MLS celebrates 160 years with gala dinner

A gala dinner in June was an opportunity for the MLS community to celebrate the Law School’s 160th anniversary.

By Tess McPhail

Melbourne Law School welcomed close to 500 alumni, students, staff and friends to celebrate its 160th anniversary at a gala dinner at the Sofitel Melbourne in June.

Professor Carolyn Evans, who is now Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, welcomed guests and spoke warmly of the MLS community.

“The opportunity to be part of such an exceptional community is never one that I have taken for granted,” Professor Evans told attendees.

“It is such a great pleasure to be here with so many of our friends, alumni, colleagues and students to celebrate our wonderful law school and its rich history.”

Governor of Victoria the Hon Linda Dessau AC (LLB(Hons) 1973) delivered the opening address, reflecting on her time at MLS and the school’s contribution to the community.

“As an alumna, I’m proud to have studied at Melbourne Law School,” she said.

“As the Governor, I’m proud that it is part of Victoria’s past and future, and I congratulate all of those associated with it.”

James Gorman (BA, LLB 1991), Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley, delivered the evening’s keynote speech, reflecting on the impact his education in Melbourne had on his career in international finance.

“I can honestly say that the education I received at the Law School made my transition to study and work in New York very straightforward,” he said.

Guests also heard from University of Melbourne Chancellor Allan Myers AC QC (BA 1969, LLB(Hons) 1970, LLD 2012) and MLS alumna Nyadol Nyuon (JD 2015), who spoke about the generosity of the MLS community.

The evening was an opportunity for alumni to reminisce about their time as law students and reconnect with old classmates.

The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC (BA 1967, LLB(Hons) 1968) closed the event with a toast to the Law School that included an important reflection on its place in the community.

The MLS 160th anniversary gala dinner was made possible thanks to platinum sponsor Morgan Stanley and gold sponsors Arnold Bloch Leibler, the Victorian Bar and Mr Bill Gurry AO.

This article originally appeared in MLS News, Issue 18, November 2017