The WSLSA Monthly
May 2026
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which the Western Sydney Law Students’ Association was founded, the Dharug people.
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to their cultures, and elders, past, present, and emerging.
NEW MONTH? NEWSFLASH!
As Playboi Carti once said, “Wake up! It’s the first of the month!” And this month, I’ll be bringing you another freshly curated selection of all the news, social events and emails that you ’ ve either missed, meant or minded Hope you ’ ve all had quite the month: whether that was hanging out at the Mid Semester Mingle last week or catching up on some readings. Haven’t had a chance to read up on what was going on last month? Check out last month’s issue here and enjoy all of April’s highlights.
A huge thanks to everyone who has read last month’s issue, by the way It was a thrill getting to take note of all the incredible opportunities in store for the School of Law at Western Sydney University. And now welcoming with the same enthusiasm: May!
I don’t know about you, but the sudden chill always has me reaching for a hot chocolate or a vanilla latte at Piccolo Me on my way to absolutely crushing every answer in class before pulling a group study session later on in golden hour light and cozy sweats before Winter officially hits If this month also has you turning on your ‘academic weapon ’ Spotify playlist and celebrating finishing work with your comfort movie, then this issue is just for you.
This month’s theme will definitely appeal to a more industry-minded and ambitious cohort: so, look out for webinars, day-in-the-lifes and clerkship opportunities as you ’ re reading along.
Without further ado, here is this month’s recap on what’s going on at the School of Law.
01/05/2026
EVENTS AND NEWS
NOTHING MID ABOUT THE MID SEMESTER MINGLE!
Reporting to you live from the following day, the Mid-Sem Mingle had been an absolute hit! A big thanks to all 65 guests who turned up to The Commercial on April 24 and especially to First Nations Inclusion Officer Teisha Cloos for making such an unforgettable night, well... unforgettable. I’m sure after an evening of filling food, fizzy drinks and chaotic games, we’ll have much to look forward to with our next array of events lined up for 2026. th
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS’ CHARITY BALL
The NSW Young Lawyers Charity Ball is a can’t miss event for students with a taste for networking and dressing to the nines. This is a ‘Venetian Masquerade’ themed soiree taking place on Friday, May 8 from 6:00pm-10:00pm at the Wentworth Ballroom in Sofitel Sydney Wentworth While tickets are sold out as of this issue’s release, just know that next issue will be spotlighting the highlights of the event and the power of networking across the legal sector th
PEER ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS
DWL ROADSHOW EVENT
On Monday May 18 , Diverse Women in Law will be treating students to a panel led by Professor Catherine Renshaw, Dean of Law, along with representatives from DWL and Norton Rose Fulbright If you ’ re hoping to hear all about navigating the legal industry, bridging gaps, underrepresentation and intersectionality, then you’ll want to be there at Parramatta South Campus from 5:30pm to 8:00pm Look out for upcoming updates and get that RSVP in before May 15 More details to follow soon... so definitely check out our socials...
If you ’ re looking to boost your marks this semester, look no further than PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions): one (1) hour sessions reviewing the past week’s content, facilitated by someone who received a High Distinction grade for the subject, guaranteed to help you PASS (get it, PASS?) your class with flying colours. Sessions are available this semester for the following subjects:
LAWS2003 (Contracts)
LAWS2004 (Criminal Law)
LAWS1001 (Enterprise Law)
LAWS1003 (Fundamentals of Australian Law) And others!
01/05/2026
EVENTS AND NEWS
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: LAWUNO
Uno: it’s the first number you count in Spanish, and it’s the first network you can count on If you ’ re looking for a membership with innovative approaches to the legal profession, then look no further than LawUno! Sign up yourself to exclusive opportunities in connections, careers and more at https://www.lawuno.com/
WSLSA CLERKSHIP NIGHT 2026
Get ready to meet your favourite law firms’ favourite law firm. Penultimate and final year students: Clerkship Night is fast approaching us, with details to be confirmed in coming weeks. Meet the following sponsor firms: Herbert Smith Freehill Kramer, Ashurst, MinterEllison, Gilbert + Tobin, Hall & Wilcox, Mallesons, HWL Ebsworth and Clayton Utz, and experience an open stall session with materials on recruitment and information. The dynamism from this event will be accompanied by a panel, led by the WSLSA’s Education and Publications Directors, Emily Rough and Fatmah Al Shamri. So, expect on top of all that a Q&A on all things clerkships, recruitment and practice and hope to see you there!
PATHWAYS IN LAW
This month, LSNSW is kicking off their inaugural Pathways in Law series with a sojourn into Private Practice on the 11 . This will be an online session, hosted from 12:00pm-1:00pm and is free for members. If you’d like to register, check out the link below: th https://www lawsociety com au/events/s tudent-events/pathways-law
A DAY IN THE LIFE...
MORE THAN A SMILE AND A WAVE- WHAT DO STUDENT AMBASSADORS DO?
We’re switching things up this month with another fulllength article because it’s been ages (I say as the last article was written in March). If you ’ ve been reading your emails on April 7 , you’ll know that Student Ambassador applications were released and closed on the 12 As a Student Ambassador myself, I’d like to give applicants and everyone else a glimpse into what goes on at the workplace Being a Casual Student Ambassador for Western Sydney University is more than just smiling and giving directions at Welcome Week, instead its about focusing on facilitating a safe, fun and inclusive environment for students Here’s what successful applicants can expect, as told by myself and co-workers Maryana Khoshoba (WSLSA’s Secretary) and Wael Arabi (WSLSA’s Vice-President): th th
6:00am- I’ve been offered and have accepted an Academy U shift at Parramatta South Campus, starting at 8:30 I get up, do my morning routine and get dressed in my red WSU uniform with a quick email briefing over a light breakfast.
7:00am- Commute Between the bus, the train and the light rail, a quick touch up to keep me looking my best for the promotional photos and a high-energy playlist keep me mentally prepared to face over 100 students in a lecture theatre.
8:00am- Arrive on campus If I’m not headed to Piccolo Me, I’m greeting my supervisor and early-bird co-workers and helping unpack boxes whilst looking through the briefing clipboard and waiting to greet students whilst the rest of the team arrives
9:00am- All participating schools have arrived and have been ushered in. It isn’t unusual to spot your high school at these events and say hello to some new faces and offer a few tips: a few icebreakers to get to know the ambassadors and sorting students into activity groups for a campus tour and we ’ re ready for our one (1) hour tour.
11:00am- Recess Finally! I answer a few questions some students had about courses (my favourite questions are always about law) before I catch up with my fellow ambassadors over some fries or sushi. They’ve all enjoyed themselves and get along with their groups amazingly
11:30am- Head back in and join the students for two (2) seminars on university prep and success skills.
12:30pm- Lunch Everyone’s favourite part of the day, other than recess Need I say more?
1:00pm- Final workshop This will usually be either a creative activity or a ‘Meet the Professor’ session since everyone ’ s exhausted from the day’s programme.
2:00pm- Evaluations Now that the day’s over, the team likes to play some games with students and get their feedback via the QR on the screen. The ambassador team stays back to pack up before a timely end time at 2:30pm. All in all, it’s always a good day when students walk away from you with all the questions answered and a new friend
01/05/2026
EMAILS FROM THE SOL
WESTLAW WEBINARS!
Another month of assignments means another month of research, and we all know that Distinction papers are always the ones that do their research and do it good WestLaw Webinars are still on for this month, including a program of: Monday 11 May- Introduction to Legal Research with WestLaw Precision th Tuesday 12 May- Developing Case Law Research Skills th Wednesday 13 May- The Complete Guide to Legislation and Secondary Sources th Tuesday 19 May- AI in Legal Research th Wednesday 20 May- Applied Legal Research Skills Workshop th
Interested? Check out https://trainingaem thomsonreuters com/au/webinars
BECOME A JUDGE’S ASSOCIATE AT THE FCFCOA!
Looking for a practical, part-time position that hones your skills in research and drafting and makes an impact? Have I got something for you! If you haven’t read last issue’s sneak peek, not to worry. You’ll be working to help judges manage the courtroom on a day-to-day basis, learning from personnel in the judiciary and receiving structured induction to help accommodate to the role. Interested in family law? Division 1 is just for you, hearing complex family law matters and appeals. Looking for broader opportunities? Division 2 has your back in migration, human rights, consumer law and so much more. Scan the QR code or go to https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/careers to find your opportunity today!
PARALEGAL OPPORTUNITY:
Sellanes Farasat Immigration is offering an opportunity for work! Ideal applicants have completed electives in migration law If this is your sign to apply, please contact: carlos@sellanesclark com with an outline of interest, relevant experience and a copy of your CV
CLOSING REMARKS
The early bird gets the worm, but the even earlier bird gets a sneak peek to the June 2026 Issue Expect all things Pathways in Law, exams, the Young Lawyers’ Charity Ball and a conversation with Leeming J. But shhh! You didn’t hear it from me.... On a more serious note, it’s always such an incredible feeling being on campus and seeing for yourself all the amazing things going on at the School of Law. If I was in my first year of law all over again, I would have definitely wanted to write about the First Year Law Lunch. But then again, today is a gift which is why they call it the present. And there’s no greater present than seeing first-hand all the amazing things you do.
If you have any inquiries, please feel free to refer to the following emails on this page.
If you have any topics or events which relates to law students that you think would be useful to know, contact the Publications Director.
Until next month,
Fatmah Al Shamri
Publications Director
POINTS OF CONTACT
Executive Team
President: president@wslsa.com.au
Vice-president: vicepresident@wslsa com au
Treasurer: treasurer@wslsa.com.au
Secretary: secretary@wslsa.com.au
Directors
Publications: publications@wslsa com au
Education: education@wslsa com au
Engagement: engagement@wslsa.com.au
Marketing: marketing@wslsa.com.au
Marketing Vice-director: marketing@wslsa com au
Social Justice Officers
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion: queer@wslsa com au First Nations Inclusion: firstnations@wslsa.com.au
International Inclusion: international@wslsa.com.au
Disability Inclusion: disability@wslsa com au
Competitions Sub-committee
President: competitions@wslsa com au
Vice-president: intervarsity@wslsa.com.au
Vice-president (Internal): mooting@wslsa com au
Officers
Ordinary Officers: ordinaryofficers@wslsa com au
May 2026