First place

Grace Meehan is a final-year law and science dual degree student at the University of Queensland and currently works as a Policy Officer for the Australian Government. A 2023 Department of Foreign Affairs New Colombo Plan Scholar, she has previously studied law at the University of Tokyo before joining Mattel’s APAC Government Affairs team. With a strong interest in international law, Grace is passionate about how policy can address complex multinational challenges and improve the lives of others.

Read a copy of Grace's essay titled, 'Tides of Change: Reimagining International Law as it relates to South Pacific Island Nations'. 

Second place 

Shania Ram, is a final-year law student from Fiji, currently completing a Bachelor of Laws at Fiji National University, Nasinu Campus, where she has been studying since 2020. Over the course of her academic journey, she has developed a strong foundation in legal research, statutory interpretation, and Fijian jurisprudence.

She is particularly passionate about social justice, constitutional law, and the evolving role of law in Pacific Island communities. With a deep commitment to ethical advocacy and community service, she aspires to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession in Fiji and the broader South Pacific region.

A copy of Shania's essay is available online. 

Third place

Bradley Hogan is based in Sydney, Australia, and is a fourth-year law student at the University of Technology Sydney. His principal academic interests concern constitutional law, administrative law and government liability, with particular focus on Australian constitutional history, the nature and limits of judicial and administrative power, and the operation of the separation of powers within the Australian legal system.

He also maintains an interest in international and domestic human rights law, particularly in the development of legal and institutional responses to structural and emerging challenges experienced by disadvantaged communities. In addition to his academic work, Bradley has a strong interest in advocacy and frequently participates in mooting competitions across a wide range of areas including criminal law, contract law, constitutional law and tort law.

Read a copy of Bradley's essay titled, 'Practical Equality in the Face of Existential Crisis: Rethinking International Law for the Vulnerable South Pacific Island Nations'. 

The 2024 International Law Section Essay competition winner is Sami Shamsi. 

Sami is a final year undergraduate law student at Macquarie University based in Sydney, Australia. He has developed a strong interest in international legal frameworks and principles through his thesis on international criminal law and extensive background in law school competitions focusing upon international humanitarian and criminal law. He has also previously engaged with various branches of the United Nations, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Sami currently works as a Paralegal to international commercial arbitrators at Sydney Arbitration Chambers. He has also clerked at international law firms White & Case and Herbert Smith Freehills.

Read a copy of Sami's essay titled, 'Legal Effect of Disappearing Small Islands on Maritime Boundary Delimitation'. 

The 2022 International Law Section Essay competition winner is Loretta Houlahan. 

Loretta is a Canberra based legal practitioner with a keen interest in administrative and international law. During her time as a Legal Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, she developed an interest in maritime security law and has advised Defence on operational and international law issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to law, Loretta has postgraduate qualifications in science, and has previously worked in clinical and research science. Loretta enjoys utilising her STEM skills to advise on new and emerging technologies for clients.

Loretta currently works as a Senior Associate at HWL Ebsworth in the public and administrative law team. She continues her service to the Royal Australian Navy as a reservist Legal Officer and sits on several Health and Defence boards.

Read a copy of Loretta's essay titled 'Climate Change-Related Sea Level Rise: How South Pacific Island States are Testing Whether the Land Still Dominates the Sea'. 

The 2021 International Law Section Essay competition winner is Elizabeth Tomscoll. 

Elizabeth is a third-year undergraduate student, currently interning at Kubak and Kubak Barristers and Solicitors in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Her accumulated legal research and studies over the years have influenced and developed her interests in international laws and principles and their real-world application. Born and raised in Papua New Guinea but studied extensively in Australia, Elizabeth has been exposed to the implementation and enforcement of the legal system locally and internationally. She aspires to work towards the free exercise of rights in the South Pacific with zero barriers to access of justice in PNG in the future. Elizabeth hopes to continue her international law studies and gain exposure to the changing legal climate in order to build a positive legal identity.

Read a copy of Elizabeth's essay titled 'Legal Analysis: Importance of International Laws and Principles in realising Autonomy to Resolve Conflict in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville'.