Social Justice

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 2023 guest speaker was Justice Loukas-Karlsson of the ACT Supreme Court). 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 2023 guest speaker was Chief Justice McCallum of the ACT Supreme Court). Discussion varies each year, generally focusing on a contemporary social justice legal issue.

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 Panel

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

Established 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 the ANU and beyond. The program has had around ten pairings each year, and has been steadily expanding over the past few years.

Faces of Law: Podcast series

Previously known as ‘Cultural Diversity in the Law’, the Faces of Law Podcast brings together the Social Justice and Equity portfolios to shed light upon the experiences of marginalised groups within the legal field. This series, consisting of a minimum of four episodes, involves interviews with legal professionals and are a valuable resource for students looking to educate themselves on social justice issues.