The Law Society of NSW Student Ambassador Program was introduced in 2023 and provides an opportunity for law students of all years and from across NSW to work alongside the Law Society of NSW and provide feedback and input towards future projects and strategy to ensure the Law Society of NSW continues to meet the needs of law students throughout their studies and as they transition from student to professional. 

Student Ambassadors are appointed annually for a term of one year. Please find below details of our 2024 Student Ambassadors. 

Feng-Emily Lizzio, Macquarie University 

Feng-Emily (Emily) is a Commerce and Laws student at Macquarie University. She is immersed in the legal sector as a Disputes paralegal at Ashurst, and will be joining the firm’s 2023/2024 clerk cohort. 

Emily was included in the Financial Review's Top 100 Future Leaders in Law of 2023, in EY's NextGen Women Top 10.

Throughout university, she has gained leadership experience as Vice-President and Events Director across two societies, and has honed her professional skillset by competing in seven grand/semi finals across various institutions.

In her free time, you'll find Emily in the ocean, soccer pitch, or ice rink.
 

Ella Spencer, Macquarie University

Ella is currently in her fourth year of an Arts/Laws double degree at Macquarie University in Sydney and works part time as a law clerk.

She actively engages in political extracurriculars and is currently a member of the Youth Advisory Council to the U.S. Consulate in Sydney where she provides advice on the socio-political concerns of the Australian Youth.

In 2022, Ella was the President of the Macquarie University United Nations Society (MUNS) and volunteered at the 10th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights.

She has a personal passion for international law and enjoys engaging in lively debate on global issues.

Mary Charbel Khater, University of Notre Dame Australia

Mary Charbel is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor Arts (Politics and Journalism) at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

She hopes to use her law degree to help and assist the most vulnerable members in our community gain the justice they deserve and desire. 

Prithi Sakthi Sivabalan, University of Sydney 

Prithi is a penultimate-year law student at the University of Sydney with a passion for law that spans both not-for-profit and commercial sectors.

Her volunteer experience at Redfern Legal Centre has been instrumental in improving client experience at the centre during COVID, reflecting her commitment to make a positive impact in the community. 

Simultaneously, Prithi has a keen interest in commercial law, where she's driven to understand the intricate workings of the business world.

In her leisure time, she loves a good swim at the beach, dancing with her team, painting, and spending time with family and friends.

Rebecca Yetman, University of Sydney 

Rebecca is studying law and arts at the University of Sydney, with a major in criminology. Her background is Kiwi and Canadian, and she was born and raised in Hong Kong.

Rebecca plans to pursue a career in criminal law. She currently works as an Administration Officer at the Aboriginal Legal Service, where she previously volunteered on the Supreme Court Bails Team.

As Student Ambassador, she hopes to advocate for better mental health support and facilitate accessible networking opportunities for students.

Outside of her studies, Rebecca enjoys playing the drums, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.

Hugh Marshall, University of New England

Hugh is currently studying the LLB at the University of New England, finishing his Honours research. He lives in Grafton, northern NSW, and has studied the entirety of his degree online. After completing his studies, Hugh hopes to eventually become a barrister and a law lecturer.

Hugh says that before admission, he didn't understand what studying or practising law involved, but was immediately fascinated by it. That delight in the law has continued, almost never dampened, throughout the degree. He is thrilled at the prospect of being involved in helping others -law students, pre-law students or anyone else- learn something of what it means to be a lawyer, how to become one, and how to gain practical experience as a gateway into the profession.

Nicola Breen, University of New England 

Nicola (Nicky) is not a typical law student, if such a thing exists. A single mum of two, with a busy full time first career as a senior media and communications adviser for government, law is her second career. She’s aiming to work in defamation, IP and media law and is one of the Ambassadors for the University of New England.

Her focus is helping students who are studying law in a non-traditional way. She wants  to break down barriers to employment for students who are still in their first careers as they transition into their second. 

Lina Zaioor, University of New South Wales

Lina is a student at UNSW, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics. Lina has been nominated twice as a finalist for the “Law Student of the Year” Award at both the Australian Law Awards and the Women in Law Awards.

Lina has also published an article in the Competition and Consumer Law Journal and is currently a Law Clerk at King & Wood Mallesons. Through her role as Student Ambassador, Lina hopes to highlight the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within the law student body while fostering a supportive legal community.

Daphne Fong, University of New South Wales

Daphne Fong is a Bachelor of Laws and Arts (Politics and International Relations) student at the University of New South Wales, currently working as a litigation paralegal at Marque Lawyers. She will soon commence a summer clerkship at King & Wood Mallesons. Daphne's legal interests span across commercial law, international law, and human rights.

In 2023, Daphne was recognised as the Law Student of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards. As a former UNICEF Young Ambassador, she demonstrated a strong commitment to amplifying youth voices and promoting leadership in global initiatives. Daphne also volunteers with The Étoile Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving women's health and hygiene.

As a NSW Law Society Ambassador, she is passionate about using her platform to encourage her peers to engage with the Society’s programs and promote greater involvement in the legal profession's future.

Rachel Yang, University of Technology Sydney 

Rachel is a UTS LLB graduate completing her PLT. She completed placements with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the Environmental Defenders Office, and has previously volunteered with Salvos Legal, NTSCORP and B Inspiring.

Rachel has a relentless passion for driving social empowerment initiatives, and believes that 'If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.' - Toni Morrison. She became a Student Ambassador in order to contribute ideas towards positive change and support for students on their law journey.

Siobhan Heywood, University of Wollongong 

Siobhan is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology at the University of Wollongong.

As a law student with a non-traditional background, and who is incredibly passionate about her peers and their experiences in law school, Siobhan is very excited to help facilitate more connections between the Law Society and her fellow students.

Jude Davenport, University of Wollongong 

Jude is a final year student at the University of Wollongong and will soon graduate with a double degree in Commerce (Economics) and Law. He currently works part-time as a Law Clerk at the Australian Government Solicitor in Sydney and also tutors at his University through their Indigenous Tailored Access Program.

As Student Ambassador, Jude hopes that no matter how young or old, new or experienced, fellow students can reach out to him with any questions or concerns. He hopes to connect more students with the NSW Law Society so they can be more informed and supported with not only getting through law school, but also exploring the wonderful opportunities that lie beyond graduating.

Outside of his studies, Jude enjoys martial arts, soccer, bushwalks and listening to podcasts.

Caroline Grumley, Western Sydney University 

Caroline is in her fourth year at Western Sydney University, pursuing Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English. Caroline also works full-time as an Access to Justice Officer and Paralegal at the Law Society of New South Wales.

She is a passionate student and advocate, committed to amplifying student voices in the legal profession, particularly in promoting pro bono work. This commitment led to her being named a finalist for Law Student of the Year in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2024.

Caroline’s goal as an ambassador is to foster an environment where students feel comfortable reaching out to her as a point of contact for the Law Society, specifically to seek early career guidance and support.

Shobha Venkatachalam, Western Sydney University 

Shobha is a penultimate year law student undertaking her Honours at Western Sydney University.

She is very keen to advocate for the needs of law students and communicate these to the Law Society of NSW whilst also providing information to her fellow students on the support and opportunities that the Law Society of NSW has to offer. 

She passionate about using the law as a vehicle to help people, especially those from vulnerable quarters of society, and achieving equitable outcomes. Shobha also has a strong interest in mental health and wellbeing in the law.

In addition to continuous learning and volunteering, she has a passion for music, languages, and writing.