Wellness for Law Forum
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: Wellness for Law to 2030
15-16 February 2024
In collaboration with
The Wellness for Law Forum 2024 is being jointly hosted by Melbourne Law School and Monash University, Faculty of Law. This is an annual gathering of the Wellness Network for Law and its supporters, from academia and the profession. The Forum provides the opportunity for scholarship and good practice to be shared in a collegiate and supportive environment. In 2024, we welcome papers from around the globe in response to our call for papers.
Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: Wellness for Law to 2030
In 2009, the landmark report Courting the Blues: Attitudes towards depression in law students and legal practitioners was published by the Brain & Mind Research Institute, confirming that Australian law students and legal professionals shared similar issues in relation to their mental health and wellness to their equivalents internationally. Since the last in person Wellness for Law Forum in 2019, we have endured the myriad uncertainties wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on both the teaching and practice of law. In February 2024, we invite you to join us to reflect on what we have achieved over the last 15 years and where we are going now, as we grapple with the lasting impact of an event that has re-shaped the world.
We will be calling for papers in mid-2023 on the conference theme, Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: Wellness for Law to 2030, including papers relating to:
- Student wellness, including diverse student cohorts
- Wellness of law academics and the legal profession, including the judiciary
- Wellness of students, clinicians and practitioners in law clinics and internship placements
- Indigenous perspectives on wellness in legal education and the practice of law
- International perspectives on wellness in legal education and the practice of law
We look forward to hearing from a number of international keynote speakers including Professor Caroline Strevens, University of Portsmouth.
Key Dates
- Friday 1 December 2023
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Call for Papers closes
- Friday 15 December 2023
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Paper acceptance notification
Proudly sponsored by
Day 1 - 15 February 2024
Melbourne Law School
185 Pelham Street, Carlton
Day 2 - 16 February 2024
Monash University Law Chambers
555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Attendees may be eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units where sessions are relevant to their practice needs or professional development.
Navigating Melbourne
Catching Public Transport
To use public transport in Melbourne City requires a Myki card. You can purchase a Myki card at most convenience stores or major stations across Melbourne for $5. This will provide you with access to Melbourne's trams, trains, and buses. Within the Melbourne CBD is the ‘Free Tram Zone’, however outside of this area you will need to “Touch On”. You can download a map of the Free Tram Zone.The City of Melbourne produces a free app entitled ‘PTV’ to help you navigate.
Traveling From the Airport
The Sky Bus Shuttle travels from Tullamarine Airport to Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne CBD. This service leaves the airport roughly every 20 minutes and costs $18 for a one-way pass. You can also book a door-to-door Star Bus shuttle service from the airport costing $22.
Getting to the University of Melbourne
From the CBD:
To get to The University of Melbourne from Melbourne city center, simply catch any tram going up Swanston Street. These trams run from Flinders Station and allow you to disembark at Stop 1 – opposite the university.
From the Clock Tower Carlton:
The clock tower is within walking distance from the University of Melbourne.
Navigating Melbourne University
The University of Melbourne was first founded in 1853 and is Australia’s second oldest University. The University spans two campuses. The main campus is located in Parkville. There is also a second campus in Southbank where the Victorian College of the Arts resides.
You can download a campus map or access the University of Melbourne interactive map.
5 Star Accommodation
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Sofitel
The Sofitel hotels are rooted in that French joie de vivre – that “anything can happen” lifestyle. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins prides itself on embracing local customs and traditions, with our rotating art exhibitions and local produce.
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Grand Hyatt
At Grand Hyatt Melbourne a luxurious stay awaits you, in the heart of our dynamic city. Located prestigiously on Collins Street, surrounded by the city’s high fashion and fine dining. Many of Melbourne’s top tourist attractions are all within walking distance, including business, retail, sporting and theatre districts
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Park Hyatt
Overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens, and the cosmopolitan mix of Victorian and modern architecture, Park Hyatt Melbourne offers exclusive, luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. Our beautifully appointed 5 star hotel is centrally located in Melbourne’s CBD, offering the city’s largest 245 guestrooms and suites.
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The Westin Melbourne
With sophisticated service and contemporary touches, The Westin Melbourne welcomes you to discover an idyllic retreat in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Refresh with 5-star accommodation, elevated hotel offers and an unparalleled location for your vacation or business trip to Australia.
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Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Choose Melbourne Marriott Hotel for your family getaway or luxe romantic staycation. Located in the heart of Melbourne's city centre, this five-star downtown Melbourne, Australia, hotel is central to the Theatre District and popular attractions such as Parliament House, State Library of Victoria and Royal Exhibition Building.
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Pullman Melbourne on Swanston
Pullman Melbourne on Swanston invites you to fall down the rabbit hole and immerse yourself in contemporary design that plays on the senses at every turn. The perfect destination for work and pleasure, Pullman Melbourne offers an amazing level of urban sophistication. It's an oasis of style in the heart of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.
4 Star Accommodation
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Mercure Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, you’ll find the perfect room for your needs and budget. All rooms feature modern decor, high speed Wi-Fi, and a television
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Jasper Hotel
Located in the Melbourne CBD, the Jasper Hotel offers a selection of rooms, many boast a balcony or access to a tranquil courtyard setting.
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Turnkey Accommodation
Turnkey Accommodation is Melbourne's premier destination for genuine care and comfort. They specialise in short-term serviced apartment services.
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Best Western Plus Travel Inn
The Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel, located in Carlton, the birthplace of Melbourne’s café culture, is positioned perfectly in Melbourne’s Italian precinct.
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The Larwill Studio
Stay inspired in Larwill Studio. Just a hop away from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo, Queen Victoria Markets and a myriad of unique cafes and boutiques, its an enviable location
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Zagame's House
Celebrating the unique, the creative, and the sublimely delicious. Located in the heart of historic Carlton, we promise your stay will leave you clamouring for more.
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Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Novotel Melbourne on Collins welcomes you to experience contemporary style and 4.5 star comfort in Melbourne's CBD. The hotel is located on fashionable Collins Street.
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Clocktower Apartment Hotel
Clocktower Apartment Hotel is situated in Australia's restaurant capital in the heart of Carlton's famous Lygon Street precinct, where cosmopolitan charm and lifestyle are evidenced by a mind-blowing choice of over 300 shops, cafes and restaurants, all of which will astound and tempt all of your senses and leave long-lasting impressions, which you will want to return to again and again.
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Mercure Melbourne Therry Street
The hotel is the perfect base for your stay in the food and cultural capital of Australia. Within meters of the hotel are the thriving Queen Victoria Markets, world-class restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries, famous coffee stalls, beautiful parks, gardens, and historic sites to explore. The free tram zone, airport shuttles, and tour buses are on our doorstep! We have kitchenettes in all of our rooms, so you can whip up something easy for dinner with fresh produce from the markets!
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Jasper Hotel
Located in the Melbourne CBD, the recently refurbished Jasper Hotel offers a selection of rooms and suites offering free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs – many boast a balcony or access to a tranquil courtyard setting. Conveniently located adjacent to Queen Victoria Market and an easy walk from Melbourne Central Shopping district and Bourke Street Mall, all within the Free Tram Zone. Royal Melbourne Hospitals, RMIT & Melbourne University all within 5 minutes Tram ride. It couldn’t be easier to access Melbourne CBD from Jasper Hotel.
3 Star Accommodation
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Ibis Melbourne Hotel & Apartments
Offering great value city accommodation, ibis is located in an ideal position just a few minutes walk from the iconic Lygon Street Italian precinct.
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Melbourne Carlton Central Apartment Hotel
Melbourne Carlton Central Apartment Hotel offers stylish apartment-style accommodation ideal for overnight stays and extended stays. This apartment hotel is located on the famous Lygon Street, amid the famous Italian dining precinct.
At Melbourne Carlton Central Apartment Hotel, guests can experience the excitement of Lygon Street’s classic Italian cafés, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Greek, and modern Australian restaurants; enjoy a gelato while immersed in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Carlton.
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Essence Hotel Carlton
The Essence Hotel Carlton offers cozy, modern accommodation located near some of the city’s best sights and attractions.
Take a walk to the Melbourne Museum, the Royal Exhibition Building, and the famous Lygon Street Italian precinct. An ideal base to explore Melbourne; the hotel is located on the fringe of Melbourne CBD with easy access to many nearby eateries. Feel like shopping? Then take a stroll to Queen Victoria Market or the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre where you will have a variety of souvenirs, fashion trends, and goodies to choose from.
Accommodation near Monash University Law Chambers
The venue on Day 2 Friday 16 February is the Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, in the heart of the CBD. The venue is well-situated for hotels, restaurants and public transport options.
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The Alto on Bourke
Alto Hotel on Bourke is Melbourne’s multi-award winning boutique apartment hotel and is one of the few environmentally friendly rated hotels in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District). Offering apartment living with true hotel-style hospitality with a selection of rooms that will fit your needs perfectly. Choose from Petite Queen Rooms, Studio Apartments, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments.
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Wydham Hotel Melbourne
Wyndham Hotel Melbourne is located right in the heart of one of Australia's most vibrant and exotic cities. Immerse yourself in Melbourne's unique and thriving culture and be sure to catch a world-famous show at one of the many nearby theatres. Indulge in the quirky cafes, restaurants and bars and appreciate the striking street art down every street and alley. Wyndham Hotel Melbourne offers stylish and sophisticated hotel accommodations close to the city’s hottest attractions.
Conference Convenors
- Judith Marychurch Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne
- Kate Fischer Doherty Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne
- Jacqueline Weinberg Faculty of Law, Monash University
Call for papers is now open - closes 1 December 2023
In 2009, the landmark report Courting the Blues: Attitudes towards depression in law students and legal practitioners was published by the Brain & Mind Research Institute, confirming that Australian law students and legal professionals shared similar issues in relation to their mental health and wellness to their equivalents internationally. Since the last in person Wellness for Law Forum in 2019, we have endured the myriad uncertainties wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on both the teaching and practice of law. In February 2024, we invite you to join us to reflect on what we have achieved over the last 15 years and where we are going now, as we grapple with the lasting impact of an event that has re-shaped the world.
We are now calling for papers and panel proposals on the conference theme, including:
- Student wellness, including diverse student cohorts
- Wellness of law academics and the legal profession, including the judiciary
- Wellness of clinic students, clinicians and practitioners in law clinics and internship placements
- Indigenous perspectives on wellness in legal education and the practice of law
- International perspectives on wellness in legal education and the practice of law
To submit a proposal for a paper or panel session to be presented in person at the Wellness for Law Forum, please complete form below and provide:
- Paper proposal or panel session proposal title
- Presenter details (title/s, name/s, position and organisation)
- Abstract (up to 250 words)
Proudly sponsored by
Registration details coming soon...