TEDxUniversity of Law Manchester

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Aaron Speak

  Student

  Aaron is an advocate for social justice, focusing on the barriers faced by state-educated individuals and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. With a deep understanding of the challenges to social mobility in the UK, he critiques the idealised notion of upward mobility, highlighting the systemic issues that prevent true equality.

• Amelia Maher

  Media and Entertainment Lawyer

  Amelia is a media and entertainment lawyer at Big Talk Studios, the production company behind shows like Ludwig, The Outlaws, and Friday Night Dinner. She began her career in the music industry, freelancing as a journalist, running a record label, and working at Sony Music UK and indie label [PIAS]. Amelia later pivoted to advertising, working for Apple’s Media Arts Lab, before transitioning to film and TV. She completed her legal training at Aardman, working on productions like Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Shaun the Sheep. After qualifying as a solicitor, she joined Sheridans, advising production companies, animation studios, and digital and fashion agencies.

• Emily Martin-Pahl

  Student

  Emily is a MA Law conversion student at the University of Law who is a class rep and student ambassador. She previously graduated with a first class at King’s College London in BSc Psychology. During that time, she was president of the Psychology Society hosting over 20 events across two semesters which she won several awards for. Outside of academics, she work as a professional model part time where she have worked with a range of clients such as Stormzy, Maya Jama and Zandra Rhodes. She has also shot for various reputable brands including Adidas, Reebok and Chanel. She is a tutor to Key Stage 2 and 3 students which she finds fulfilling. My hobbies include running where she is part of a run club called BRKD off and I enjoy roller skating.

• Hewa Balisane

  Lecturer

  Dr Hewa Balisane is a Senior Lecturer, Principal Fellow of the Advance Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), and a passionate advocate for education. His journey began with a challenging transition to the UK, leaving his homeland behind and facing significant obstacles, including a lack of formal qualifications and limited language skills. Despite these hurdles, he has achieved an extraordinary academic career, culminating in a PhD and a leadership role in academia. Hewa’s story is a powerful example of how determination, strategic planning, and a forward-looking approach can drive transformative change. In his talk, he will inspire audiences by sharing insights into overcoming adversity and achieving success through resilience and vision.

• Holly Morris

  Student

  Holly is currently a student on the BPC course at ULaw. After finishing my GDL in 2022, she started working for the CPS as a Paralegal Assistant at Inner London Crown Court. During her time on the front line of Criminal Courts, she saw the major difference technology can make to the effectiveness of a case working its way through the Crown Court. She was drawn in by the intricacies of criminal law and she is currently applying for pupillage in criminal sets. She looks forward to delving into the criminal world of during my talk and hope trigger some thinking points of how we can move the justice system forward.

• Kavita Mohanty

  Student

  Kavita is an Inner Temple Scholar, holding an LLM from Cambridge and a First-Class BA LLB, along with distinction in PGDL. As I train to be an English barrister, I coach students on public speaking at Clapton Girls’ Academy and South Hampstead High School, London. I am an award-winning lawyer with extensive experience as a Cambridge Union debater, addressing 350+ people, and a speaker at UNHCR Geneva, Essex Law School, and The University of Law, Bloomsbury. I delivered a presentation on migration and refugee rights. My speeches have a blend of emotional appeal and rational thought, making my message relatable and authentic to the audience. Academically, Best Oralist and five-time moot court champion; I’ve helped my university reach the global rounds of the Jessup Moot, ranking in the top 168 worldwide. My viral cross-examination (3M+ views) led to the creation of Mooting 101 with Mohanty, training students in trial advocacy and negotiation.