelines here!
Elana Scoufis
Elana is a barrister at Forbes Chambers. She has a particular interest in criminal, administrative and appellate law. Prior to being called to the Bar, Elana was a Trial Advocate at the Aboriginal Legal Service in NSW, and before that at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in the Northern Territory. She has extensive experience appearing in jury and judge-alone trials, sentence hearings, bail applications, appeals, Local Court hearings and commissions of inquiry
Sonam Mahatme
Sonam is Senior Organisational Development Consultant at Allens, where she drives inclusive workplace culture and practices. She practised as a lawyer for several years, focusing on group-action litigation, before transitioning into the culture and inclusion space. Sonam has also worked at the Champions of Change Coalition, advancing gender equality, and supported several community-based projects and organisations within the LGBTQ+ sector. She is passionate about creating spaces where all people feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to thrive.
Olivia Roney
Olivia is an Associate at Johnson Winter Slattery, having previously worked in leading community legal centres, the Human Rights Law Centre and Justice and Equity Centre and in policy at the Australian Pro Bono Centre. She has a background in social impact design and strategy, and is the Chair of Pride by Side, an organisation building the capacity of the LGBTIQ+ sector to better support our community.
PAST EVENTS IN 2024
2023 DWL EVENTS
DWL was excited to launch our mentoring program in 2023, sponsored by Allens!
This program was focussed on supporting and developing diverse women in the early and mid stages of their legal careers.
This initiative was aimed at empowering diverse women in the law by vesting them with practical tips, skills and opportunities to progress professionally.
DWL was thrilled to hold The Barrister Shadow Program and Court Observation Program Induction at DLA Piper on 24 May 2023.
With 31 judicial officers and 45 barristers taking part, the Induction proved to be a wonderful and insightful evening that proved an exciting start to both Programs. We would like to thank our panellists who inspired all attendees and helped make the Induction such a wonderful success.
DWL would also like to thank our wonderful moderators, Aanya Das and Isha Fay, and all volunteers and participants for their help on the day.
2022 DWL EVENTS
