Portfolio Feature: Activities

Priyanka Sharma
7 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Sophia Qureshi, Communications Officer, in conversation with Ed Baker, Activities Director.

I caught up with Ed Baker, Director of the Activities Portfolio, to hear about how he and his team are providing students opportunities for much-needed balance via the Deakin Law social calendar. In the lead-up to the biggest social event on of the year from the Deakin Law Students' Society ('DLSS'), our annual Law Ball, Ed shared how the portfolio works to give students something to look forward outside of their study and career commitments. Put on your florals and dancing shoes, and keep reading to dive into the inner-workings and achievements of the Deakin Law Students’ Society’s Activities Portfolio.

Ed, you’re the amazing director of the Deakin Law Students’ Society Activities portfolio. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

Of course, First and foremost, I study law, which I hope isn’t a surprise.

Outside of that, I love exercising, and cooking. I’m also always listening to music in some way or another, and I like going on hikes and long bush walks.

What drew you to the Deakin Law Students’ Society, and the Activities portfolio in particular?

I went to First Year Law Camp (‘FLYC’) during my first year of uni where I met a lot of people who I’m still friends with today. I really enjoyed myself and the chance that Law Camp gave me to connect with my peers. It was that weekend away that sparked my interest in the Activities portfolio, I wanted to give other first-years and law students the same opportunities to socialise, make friends, and have a good time while studying that I’ve had.

With my interest in the society itself, I remember thinking that the DLSS was a fantastic way to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. I was eager to join because it offered a wide range of opportunities that I may never have explored had I not become involved.

What have you achieved as the director of Activities so far? And what else do you hope to achieve?

This year has been an outstanding one for the Activities Portfolio, particularly with the success of our events. Both FYLC and the Annual DLSS Barhop sold out, which was an incredible achievement.

These achievements highlight the strength of our events, but what has been even more meaningful is seeing the friendships students have built at our events translated onto campus. I often see students from FYLC attending DLSS events together or hanging out or studying on campus, and I am glad that we can give students the opportunity to foster new and long-lasting friendships.

What does success look like for the Activities Portfolio, both for law students and for your personal growth as a director?

Ultimately, the goal of the Activities Portfolio is to foster connection and community among law students. For us, success means giving students the chance to build friendships and socialise outside the classroom setting.

To me, meeting new people is one of the most meaningful parts of life, so being able to give students that opportunity is especially rewarding.

The next big event for you on the calendar is the annual Law Ball. Can you tell me a little more about it and what students have to look forward to?

There is so much to look forward to at Law Ball this year! There will be many spaces set up for photo opportunities so students can take home memories of the night, as well as plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.

There will also be… the afterparty! It will be hosted at Level 3 at Crown which is easy to locate and convenient to head to after Law Ball commences. We’ll have a DJ there as well so even more dancing!

What goes into the making of Law Ball?

My role involves a lot of liaising with suppliers, contractors, and especially Crown itself. What I enjoy most about organising the 2025 Law Ball is watching all our hard work come to life. Being part of the process is especially rewarding, as the ‘behind-the-scenes’ organisation goes unnoticed by anyone outside the Activities portfolio.

My officers contribute a great deal as well, and I want to acknowledge and thank them for their hard work. I definitely would not have been able to run all the Activities Events without their support; their work is instrumental in making sure that law students can get the most out of the social events on their calendar.

Other than Law Ball, is there anything else the students have to look forward to from Activities this year?

There is one last event on the calendar after Law Ball, and that’s the End of Exams Party! I think it’s the perfect celebration post-exams to see out the academic year. I know that exams and study can be stressful, and I think the End of Exams party is the perfect thing to look forward to when you’re drowning under all the study and stress.

Finally, if there was one thing you could change about how law students see their lives at law school, what would it be and why?

If I could change one mindset, it’s the idea that law school is only about studying hard. Don’t get me wrong, studying is important, but some people put so much pressure on themselves that they forget to enjoy the university experience.

My biggest piece of advice?

Have fun and make time to socialise. It’s all about balance, and that’s exactly what the Activities portfolio aims to offer; opportunities to connect, unwind, and enjoy law school beyond the books.

Want to learn more?

If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to reach out to Ed, Director of Activities, at director-activities@deakinlss.org.