The ABC Australia reports
Lawyers are sounding the alarm that a shift to greater online course delivery at Tasmania’s only law school could lead to a decline in the quality of graduates.
Key points:
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Senior members of Tasmania’s legal fraternity have met with the University of Tasmania’s law dean to discuss concerns over changes to course delivery
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The Law Society of Tasmania says 15 academics have left the law school since 2020
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UTAS says it is trying to make the course more accessible
Law Society of Tasmania president Simon Gates joined former governor Kate Warner, chief justice Alan Blow and other high-ranking legal professionals for a meeting with University of Tasmania (UTAS) Law School dean Michael Stuckey about one month ago to discuss changes to the delivery of both the undergraduate law degree and postgraduate practical legal training.
Mr Gates said the Law Society was also worried about a loss of experience in the law faculty, with 15 academic teaching staff resigning or leaving the university since 2020.
“I feel that if the uni continues down this path, particularly in relation to the practical legal training and the move away from the place-based intimate teaching environment and legal education experience that the law school has always offered, the university is in danger of destroying much of what has been great and unique about legal education in Tasmania for decades,” Mr Gates said.
“The graduates of the law school from the University of Tasmania make up a vast majority of the members of the legal profession, and a large number of the people who fill senior statutory roles in this state such as in the judiciary, tribunals, Magistrates Court, but also positions like the Ombudsman, Integrity Commission and other important statutory bodies.
