Meet our 2022 Valedictorians

2022 Valedictorians 

Noah Bedford | Undergraduate Valedictorian - Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Isaac Dela Torre | Undergraduate Valedictorian - Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Daniel Antoun | Undergraduate Valedictorian -
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (BCCJ)

Mayumi Hattori Martins | Postgraduate Valedictorian - Juris Doctor (JD) 

Noah Bedford
Undergraduate Valedictorian | Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

For former Australian Indigenous Law Student of the Year and 2022 Valedictorian, Noah Bedford, the decision to study law was motivated by a keen sense of social justice. 

“I was attracted to UNSW Law & Justice for its commitment to social justice and equitable access. The pursuit of these values defined much of my time as a student, and in many respects, they have come come to shape my life’s direction.” 

Graduating with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, Noah was also awarded a startling five 1st in subject prizes in law and was the recipient of the Dixon Prize. 

During his time at UNSW, Noah was committed to voluntary service and leadership roles; a mentor with the Indigenous pathway’s programs; an academic tutor at the UNSW Indigenous Centre for over five years; and a student representative on the UNSW Academic Board for a two-year term. 

“The faculty instilled within me a deep sense of responsibility; that a legal education should seek to better one’s community.”

Noah was a legal student volunteer at Kingsford Legal Centre and Redfern Legal Centre, and a student advocate for refugees at Villawood and Wickham Point Detention centres. He was also a research assistant to UNSW Law & Justice Professors Megan Davis, Gabrielle Appleby, Jill Hunter, and Michael Legg. 

“My professors encouraged me to involve myself in real reform projects, such as the ALRC Pathways to Justice Report and PIAC’s Towards Truth Project. I have also been a strong advocate for the Uluru Statement, attending the Youth Dialogues in 2019 and 2022, and interning with the Indigenous Law Centre prior to my research thesis into self-determination and a Voice to Parliament”. 

In recognition of his academic excellence and community service, Noah’s accolades also include receiving the John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Prize, the McKinsey Leaders Scholarship, and the Oakleigh Foundation Scholarship.  

On being awarded 2022 Undergraduate UNSW Law & Justice Valedictorian – Bachelor of Laws, Noah states:   "UNSW Law & Justice has given me so much. To be recognised as a 2022 Valedictorian, amongst a really impressive cohort of UNSW graduates, is an honour and privilege.”

“I truly believe that the law is a powerful vehicle for change. This is why I strongly support the upcoming referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice and was proud to see UNSW stand behind this.”

“I'm grateful for the generosity and expertise of my educators, particularly Professor Megan Davis and Professor Gabrielle Appleby.  I leave UNSW with a world class degree, but more importantly, a wonderful group of friends and mentors."

Isaac Dela Torre
Undergraduate Valedictorian | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 

During his six years at UNSW, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce graduate, Isaac, was an active member of the UNSW Law & Justice student body, and the wider UNSW community. 

Isaac was involved in seven student societies, including the UNSW Law Society, where he undertook a range of leadership roles – concluding with the role of Vice President (Private Law Careers). In this role, Isaac was involved in organising events and initiatives to educate and enhance students’ understanding of the legal profession. 

Isaac also attained executive roles as President of Save the Children UNSW, a student action group that aims to support disadvantaged children around the world; and Vice-President of the UNSW United Nations Society, where he also represented UNSW at National Model United Nations (New York) and served as UNSW's head delegate to the Asia Pacific Model United Nations. 

He also served as the UNSW Law Faculty Student Representative, voicing student feedback in faculty committees and course reviews; and represented the faculty externally as the friendly face greeting future students at UNSW Open Day and UNSW Experience Day.   

With a strong academic record and a commitment to excellence across his courses, Isaac was a recipient of the 2022 Dean’s List Award and the Harmers Workplace Prize.

Coupling his academic excellence with a passion for peer support, Isaac was an academic tutor and for economics subjects in the UNSW Business school; and presented UNSW Law Society revision workshops for students.

Putting justice into action, Isaac was the recipient of the UNSW Summer Research Scholarship, where he examined the legal implications of anti-hacking laws and consumer technology. He was also a volunteer legal intern at the Kingsford Legal Centre and Grata Fund in the UNSW Law Centres Precinct.

On being awarded 2022 Undergraduate UNSW Law & Justice Valedictorian – Bachelor of Laws, Isaac states:  

“I am immensely honoured and privileged to be recognised as the Undergraduate Valedictorian. Thank you to UNSW for presenting me with unparalleled opportunities which have shaped me into the person I am today. I am incredibly grateful to the staff and students of UNSW Law & Justice for making my university experience so enriching and rewarding.” 

An admitted solicitor, Isaac graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP) upon completion of his degree. He is currently a Law Clerk in the dispute resolution team at King & Wood Mallesons; and a future trainee solicitor at Linklaters LLP. 

Daniel Antoun
Undergraduate Valedictorian 
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (BCCJ) 

Dedicated to supporting and mentoring students, Daniel was one of the first Criminology PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) Leaders, with his innovative approaches now defining the foundational structure of the Criminology PASS Program.  

“I created engaging activities to help first-year students develop important study skills, transition to university and enhance their academic performance”.  

Daniel also dedicated time to mentoring students as Law Clerkship Mentor, providing penultimate students with tailored guidance and support as they navigated the often-stressful clerkship application and interview process. 

During his degree, Daniel participated in multiple internships at not-for-profit organisations and community legal centres, including Justice Action and Redfern Legal Centre, demonstrating a commitment to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and groups gain access to justice. 

He was also a Research Assistant to Dr. Vicki Sentas, focusing on internal and external police accountability mechanisms; and Dr. Katherine Kemp (UNSW Allens Hub), focusing on data privacy law.  

“These experiences exemplified my passion for intellectual inquiry and contribution to the enrichment of legal academia. 

I am particularly proud of the contributions I made to government submissions, legislative amendment proposals and a quarterly newspaper for NSW prisoners.” 

On being awarded 2022 Undergraduate UNSW Law & Justice Valedictorian – Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Daniel states:  

"I am immensely proud and grateful to be recognised as the BCCJ Valedictorian for 2022. Not only is this award a result of my hard work and dedication throughout university, but it is a reflection of the support, guidance and encouragement provided by my lecturers, friends and family. 

Being named Valedictorian also brings with it a sense of nostalgia, as it marks the end of a significant chapter in my life. While I cannot help but reminisce about my time at UNSW, I am excited to embark on new adventures, equipped with the lessons and experiences gained over the last five years.” 

Daniel is currently a Privacy Risk Manager at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and is looking forward to commencing as a Law Graduate at Allens next year.

Mayumi Hattori Martins
Postgraduate Valedictorian | Juris Doctor (JD)  

Mayumi began her Juris Doctor in 2020 after being awarded the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship. With a strong academic record and commitment to excellence across her courses, Mayumi completed her Juris Doctor with Distinction and was the recipient of the 2022 Dean’s List award. 

Throughout her studies, which spanned across the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayumi contributed to community initiatives to support fellow international students studying at UNSW. This included setting up a welcoming group for Brazilian students; and contributing to the UNSW Law Society’s (LawSoc) InCites podcast, providing practical advice for international students.   

“As an immigrant woman coming from the countryside of a developing country, pursuing a dream to become a lawyer in Australia was undoubtedly a challenging journey, and it would not have been possible without UNSW’s support. I will always be grateful to UNSW for embracing diversity and providing me with all the tools and opportunities I needed to achieve this dream”.  

On being awarded 2022 Postgraduate UNSW Law & Justice Valedictorian – Juris Doctor, Mayumi states:  

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been named the 2022 JD Valedictorian. This recognition not only reflects my achievements but also acknowledges the invaluable support I have received from the UNSW community, my family, and friends. I will always be immensely grateful for all the opportunities that UNSW has provided me to strive personally, academically, and professionally." 

Mayumi is currently a Graduate Lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills.