MLS welcomes new Associate Dean for Melbourne JD

Associate Professor Jeannie Paterson has big plans as the new Associate Dean of the Melbourne JD.

Associate Dean Jeannie Paterson

New Associate Dean (JD), Jeannie Paterson

One of her first commitments is initiating a curriculum review of the program, with the purpose of building on the JD's strengths in providing a rigorous intellectual experience and equipping students for work both within and outside the legal profession.

Associate Professor Paterson says it is as much the JD cohort as it is the calibre of academics, the student experience, the career support and the international opportunities that makes the Melbourne JD such a quality program.

"I am always impressed by the engagement and involvement of our students in the life of the law school and the legal community," she says.

Associate Professor Paterson teaches and researches in the areas of contract law, consumer credit law and consumer protection law.

She previously lectured at the Faculty of Law at Monash University and, prior to that time, was a solicitor at Mallesons Stephens Jaques.

She eagerly accepted the Associate Dean role and views it as a challenge to learn new skills.

Associate Professor Paterson will continue to teach in the JD this semester (Street Law), as well as taking Australian Consumer Law in the Melbourne Law Masters.

"One thing I really enjoy about lecturing in the JD is the insights I gain from discussing law with my students," she says.

Associate Professor Paterson takes over from Associate Professor Alison Duxbury, who finished as Associate Director of the JD in June, and remains an Associate Director of the Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law.

Melbourne Law School thanks Associate Professor Duxbury for her outstanding contribution to the JD over the past two years.

By Andy Walsh