Your contributions empower future legal leaders
Read how your contributions helped students achieve remarkable things at home and abroad.
2024 has seen the resurgence of international student competitions, with students enthusiastically working to perfect their skills and foster strong connections in competitive environments.
One standout event was the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the largest moot court contest in the world, attracting participants from law schools in more than 100 countries.
This year, a talented team of four students proudly represented Victoria in Washington, D.C. for Jessup 2024—fifth-year students Thomas Pope-Kerr, Olivia Thornton, and Joseph Hewson and fourth-year student George Curzon-Hobson.
With months of preparation under their belts and exceptional guidance from their coaches, Professor Alberto Costi, Dr Marnie Lloydd, and junior barrister and alumnus Jonathan Sylvester, the team achieved an impressive 31st place out of 150 teams, including three victories.
This success wouldn’t have been possible without overwhelming support from the law community. The team and Faculty would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their contributions:
- The Law Foundation
- Thorndon Chambers
- Duncan Cotterill
- Jonathan Scragg (Partner, Duncan Cotterill)
- Buddle Findlay
- Gilbert Walker
- Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law
- Ben Keith (Woodward Street Chambers)
- Steph Dyhrberg (Barrister)
Beyond the courtroom
Support for students in 2024 also extended to scholarships and prizes, all of which aim to foster diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
A recent highlight was the awarding of the Whakaeke Pōneke—MinterEllisonRuddWatts First in Whānau Award, presented to Stacia Haitana at a morning tea held in her honour.
Stacia is the second recipient of the scholarship, which aims to encourage greater diversity in the law profession by providing financial assistance and pastoral support to Māori law students who are the first member of their whānau tonu (immediate family) to attend university and/or will be the first in family to graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Additionally, the creation of a new prize was established by law firm Harmos Horton Lusk this year. As New Zealand’s premier specialist corporate law firm, Harmos Horton Lusk supports courses that provide students with insight and knowledge on the practice of mergers and acquisitions law.
Harmos Horton Lusk has a proud association with the Faculty of Law and in particular course coordinator Mark Cunliffe.
Your support
Together, these contributions—whether through direct funding, mentoring, or new opportunities—show the immense power of philanthropy in shaping the success of students both within New Zealand and internationally. This year has proven that with the backing of a dedicated community, students can achieve remarkable things, and the future of the legal profession is brighter than ever.
If you wish to contribute to the success of students competing in international events or support scholarships for future legal leaders, please reach out to Victoria Beckett, Senior Development Manager at the Faculty of Law.
Your generosity can make a world of difference.
Senior Development Manager, WSBG and Law
Development and Alumni Relations Office