Message from the Dean

By Carolyn Evans
Dean, Melbourne Law School
Harrison Moore Professor of Law

Dear alumni and friends,

In my new role as Dean I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you at public lectures and events.

I repeatedly come away struck by the diverse accomplishments of our alumni and their generosity in sharing their time and talents with the Law School.

I look forward to getting to know more of you over the coming year.

It is an exciting time to lead Melbourne Law School. Supported by its talented staff, students and alumni, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant and remarkable law school.

On behalf of staff, students and his many colleagues and friends, I would like to thank the former Dean, Professor Michael Crommelin AO, for his service to Melbourne Law School. Serving as Dean for three separate terms over the last two decades, his contribution to the Law School is immeasurable. He guided it through an era of transformation and has ensured our continued position as Australia's leading school.

I have just returned from my first trip representing the Law School overseas. One of the highlights was greeting alumni at receptions in Hong Kong, Beijing and London. Not only was it inspiring to meet alumni making a difference across the globe, but I was impressed by their enthusiasm for the Law School and the value they place on re-connecting with former classmates.

Back in Victoria, we look with pride upon two recent alumni appointments. Congratulations to the Hon. Alex Chernov AO QC who has just taken up his new post as the Governor of Victoria, and Mr Stephen McLeish SC who is now Victoria's Solicitor-General. Both will bring great expertise and distinction to these important new roles.

Our alumni are engaged in an extraordinary range of endeavours, and are valuable contributors to the community. So it was inspiring to see one of them recognised this year for his philanthropic work. Named the 2011 Australian of the Year, Mr Simon McKeon performs his role as executive chairman of Macquarie Group on a part-time basis, freeing himself  to support a range of social causes.

While celebrating these outstanding achievements, it is also important to support those who are at the beginning of their journey in the legal world.

This year saw the launch of the Melbourne JD Harold Ford Scholarships, which were awarded to six outstanding students. It is thanks to the generosity of those who have gone before them that these talented young people will have the opportunity to fulfil their scholarly ambitions and go on to make their own contributions to the law and society.

I urge you to consider making a donation to the scholarship fund – you will find a donation form on page 19 – to help ensure access to Melbourne Law School for deserving students in financial need.

Carolyn Evans
Dean, Melbourne Law School
Harrison Moore Professor of Law

Image: Dr Carolyn Evans

This article originally appeared in MLS News, Issue 5, May 2011.