The Supreme Court of Victoria was pleased to once again take part in the Victorian Bar’s Diversity Internship Program.
Three students were hosted as part of the program in late 2025.
The program aims to foster and promote cultural diversity in the legal profession. It creates opportunities for law students from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds to gain hands-on legal experience.
Eight students were selected from a highly competitive pool to participate: Ebony Chiazor, Gul Dasta Ali, Idhil Yussuf, Nour Maqsodi, Olifsayo (Sayo) Durojaye, Sughra Haidari, Swen Anthony and Zhen (Jenny) Li.
Interns spent one week with a barrister mentor at the Victorian Bar. This was followed by two one-week rotations within a jurisdiction.
Sughra Haidari and Idhil Yussuf joined the Associate Judges’ Chambers in late November to get a taste of life at the Court. Zhen (Jenny) Li came onboard in December.
The interns attended hearings and assisted with research and administrative tasks.
“We aimed to give them broad exposure to the work of the Court and the people who work here,” said Associate Justice Ian Irving. “They met with judges and observed matters across the Court’s divisions, including a bail application and part of a murder trial.”
Sughra and Idhil also had the opportunity to attend a mediation with Associate Justice Wood.
The Honourable Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, President of the Administrative Review Tribunal, launched the program, speaking about the value of diversity in institutions. Within the legal sector, he said, diversity helps build community confidence in the accessibility of the legal system. It also ensures lawyers are better able to understand the communities they serve.
He encouraged the interns to take pride in their cultural heritage and to not let being from a minority background stand in the way of achieving their goals.
“The Supreme Court is proud of its participation in this program. Every year I am impressed by the quality of these young lawyers of tomorrow. It is great to see the interns gain relevant work experience and develop connections with members of the legal profession. I have no doubt they will each make a great contribution to the profession,” Associate Justice Irving said.
“We look forward to seeing Sughra, Idhil and Jenny practising and appearing before the courts in the not-too-distant future.”
