News Archive

The Law Summer School is a WA legal professional development conference organised and run by the Law Society of WA and co-hosted by UWA Law School.

Law Summer School marks a special date on the Western Australian legal calendar because it brings many local, national and international practitioners together.

This year marked a new and enhanced format with some stellar national and international speakers addressing topics that provoked much discussion and debate. The star-studded day was opened by Mr Konrad de Kerloy, President of the Law Society of WA, who promised a ‘full fat, caffeine fuelled day.’

What followed certainly lived up to that promise. The conference commenced with the Governor of WA, His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC introducing the Honourable Robert French AC, Chief Justice of the High Court who spoke on the value of pro bono advocacy and community service. The Chief Justice gave a thought provoking paper which advocated action – doing something about access to justice.

This was followed by a keynote address with Professor Catharine A MacKinnon from the University of Michigan Law School who gave a presentation on human trafficking, prostitution and inequality. Professor MacKinnon received a standing ovation for her passionate address, which drew attention to key issues including the true meaning of ‘consent’. A further plenary after lunch features interstate speakers, Fiona McLeod SC of the Victorian Bar and Professor Jane McAdam from UNSW who further explored the issues of human trafficking and refugee law.

The other areas covered in a number of sessions ranged from interpretation and the use and abuse of ADR to unjust enrichment, criminal sentencing and wills and estates – thus addressing both academic and practice-focused areas.

The closing plenary was delivered by another outstanding international scholar, Professor Sarah Worthington whose presentation on ‘Current Conundrums in Commercial Law’ addressed uncertainties in the law focusing on the area of remedies.

Overall it was clear to all that the conference was a magnificent success which ended as always with further reflection, dialogue and discussion on the terrace of the University Club.