Distinguished Judge in Residence Program

The Adelaide Law School (ALS) Distinguished Judge in Residence Program brings outstanding international and national jurists to visit the ALS. 

Distinguished Judges spend time with academics, judges, legal practitioners, law students, and members of the ALS and University of Adelaide community to share their expertise and to pursue scholarly interests. Distinguished Judges may also enjoy the broader cultural programs available at the University of Adelaide and North Terrace Cultural Precinct.

  • Selection criteria

    Candidates for the program are selected based on the following criteria:

    • Current or former holder of judicial office in any international or national jurisdiction, including South Australia, and including international law tribunals
    • Demonstrated excellence in judicial practice
    • Contributions to legal scholarship or jurisprudence
    • Commitment to legal education and mentoring
    • Diverse perspectives and experiences in the legal field
    • Capacity and willingness to make a contribution to the ALS community through engagement with staff and students

  • Program activities

    During the residency, judges are welcome to engage in all aspects of ALS scholarly, intellectual, and cultural life, including:

    • Guest lectures and seminars
    • Participation in workshops and conferences
    • Mentoring students and academics
    • Engaging with postgraduate research students
    • Hosting roundtable discussions with student groups
    • Pursuing individual research interests

    During the residency, the ALS will host an informal lunch in honour of the judge’s visit.
    The program encourages those with shared interests in law—judges, practitioners, academics—to learn from distinguished jurists and from one another, gaining greater insight into the workings of the courts and the role of judges.

  • Duration and flexibility

    Distinguished judges may spend a minimum of one week and up to two weeks in residence at the ALS, depending on interests and commitments.  The program runs throughout the academic year, with typically one residency per semester.  The number of residents and the duration of a residency may be modified in special circumstances as agreed between jurists and the ALS.

  • Culminating lecture

    The judge's visit culminates with a lecture to the entire ALS community on a timely and important legal topic within their expertise. At the discretion of the Editor in Chief of the Adelaide Law Review, this lecture may be published in the Adelaide Law Review.

  • Research support

    For judges pursuing their own research during the residency, the ALS will provide up to 25 hours of research assistance of a student researcher.

  • Virtual options

    In addition to in-person residencies, the program offers virtual engagement opportunities, including:

    • Online lectures and seminars
    • Virtual mentoring sessions with students
    • Participation in digital conferences and workshops

    These options allow for flexibility and broader participation, especially for international judges or those with limited availability for travel.

  • Expected outcomes

    The program aims to achieve the following outcomes:

    1. Enhanced legal education through direct interaction with distinguished jurists
    2. Strengthened connections between the judiciary, academia, and legal practice
    3. Increased understanding of diverse legal systems and perspectives
    4. Production of high-quality legal scholarship for publication
    5. Inspiration and mentorship for aspiring legal professionals

How to apply

We welcome applications and nominations for the Distinguished Judge in Residence Program. To apply or nominate a distinguished judge:

  1. Prepare a brief application package including: 
  • A current CV or resume
  • A statement of interest (max. 500 words) outlining how the judge's expertise aligns with the program's goals
  • Proposed dates and duration of the residency
  • Any specific areas of interest for lectures, seminars, or research
  1. Email the application package to the Dean of Law at deanlaw@adelaide.edu.au with the subject line "Application: Distinguished Judge in Residence Program"
  2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. We recommend submitting applications at least six months prior to the proposed residency dates to allow for proper planning and scheduling.
  3. The selection committee will review all applications and respond within 4-6 weeks of submission.

For any questions about the application process or the program in general, please contact the Dean's office at deanlaw@adelaide.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming distinguished jurists to the Adelaide Law School community.