Events - Law School - University of Queensland

This page lists events hosted by UQ Law or events hosted by organisations with which we have an affiliation.

UQ Law prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of our people – students, staff, alumni, industry partners and the community – above all else. Due to public health concerns around COVID-19, we are changing the way we bring you events. To make sure you don’t miss out on these updates, opt-in to our Newsletter.

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Attending online events

We host and record our online events using Zoom. If you are new to Zoom, please read our tips for how to set up and use Zoom.

Current Legal Issues Seminars

Current Legal Issues is a high-profile series of seminars on contemporary legal issues. Each seminar has been accredited for CPD purposes by the Queensland Bar Association and Queensland Law Society.

The Beyond Intellectual Property Moment in Historical Context

7 June 2023 4:00pm–5:00pm

in People, Plants and the Law Online Lecture Series

Presented by Professor Graham Dutfield from the University of Leeds.

Lawyer and client with legal contract signing in law firm

Rethinking accessorial liability in corporate law

15 June 2023 12:00pm–1:00pm

in Let's talk about corporations

In this lunchtime webinar, Dr Jason Harris (Professor of Corporate Law at Sydney Law School) and Vanessa Whittaker SC (Banco Chambers) discuss a paper by Professor Harris that considers accessorial liability in corporate law for civil and criminal breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Close up photo of hands pointing at a contract

The Application of Contracts

29 June 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Dr Ryan Catterwell analyses the nature of contract application, examining the aim of the process and its mechanics, and explaining why and how we apply a contract.

close up texture of wall in UQ Law School.

13th Queensland Tax Researcher Symposium

30 June 2023 9:00am–4:00pm

in Featured events

The Queensland Tax Researcher Symposium brings together tax practitioners, researchers, academics and accountants for panel discussions and paper presentations on a range of tax topics.

Serious busy mid aged professional business man wearing suit holding corporate documents reading paper contract sitting at desk in office.

Remedies Impacting Rights: How the Availability of Specific Performance Impacts Assessment of Common Law Damages

5 July 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

This paper considers the question of whether (and if so, how) a promisee’s choice whether or not to try to enforce a contract by seeking an order for specific performance can bear upon the damages he or she obtains for the contract’s breach.

Patenting immunity? Vaccines and Public Health

24 July 2023 4:00pm–6:00pm

in School events

Join us for a panel discussion which will attempt to move beyond unsuccessful debates that pit innovation against equitable access to medicine. In doing so, panellists will draw on their own experiences in relation to re-thinking vaccine creation, production, and distribution. They will also consider what is needed to revision intellectual property to support the creation and delivery of new therapies, both in times of crisis and times of calm.

A Risk by Any Other Name

9 August 2023 12:00pm–1:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Professor Jodi Gardner analyses if volenti should be abolished and a clearer distinction developed between actions of defendants and that of plaintiffs.

AI robot sitting at a desk across from a human

AI risks in the financial sector: consequences for companies and directors

16 August 2023 5:00pm–7:00pm

in Let's talk about corporations

This seminar will explore a case study of a bank using machine learning models to offer personalised financial products to consumers in order to explore the legal and ethical risks for financial sector companies that potentially arise out of the use of ML models in this context.

Women in Law 2023

24 August 2023 5:30pm–7:30pm

in Women in Law

Our panel of inspiring women will share insights of their personal experiences and discuss the issues that may still present barriers to women within the legal profession.

The role of law in coastal wetland restoration

7 December 2022 7:00am–9:00am

in Law Matters

Join the thought-provoking University of Queensland Law Matters series to delve into new and meaningful research with community-wide impact.

International Humanitarian Law and Cyber Operations: UN GGE negotiations and Ukraine

13 May 2022 1:30pm–2:30pm

in Law Matters

Join Associate Professor Johanna Weaver (Australian National University) as she examines the understanding reached under UN auspices in May 2021, whereby International Humanitarian Law applies equally to cyber operations undertaken in an armed conflict.

UQ Reconciliation artwork, 'River' by Chaboo Designs

Are Indigenous Rights Inconsistent with Australian Political Traditions?

28 April 2022 3:00pm–5:00pm

in Law Matters

Join Dr Dylan Lino from UQ School of Law, who will discuss how Australia’s constitutional practices and traditions can support indigenous rights rather than create friction. You will be welcomed by special guest UQ’s Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry AO and invited to network with Dylan and guests over canapés and drinks following the lecture.

Chinese law and global development

30 November 2021 11:00am–4:00pm

in Featured events

Join The University of Queensland and the Centre for Chinese and Comparative Law at the City University of Hong Kong for a virtual seminar analysing Chinese law and its impacts on global order and development.

2021 WA Lee Equity Lecture and Networking Evening

18 November 2021 5:45pm–7:00pm

in Featured events

Join us in the 22nd annual WA Lee Equity Lecture presented by the Honourable Justice Sarah Derrington

Chris Grier, Vice President, Legal and Governance at Abt Associates

5 November 2021 12:00pm–1:00pm

in The Witness Box

Chris Grier is Vice President, Legal and Governance at Abt Associates. A member of the Executive team reporting to the Managing Director, Chris leads the legal, governance, insurance and contracts functions supporting the corporate and program operations of Abt Australia and Abt Britain, across more than 30 countries. He is also company secretary.

2021 Richard Cooper Memorial Lecture

28 October 2021 5:00pm–6:00pm

in Richard Cooper Memorial Lecture Series

This year’s lecture, The Image and the Search - An idiosyncratic overview, will be presented by The Honorable John Alfred Dowsett AM QC. The lecture will address aspects of the Native Title Act 1993 and approaches taken in implementing that Act.

Brian Kirkup, Associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

4 October 2021 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

A member of the finance team, Brian Kirkup advises global financial institutions, private equity sponsors and borrowers in connection with acquisition financing, distressed debt and other corporate transactions.

Whistleblowers, War Crimes and Press Freedom: David McBride on Trial

14 September 2021 6:00pm–7:15pm

in Featured events

The trial of David McBride raises the possibility that the first Australian to be tried in relation to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan will be someone who spoke up. Join this distinguished panel for a discussion of the McBride case, whistleblower protections, press freedom and increasing state surveillance capacity.

Arthur (Artie) Abal, Impact Sourcing and Crowd Diversity at Appen

24 May 2021 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Arthur (Artie) Abal (he/him) is a UQ Law graduate working at Appen, one of the world’s leading producers of data used for the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Keilin Anderson, Office of International Law

3 May 2021 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Keilin Anderson works as a Lawyer with the Office of International Law within the Attorney-General’s Department.

Jordan English, stipendiary lecturer in law at St Hilda's College, Oxford

29 March 2021 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Jordan's college teaching currently comprises contract and trusts. He has also taught land law and tort law. On the BCL/MJur Jordan teaches Commercial Remedies and Restitution of Unjust Enrichment.

Finian Cullity, Australian Government Solicitor

15 March 2021 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Finian Cullity is a senior lawyer at the Australian Government Solicitor specialising in competition law and complex regulatory disputes.

Ensuring Respect for International Humanitarian Law

20 November 2020 3:00pm–4:00pm

in Research Seminar Series

Presented by Dr Eve Massingham, via Zoom.

Solitary Confinement in Queensland

30 October 2020 3:00pm–4:00pm

in Research Seminar Series

Tamara Walsh | Via Zoom

Bruce Cowley, ShedB Principal and Adjunct Professor

26 October 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Bruce Cowley, ShedB Principal, has extensive experience as a lawyer, governance professional, board member, author and speaker on governance issues.

Molly Thomas, Legal Consultant at the International Criminal Court (The Hague)

12 October 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Molly Thomas is a Legal Consultant at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. She currently works on a trial concerning alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mali.

Susannah Wilkinson, Digital Law Lead (Australia & Asia), Herbert Smith Freehills

28 September 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Susannah is driving the development of smart legal contracts in conjunction with the industry collaboration through the Australian National Blockchain. She is a key member of the global Connected and Autonomous Vehicle team with experience advising clients on procurement of autonomous equipment.

Nitra Kidson QC, Barrister-at-Law

14 September 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Nitra practices almost exclusively in public law, particularly in the areas of administrative and constitutional law, native title law, migration law, freedom of information law and human rights law.

Autonomous Weapon Systems and the Law of Armed Conflict: Compatibility with International Humanitarian Law

11 September 2020 3:00pm–4:00pm

in Research Seminar Series

This seminar will briefly outline the defining technical characteristics of autonomous weapon systems and the aspects of machine autonomy which underlie legal concerns.
Presented by Dr Tim McFarland (Research Fellow, UQ Law School, Law and the Future of War Research Group).

Simon Cleary, barrister and award winning novelist

31 August 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Simon practises predominantly in the areas of trade practices, consumer law, financial services, tort law, workers’ compensation and administrative law. He appears in both State and Federal Courts and tribunals.

The Cognition of Contract Interpretation

21 August 2020 3:00pm–4:00pm

in Research Seminar Series

Hypothetical and real case examples to explain what judges and lawyers are doing when construing a contract.
Presented by Dr Ryan Catterwell, he will demonstrate that an interpretive dispute is resolved by ascertaining what was objectively intended by the choice of words in the contract.

Alastair Blenkin UQ adjunct lecturer and Founder & CEO of Hyra iQ

17 August 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Alastair founded Hyra iQ in 2017 in UQ's ilab accelerator, following his experience in commercial contracting working as a property lawyer in top tier law firm, MinterEllison between 2011-2017.

Michelle Mahoney - Executive Director of Innovation at King & Wood Mallesons

3 August 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

Michelle is the Executive Director of Innovation at King & Wood Mallesons and is responsible for the design and delivery of both the innovation and transformation strategies and portfolios.

Women in Law: 30 under 30 Finalists

15 June 2020 12:00pm

in The Witness Box

The Women in Law episode features three UQ Alumni who were recently named finalists in the Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30. Their experience and learnings will be invaluable for young females students starting out in the profession.

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Man standing at the front of a white lecture room

Teaching Contract: My Way

31 May 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Prof David McLauchlan introduces participants to the book that he is presently writing, entitled Teaching Contract: My Way. The seminar will be of interest to teachers of all private law subjects, not just the law of contract.

Law Beyond Borders: Reflecting on Transnational Perspectives | Webinar

29 May 2023 6:00pm–7:00pm

in UQ Pro Bono Centre Events

Join our webinar 6pm Monday 29 May to hear from a panel of students who will consider what law beyond borders can look like. From Australia through South East Asia, panellists will reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned while navigating law transnationally in the Oceanic region.

Laws Beyond Borders: Challenges and opportunities for implementing the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth)

25 May 2023 5:00pm–6:45pm

in Law Matters

In light of the current review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), this panel discussion brings academics together with other key stakeholders to discuss these challenges and opportunities, and to consider Australian modern slavery laws in their broader global context.

Patents in the pandemic

25 May 2023 12:30pm–1:30pm

in School events

The seminar addresses the TRIPS-waiver for improving the supply of affordable vaccines in the developing world that South Africa and India proposed at the World Trade Organization in October 2020.

vector art of a giant hand placing a cage over a man in a suit.

Rethinking federal enforcement of corporate law

18 May 2023 12:00pm–1:00pm

in Let's talk about corporations

In this seminar, Kerry Abadee will consider proposals for the reform of the regulatory architecture including the Hayne Royal Commission's proposal for a new federal civil law enforcement body for corporate law.

Pro bono, any which way: Exploring pro bono journeys in the profession

16 May 2023 1:00pm–1:45pm

in UQ Pro Bono Centre Events

To celebrate National Pro Bono Day on Tuesday 16 May 2023, the UQ Pro Bono Centre welcomes lawyers Megan Jarvis and Lily Porceddu to the Law School.

A women's hand next to a small wooden house

The Role of the Married Femme Sole: Deserted Wives, Property and Coverture in the Nineteenth Century

11 May 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Join Professor Danaya Wright from The University of Florida as she discusses deserted wives, property and coverture in the nineteenth century.

Seeds as Deep Time Technologies

2 May 2023 9:00am–10:00am

in People, Plants and the Law Online Lecture Series

Presented by Associate Professor Courtney Fullilove from Wesleyan University. This talk aims to unite diverse insights in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences by theorizing seeds as deep time technologies.

wooden blocks with legal symbols on them.

Property as the Law of Institutional Artefacts

27 April 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Using insights from the intersection of social ontology and the philosophy of material culture, Dr Kate Falconer will argue that the ‘thing’ at the centre of property rights is not in fact (or rather, not just) the ‘thing’ itself, but rather an institutional rendering of that object into an institutional artefact.

Writing Submissions: Issue Framing with The Hon. Justice Peter Applegarth AM

18 April 2023 6:00pm–8:00pm

in UQ Pro Bono Centre Events

The UQ Pro Bono Centre is proud to welcome our patron, The Hon. Justice Peter Applegarth AM, to present to students, alumni and community of the T.C. Beirne School of Law. In this session, Justice Applegarth will locate the importance of issue framing in crafting oral and written submissions.

two business men shaking hands in the foreground while their shadows show one is stealing from the other.

CBA and Crown Casino: Tales of Risk Governance Failures

13 April 2023 6:00pm–7:30pm

in Let's talk about corporations

Join Dr Vicky Comino as she reflects on the regulatory treatment of the CBA and Crown Casino and examines the challenges of addressing financial crime in corporate settings. Mr Jamie Kelly joins Dr Comino to reflect on what ‘good’ risk governance looks like, drawing on global regulatory experiences in risk culture, compliance and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF).

Reconsidering Japan’s Plant Patent Movement: National histories, Colonial Legacies, and Transpacific Dynamics

4 April 2023 2:30pm–3:30pm

in People, Plants and the Law Online Lecture Series

Join Senior Lecturer Kjell Ericson from Kyoto University as he contextualizes the activities of the plant patent movement that breeders and propagators joined.

How to Interpret a Generally Expressed Constitutional Provision: the Example of the Tasmania Lobster Case

30 March 2023 5:15pm–8:00pm

in The Macrossan Lecture series

In 2023, a new Macrossan lecture series is to be established by The TC Beirne School of Law and the UQ Law Association (UQLA). In the spirit of the original lecture series, distinguished Australians will be invited to address varied topics of public importance.

Student Pro Bono and Pizza | UQPBC info session

30 March 2023 5:00pm–6:30pm

in UQ Pro Bono Centre Events

Join us for a student pro bono panel plus pizza to learn about student pro bono opportunities through the UQ Pro Bono Centre.

Lady Justice statue in front of stacked books with a purple/blue overtone

Public Policy in the Private Law of Torts

22 March 2023 1:00pm–2:00pm

in Australian Centre for Private Law Events

Professor John Oberdiek, Rutgers Law School, distinguishes between principled and unprincipled appeals to public policy, and makes the case that even in resolutely non-consequentialist, relational accounts of tort law, public policy considerations can play a principled, if limited role.

35 years in defence of Seed Freedom

7 March 2023 2:30pm–3:30pm

in People, Plants and the Law Online Lecture Series

Dr Vandana Shiva joins us in our first 2023 instalment of the People, Plants and the Law lecture series where she will discuss people, plants and Intellectual Property Law, specially patents and breeders rights.

When Staff with Disabilities and Universities Meet: International and Comparative Reflections

6 March 2023 11:00am–12:00pm

in Law Matters

Please join Professor Lisa Waddington, a Professor in European Disability Law, and International and European Law at Maastricht University as she presents the first Law Matters seminar for 2023.

Welcome Back Gelato

2 March 2023 4:00pm–6:00pm

in Featured events

Take this opportunity to chat with friends and meet other new law students in the Law Library!

Pro Bono Drop-in Session

2 March 2023 3:00pm–4:00pm

in UQ Pro Bono Centre Events

The UQ Pro Bono Centre is holding a drop-in session before the gelato night to answer student queries about how to volunteer your legal skills to benefit the community. Drop in anytime between 3pm and 4pm to say hello!

Previous law students standing outside law court after visiting

Bachelor of Laws Court Tour

17 February 2023 8:30am–4:00pm

in Featured events

Join your fellow first-years for an exclusive UQ introductory welcome experience to the legal profession, beginning from the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Bachelor of Laws Orientation Session

13 February 2023 3:30pm–5:30pm

in Featured events

During this session, you'll hear from teachers, program advisers and fellow students about what to expect in your program. Learn tips to help you have a great study experience at UQ, and use this opportunity to have all your questions answered.

Law students talking in front of computer screen in library

Postgraduate Law Orientation Session

13 February 2023 11:00am–12:30pm

in Featured events

During this session, you'll hear from the Postgraduate Program Director and program advisers about what to expect in your program and the great opportunities you'll have access to at UQ. Learn tips to help you have a great study experience at UQ and use this opportunity to have all your questions answered.

BEL Faculty Orientation

6 February 2023 9:00am–17 February 2023 4:00pm

in Featured events

We can’t wait for you to join us for Orientation at The University of Queensland! Orientation is full of social and academic activities designed to introduce you to life and study at UQ.

City skyline with the sun shining behind the buildings

Let’s Talk About Corporations: Launch Event

2 February 2023 5:00pm–6:30pm

in Let's talk about corporations

Join us as we launch ‘Let’s Talk About Corporations’: A New Series of Boardroom Conversations 2023, featuring a keynote address by Professor Rod Sims AO (Crawford School of Public Police, Australian National University).

The role of law in coastal wetland restoration

7 December 2022 7:00am–9:00am

in Law Matters

Join the thought-provoking University of Queensland Law Matters series to delve into new and meaningful research with community-wide impact.