DLS forges strong links with international law profession for its graduates.

Deakin Law School (DLS) has boosted law career opportunities for its graduates by playing a key role at the recent 2018 Hong Kong International Commercial Law Conference (ICLC). 

DLS staff, alumni and associates were among a line-up of international legal heavyweights at the prestigious biennial event, organised by the Victorian Bar and Commercial Bar Association, which provides valuable networks between DLS, the international law profession and judiciary.

One of the lead sponsors of the three-day event, DLS was represented by Dean of Law, Professor Jenni Lightowlers with alumni members Judge Josh Wilson QC (Federal Circuit Court of Australia), Elizabeth Ruddle QC (Foley’s List) and Kieran Hickie (Young’s List) and DLS Advisory Board member The Hon Justice Alstergren (Deputy Chief Justice Family Court of Australia) each delivering presentations under the conference theme Wise Counsel: Litigation & Arbitration in the Asia Pacific Region.

This year’s theme canvassed a range of international law and commerce topics including issues arising from the banking royal commission, privacy intrusions and defamation, the revival of the Silk Road and China’s One Belt One Road initiative, international trading regimes, the future of Hong Kong, and court management strategies. 

DLS alumni His Honour Judge Josh Wilson QC and Elizabeth Ruddle QC spoke at the session The Bottom Line: The Value to Clients and Tribunals of the Independent Bar while Kieran Hickie presented at The Big Bite: A Tech Breakfast and Hon. Justice Alstergren presented at Modern Case Management of Commercial Disputes.
Judge Josh Wilson QC, who is a DLS PhD alumnus and DLS Advisory Board member, said DLS’s role at the 2018 ICLC was part of its ongoing commitment to forge valuable links between graduates and senior barristers and judges.

‘These deep professional links set DLS apart from other law schools as it enables our graduates to access QCs, barrister and judges and help get their legal careers started.’

DLS Dean Professor Jenni Lightowlers said the School was proud to participate in the highly-respected event as it further galvanises DLS as a leading law school that’s committed to providing important networks and opportunities for students and graduates.  

‘We’re looking forward to delivering an array of new initiatives designed to give our students and graduates a flying start to their legal career, including in-depth seminars for those who aspire to launch their careers as a judge’s and opportunities to undertake internships at the bar in Hong Kong as well as Victoria.'