Who we are

At Legal ID, we’re a passionate team of Monash students dedicated to fostering inclusion and diversity within the legal profession. Join us as we empower voices, break down barriers, and champion equality, paving the way for a legal community that celebrates and thrives on diversity.

Meet the Legal ID Team

Madeline Wicks

As a second year Law and Arts student majoring in Human Rights, diversity and inclusion has always been a passion of mine. Having the ability to communicate with people of all different backgrounds and cultures, and understanding that unique perspectives add value to teams is an important concept to learn as we enter the workforce. It is important to be socially aware, and always seek to learn more about the experiences of others. 

Punya Heinonen

I was born and grew up in Finland before moving to Australia in 2017. English is a difficult second language to learn, but being in a public school I picked it up fairly quickly. I have faced more economic and language barriers than quite a few of my peers, but I still understand that as a white person I have a lot of privileges that others in a similar position to mine may not have. I am passionate about justice, inclusion, and equality, and I believe I should use my voice to help amplify marginalised voices, rather than talk over them.

Gabrielle de Robillard

As a second-year law and global studies student passionate about international affairs, I am dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in the legal field. I believe that a legal profession reflecting society’s demographics is essential for building trust and ensuring all communities are represented.

Jacki Wirkner

I am a second year law student who moved to Melbourne from Darwin, NT to pursue my law degree. Growing up in the Northern Territory allowed me to develop a real appreciation of diversity, specifically its importance in the law. My passion for learning as well as my own lived experiences has instilled me with a passion for advocacy, with a goal to ensure different voices are always heard and that justice is accessible to all.

Stephanie Zhang

Growing up in a Chinese family in Australia, I have learned to navigate the cultural complexities of western and asian cultures to find my own balance and identity. I have also come to love and respect the value of diversity in the multicultural community that I am a part of. As I embark on my legal journey, I hope to be able to advocate for others and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming society.

Menara Rathnayake

Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Australia, especially in the rural areas, I have always felt a bit distant with my culture as I had a strong influence of Western ideas and values. However, growing up I realise the importance of diversity and the different knowledge, experiences and ideas we can all contribute especially within the legal profession, whether its culture, gender or any others. Thus, as I continue my own path in the legal profession, I strive to embrace and integrate my unique cultural experience into my work and contribute to a more diverse perspective in the legal field.

Sophie Smith

Kavya Seneviratne

I was born and raised in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Law & Commerce. As a woman of colour, I am deeply passionate about being part of the Legal ID team within the Monash Law Ambassador Program. Growing up in a culturally diverse society, I have firsthand experience with the importance of representation and inclusion. Being a part of Legal ID allows me to actively contribute to raising awareness about cultural diversity and gender equity, both issues that resonate with my identity and personal experiences.

Jamie Robinson

I am passionate about diversity and inclusion in the legal profession as I believe that there is no ‘typical’ lawyer. As we live in an evolving society, it is important to showcase the people in the industry’s differences, their strengths and how each person brings something unique to the table.

Ze’ev Gittleson

My name is Wade, but I go by my Hebrew name Ze’ev. I’m a fourth year law and global studies student at Monash. 

I’m passionate about the Legal ID team because I believe in the value that people from different backgrounds with different insights and experiences can bring to the legal profession. The world is constantly changing, and the legal system needs to change with it to uphold its aspiration of providing access to justice for all.

Nancy Huang

Whilst I growing up in NZ and Australia, I have been heavily exposed to Chinese culture in my traditional Chinese household, which has formed an important part of my identity. Now, as an aspiring lawyer pursuing my LLB studies at Monash University, I am still exploring how I can embrace the non-western side of my cultural identity that not many peers in my cohort reciprocate, and the ways that it can add value to me as a legal professional in the future.

Matin Atmaca

Hi, my name is Matin. As a student that comes from a multicultural background, I am deeply passionate about promoting diversity and equality!

Sophie Gorr

Varun Alluri

Being a part of the large Indian diaspora residing in Australia, diversity in the workplace and creating an environment where everyone can flourish are close to my heart. Entering the legal world I look forward to seeing how my cultural experiences growing up can help me bring a unique perspective into the workplace.