The University welcomes its first Judge in Residence

The Judge in Residence initiative brings retired or current judges to Melbourne Law School for several weeks or months to work with students and academic staff. Through a series of workshops, classes and guest lectures, the initiative gives students and academics the opportunity to engage with some of Australia's most influential judicial leaders.

Dean of Melbourne Law School Professor Carolyn Evans said the judges' insights into the legal system would provide students with a great learning opportunity.

"We are delighted to have Michael Black joining us this semester and look forward to developing this initiative in the coming years," she said.

Mr Black has already spoken at a Law Student Society function, twice judged moot teams in exhibitions, attended Law School functions and made plans for research.

"I think the concept will be of great value for students," Mr Black said.

"They have a fascination with how the law works in practice and, for whatever reason, they find it extremely interesting talking to the people who have decided the cases they have read," he said.

Mr Black has a keen interest in legal education, having served as Chair of the Australian chapter of the Juris Doctor Advisory Board shortly after its inception in 2001. 

"The best lawyers in the world are those who have a broad view of the world, and it seemed to me the JD and Melbourne's curriculum gave a better chance that lawyers would be those with broad interests and a depth of intellect," Mr Black said.