Presenters

Aishwarya Somal, Director, Emerson Migration Law
Aishwarya Somal is a multi award-winning Australian immigration lawyer and Director of Emerson Migration Law, recognised for her strategic expertise across corporate mobility, complex migration pathways, and humanitarian protection matters. Recognised in the Doyle's Guide Leading Immigration Lawyer Queensland as a Leading Immigration Lawyer, Queensland (2024), Aishwarya advises ASX-listed corporations, global entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals on sophisticated migration and workforce compliance strategies. Her practice spans sectors including health and aged care, energy, mining, hospitality, and technology, where she partners with executives and HR leaders to deliver commercially aligned, risk-managed global mobility solutions. In parallel, Aishwarya leads high-stakes humanitarian and family visa matters, securing protection outcomes and family reunification in cases involving conflict, displacement, and complex legal thresholds. Her work is grounded in rigorous statutory interpretation and compliance with international human rights principles, combined with deeply empathetic client advocacy. Her leadership has been recognised nationally and internationally, including Immigration Law Firm of the Year (Australia) by Global Law Experts Annual Awards (2022, 2023) and the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Nick Xynias Young Businessperson of the Year Award 2020. She also serves as an Ambassador to the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust, reflecting her commitment to leadership beyond legal practice. Aishwarya brings to Legalwise audiences a rare combination of commercial acumen, litigation experience, and policy insight — offering practical, strategically grounded perspectives on navigating Australia’s evolving migration framework.


Julia O'Connor, Barrister, 35 West Chambers
Prior to being called to the bar in 2015, Julia spent 8 years as a solicitor practising almost exclusively in complex commercial litigation. Upon commencing at the bar, Julia continued to practise in commercial litigation and has appeared in disputes in competition and consumer law, commercial property, insolvency, corporations law and contract. Her experience has included appearances in courts and tribunals in both state and federal jurisdictions, as well as appearances in commissions of inquiry such as the Grantham Floods Commission of Inquiry and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Julia has also developed a significant practice in mining, energy and resources, and environmental law. She regularly appears in cases before the Land Court of Queensland and the Land Appeal Court for mining proponents, statutory parties, and objectors. Julia has acted in environmental appeals, mining compensation disputes, land access disputes and mining objections proceedings. Her experience includes appearances in two of the largest and most complex objections proceedings before the Land Court – the New Acland and Waratah Coal objection proceedings. Currently, Julia is a member of Queensland Environmental Law Association and sits on the Bar Association of Queensland’s Environmental, Planning and Property Law Committee.