Annual Conference
SOUL 2026 Conference
The Society of University Lawyers Limited (SOUL) is delighted to announce that registration is now open for SOUL 2026 National Conference to be held on 29 and 30 October 2026.
The SOUL Board and Local Organising Committee are currently working on an exciting, educational program which will include plenty of opportunities for you to connect and network with your fellow SOUL members and other interested legal participants in the university sector.
We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane to network with our peers and discuss the challenges we each face in our roles in this exciting university sector.
The SOUL Board and 2026 Conference Local Organising Committee
PROGRAM AND PRESENTATIONS
Thursday 29 October 2026
SOUL Member Session
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Anna Feros, Director of Legal Services (Research), QUT and SOUL President
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Dee Roche, Leadership Development Consultant and UWA MBA Teaching Fellow
Keynote Address
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Rabia Siddique, International Criminal and Human Rights Lawyer
Plenary 1
Continuing over the Horizon: An update on the reform agenda and its impact on the operations of Australian universities
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Harriet Eager, Partner, MinterEllison
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Tom Fletcher, Partner, MinterEllison
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Kate Pennicott, Partner, MinterEllison
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Belinda Atkinson, Director, Education Consulting, MinterEllison
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Concurrent Session 1
Stream 1:- From risk to response: privacy and cyber security legal insights and practical compliance tips for Universities
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Monique Azzopardi (Special Counsel), Clayton Utz
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Nicole Bannerman (Legal Affairs Director ANZ), Torrens Global Education Services
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Stream 2: What Would You Do? Legal Decision-Making Under Pressure - Across the University
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Aaron Mentha, Director, Aspen Legal
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Meaghan Lynch, Acting Director, IP, Research and Commercial Team at USyd
Panel Discussion members:
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Vanessa Beasley, Curtin University
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Gabrielle Vitali, Curtin University
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Bec Taube, Deakin University
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Clarke Drury, Edith Cowan University
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Concurrent Session 2
Stream 1:- Decision making and key governance considerations in times of change
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Kathryn Hunter, Senior Associate, King & Wood Mallesons
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Sarah Clarke, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons
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Giacomo Giorgi, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Stream 2:- Evolving expectations – Legal ethics in investigations, workplace safety, and psychological health
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Tobey Knight, Managing Legal Counsel, Source Services
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Brett Thompson, Managing Legal Counsel, Source Services
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Ashleigh Discipio, Senior Legal Counsel, Source Services
CPD Category: Ethics
Friday 30 October 2026
Plenary Session 2
Top 10 things University Lawyers need to know for 2026
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Dr Graham Smith, Consultant, ClaytonUtz
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Barry Dunphy, Consultant, ClaytonUtz
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Monique Azzopardi, Special Counsel, ClaytonUtz
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Kate Thomas, Special Counsel, ClaytonUtz
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Matt Condello, Special Counsel, ClaytonUtz
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Concurrent Session 3
Stream 1:- Transnational Education: Legal frameworks, strategic structuring and M&A opportunities
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Kylie Diwell, Partner, MinterEllison
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Michael Wells, Practice Group Leader, MinterEllison
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Craig Boyle, Partner, MinterEllison
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Stream 2:- Cancel culture, Employment Law and Academic Freedom: When are controversial views on politics, gender and other topics protected and how to manage these with student concerns about bias, discrimination and psychological safety?
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Will Spargo, Partner, Lander & Rogers
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Shannon Chapman, Partner, Lander & Rogers
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Jennifer Wyborn, Partner, Lander & Rogers
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Sarah Fregon, Partner, Lander & Rogers
CPD Category: TBC
Concurrent Session 4
Stream 1:- Universities, CRC's and IP
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Dr Peytee Grusche,Special Counsel, Thomson Geer
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Stream 2:- University mergers: an overview of the key legal issues to be considered, including how to minimise employment and industrial relations risks, and the top 10 reasons why mergers fail
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Rob Humphreys, Partner, Mills Oakley
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Samantha Maddern, Partner, Mills Oakley
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Plenary Session 3
General Counsel Panel Discussion
Panelists:
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Lisa Filippin, Victoria University
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Rebecca Taube, Deakin University
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Diane Barker, Australian Catholic University (Sydney)
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Connie Seeto, The University of Queensland
CPD Category: Professional Skills
Concurrent Session 5
Stream 1:- Key risks in ICT procurement
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Quincy Wong, Partner, Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt
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Emma Liu, Senior Associate, Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt
CPD Category: Practice Management and Business Skills (1/2 point) and Professional/Barristers Skills (1/2 point)
Stream 2:- Disruption on Campus – Contractual Strategies for Building in a Live Education Environment
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Rose McCarthy, Special Counsel, Construction & Projects, Maddocks
CPD Category: Substantive Law
Plenary Session 4
Mental Health as the foundation of sustainable success in law
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Katlin Plaado
CPD Category: TBC
* CPD category and points value are indicative. Attendees are responsible for allocating and recording CPD activities according to their applicable individual Law Society requirements.
LOCATION
This year's Conference will be held at:
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
2 George Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
ACCOMMODATION
SOUL has selected some centrally located hotels and one that is a short walk from the Conference venue and has secured a preferential room rate at them for a limited number of rooms. Accommodation may be booked as part of the conference registration process and more details are available here. The earlier you register, the better the chance of a reserving a room at this less expensive rate at the hotel of your choice.
REGISTRATION FEES
Prices include GST
Early Bird - available until COB 28 September, 2026
Member: $1,017.50
Non Member: $1,127.50
Standard Registration - from 29 September, 2026
Member: $1,017.50
Non Member: $1,347.50
The registration fee includes:
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Two days of the SOUL 2026 Conference including all refreshments and lunch
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SOUL 2026 Conference Dinner
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SOUL 2026 Cocktail Reception
GALLERY
SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous sponsors! We're delighted to have you on board!
Platinum
Minter Ellison
Gold
Lander & Rogers
Silver
Clayton Utz
Law VU
Mallesons
Bronze
Angus & Carr
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Aspen Legal
Maddocks
Makeham Flaherty
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding the SOUL Conference 2026, please see the conference website and do not hesitate to get in touch with our conference organisers on soul@kaigi.com.au.
General information regarding SOUL and SOUL membership can be found on https://soul.edu.au. We recommend you follow SOUL on LinkedIn.