Issue 12 – October 2014

As we move towards the end of 2014 I am pleased to reflect on a very good year for the Law School. We have maintained our ranking as one of the top ten law schools in the world; continued to host a range of eminent and inspirational experts and leaders such as the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG and the Rt Hon. Lord Dyson, MR; and, launched new initiatives to enrich our courses. One such initiative reflecting our strong engagement with the legal profession is the establishment of our first joint clinic with a law firm.

Recipient of this year's LIV Paul Baker Award, alumnus and committed teacher, Professor John Tobin (LLB(Hons) 1993, PhD Law 2009), inspires students at Melbourne Law School with his passion for human rights.

What are the legal issues for investors funding solar roof-tops? How will laws developed in the context of traditional energy generators work for small scale energy cooperatives?

For those who study the law, The Hague stands tall among its peers. The city has become the capital of international law, and the highest institutions dedicated to the legal aspects of international relations are found here.

We asked Dean of Melbourne Law School, Professor Carolyn Evans, for her thoughts on career prospects for the current generation of law students.

The Supreme Court Prize, created by the judges of the Supreme Court in 1891, is awarded each year to the highest performing law student of the year.

With a series of sentencing reforms taking place in Victoria this year, we spoke to Melbourne Law School's Judge in Residence, David Harper AM (LLB 1968), Professor Jeremy Gans and current Criminal Bar Association Chair, Peter Morrissey SC (LLB(Hons) 1991),

James W S Peters QC (LLB 1983), who signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1987, took silk in 2003 and specialises in the area of complex commercial litigation, was recently appointed to Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council.

Most lawyers, regardless of their speciality, must negotiate. All interact with a wide variety of people: clients, opposing counsel, colleagues in their own firm, government departments or NGOs.

Melbourne Law School scholars are demonstrating the important role of law in everyday life all over the globe with award winning research.

Coordinator of the "Juris Dogtor" program, Kelly McDermott, says that wellness literature shows that therapy animals assist greatly with stress, anxiety and depression, conditions known to affect law students.

This is an edited version of a eulogy given by Professor Sandford Clark at the funeral service for Professor Sharwood.

This year is the 60th anniversary of Australia's ratification of the Refugee Convention.

University is about more than simply gaining a qualification. We talked to two law students who are embracing the opportunities of law school thanks to support from alumni.