2024 Volunteer Recognition program

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The Law Society of NSW is pleased to announce the launch of our Volunteer Recognition Program. This initiative recognises and celebrates the dedication of legal professionals who generously volunteer their time and expertise in support of Law Society programs and initiatives.

By volunteering, lawyers not only contribute to the professional development of aspiring young legal minds and emerging legal leaders, they also enhance their own skills in mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.

Volunteer of the Month for September: Laith Hijazin

Laith (Leo) Hijazin

Join us in recognising Mr Laith (Leo) Hijazin’s outstanding contribution to the 2024 Mock Law Competition. Leo is a Senior Solicitor and Crown prosecutor for Transport for NSW and volunteers in both our Mock Trial and Mock Mediation competition. He wishes to provide young aspiring students who want to become lawyers or barristers with a glimpse into the field of advocacy and dispute resolutions via mediation.

When asked what motivates him to volunteer for this competition, Leo told us, “Witnessing the students' passion and determination during the competition was truly rewarding, and I enjoyed sharing insights with them after the mock trials. It is those students that will in the years to come, act upon a call to the profession. It is an honour and privilege to volunteer for a cause I am truly passionate about.”

We thank Leo for his unwavering support and for generously lending us his time and expertise to facilitate the competition.

If you wish to join as a volunteer and learn more about our high school programs, click here.

Previous Volunteers of the Month

Volunteer of the Month for July: Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade

A very big congratulations to Matthew Wade for his outstanding contribution to the 2024 Mock Trial competition.

Matthew spent 16 years with the NSW Police and in January 2023, he accepted a role with Legal Aid NSW in the Criminal Law Division, Inner City Local Courts Team.

He is currently the Acting Senior Solicitor at the Downing Centre Local Court and has been Volunteering as a magistrate and writing scripts for both our Mock Trial and Mediation competition.

When asked what motivates him to volunteer for the Mock Law competition, Matthew told us, "I know the students put in a lot of effort to present as real of a mock trial as they can, so it is only fair they get to have experienced and knowledgeable volunteer magistrates, to give their hard work the equivalent attention, appreciation and feedback”.

Volunteering opportunities

 

Mentoring program

The Law Society's Mentoring Program is open to all those wishing to share their knowledge, skills, and experience to help one another develop and grow, from students seeking advice on how to begin their career right through to those nearing the end of their practice.

As a mentor, you can develop your leadership, coaching and interpersonal skills, gain a fresh perspective from younger members of the profession and the opportunity to impact the career development of another person positively.

To learn more about the program visit here.
 

Mock Law

Running since 1981, the Law Society's Mock Trial and Mediation competition aim to introduce high school students to the NSW judicial system and immerse them in a true-to-life legal experience. Participating students gain invaluable knowledge through the program, learning the intricacies of the legal system, honing their critical thinking, and cultivating their public speaking abilities. You can learn more about either competition here.

The Mock Law competition would not be possible without the assistance of volunteer members of the profession who dedicate their time and expertise to act as Mock Trial Magistrates and Mock Mediation Adjudicators. As part of the Volunteer Recognition Program, we will be featuring one Volunteer of the Month on our social media platforms and providing them a complimentary pass to the 2024 Annual Conference in October. Nominations will be open for participating schools to vote for their favourite Magistrate or Adjudicator.  This volunteer of the year will be cordially invited to be a part of our 2024 Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony in December.

If you're interested in volunteering for the 2024 Mock Law program, you can register here.

 

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER 

NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER
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