Several law staff were recently recognised for their excellence in legal education and their commitment to creating a positive student experience.
Faculty success
The Law Faculty received three citations at the 2023 UTS Learning and Teaching Awards. Two citations acknowledged the high quality and commitment of academics, Dr Brett Heino and Tim Miles. One citation acknowledged the value of student engagement and support through the High Achievers Mentoring program. This co-curricular program is managed by Crystal Meikle, Student Programs Team Leader and the faculty’s Director of Students. During the past five years, Francis Johns, Stuart Lowe and Dr Harry Hobbs have served in the Director of Students’ role.
Dr Brett Heino was awarded his Citation for enriching and empowering law students through learner-centric care. Dr Heino coordinates and teaches Civil Practice, a core subject in the Bachelor of Laws and Juris Doctor. His teaching philosophy is based on providing practice-oriented education and engaging student learning experiences in line with the UTS Model of Learning. Dr Heino is a reflective and innovative educator, placing students at the centre of his teaching design and delivery. He describes his approach as:
One of my core goals as an educator is to create an inclusive learning environment in which all students feel engaged and supported. This is a crucial part of delivering positive social change through education.
Tim Miles has been a committed casual academic in the Law Faculty for over 9 years.
He received his citation for engaging non-law students in law subjects using a storytelling approach. Mr Miles’ key area of legal education is teaching law to business students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. This is a specialist area, requiring particular skills to ensure that the law is relevant and accessible to non-law students. Mr Miles achieves this through applying a storytelling approach to guide students through their understanding of the law, particularly legal language. He describes his teaching philosophy as:
I humanise the subjects so that students understand that the law is about real people and their stories – and that their learning gives students the chance to reflect on their place in the world.
The High Achievers Mentoring program was acknowledged with a citation for immersing Law students in the profession through an innovative program. The management of the program is the responsibility of Crystal Meikle, Student Programs Coordinator, and the faculty’s Director of Students. Since 2018, the Director roles have been held by academics - Francis Johns (2018 to 2020), Stuart Lowe (2020 to 2021), and Dr Harry Hobbs (2023).
The program was established in 2010 to recognise the top performing students undertaking an undergraduate law degree. Since then, the program has grown through a broadening of the selection criteria to incorporate high achieving students in particular cohorts.
The program’s intention to recognise high achieving students and strengthen their opportunities is accomplished through the thoughtful matching of mentees and mentors. This matching, undertaken by the Director of Students and Mrs Meikle, is based on common factors such as areas of interest, background and career pathways. The matching is transformative and serves as the catalyst for creating space for the relationship to thrive, often beyond the formal period. Mentors are leaders in the law and law-related areas and include former justice of the High Court, the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG; the first Indigenous lawyer appointed as Senior Counsel, Tony McAvoy SC, former Judge of the Appeals Division of the Family Court of Australia, Ann Ainslie-Wallace and Betty Ivanoff, alumna and Chief Legal Officer of the Star Entertainment Group.
The value of the Program was summarised by alumna and lawyer, Sarah Avery:
This is just one of many tailored and immersive programs offered by the law faculty that overall contributes to the great sense of belonging and community I felt and continue to feel within its halls. I felt seen as a whole person by my mentor and the program’s coordinators, particularly Crystal Meikle. I was galvanised in my passions and, importantly, provided with much-needed direction and encouragement in how to practically pursue a career consistent with my values and interests.
Associate Dean (Education), Professor Tracey Booth, congratulated her colleagues, noting:
The significant contribution that law staff bring to student learning and the student experience is outstanding. Each recipient applies their expertise and passion with thoughtful care, placing students at the centre of their work.
Are you a senior member of the legal profession who would like to give back? Expressions of Interest to be a High Achievers Mentor are open and can be directed to crystal.meikle@uts.edu.au