Law school stars on world stage in China

Jason Tozer

8 August 2006: The University law school put itself on the map when it co-hosted the inaugural Sino Australian Law Deans Conference with China's Renmin University in July

Held over two days in Beijing, the conference was the third in the series held around the world and attracted more then 100 deans from prestigious law schools in China and Australia.

Attorney- General Phillip Ruddock (right) attended to conference Photo: John Gilchrist

Senior lecturer Arthur Hoyle, who presented two papers, said the University was mentioned constantly throughout the conference and given great exposure.

"The University of Canberra was mentioned nearly every 10 minutes," Mr Hoyle said.

"Every speaker thanked UC and there were 11 Chinese media outlets in attendance and the opening was given national coverage in China."

The conference was designed to formally discuss methods of legal education in Australia and China and open opportunities for collaboration despite the two countries' differing legal systems.

The University's involvement in the conference has not only enhanced its relationship with Renmin University but also with other law schools such as China University of Politics and Law (CUPL), an institution with more than 60,000 students.

"We have a collaborative research agreement with CUPL," Mr Hoyle said.

"They'll be visiting in December this year in connection with that project as we are the only foreign partner ... and it's worth some $15 million."

My Hoyle explained the law school's recent success had been the culmination of hard work and keen strategy.

"We don't want to telegraph all our moves because it's a highly competitive market," he said.

"But we've been meeting with people for two to three years slowly working on mutually beneficial relationships."