The University of Southern Queensland has ushered in a new era of law with the official opening of the new Ipswich campus for the School of Law and Justice.
The University’s new Ipswich campus is set to offer students greater access to quality legal education and research, as well as increased engagement with the local legal community.
Chief Justice of Australia, The Honourable Susan Kiefel AC joined Chancellor John Dornbusch and Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie to officially open the new location in front of more than 70 guests representing a cross-section of the legal community, including graduates and current students.
Head of the University’s School of Law and Justice Professor Reid Mortensen said the Ipswich campus was well-positioned to provide the best learning experience and environment for its students.
“We are excited by the opportunities it will create for our students,” Professor Mortensen said.
“The School already enjoys close ties with the profession locally, but being situated fewer than five minutes from the Ipswich courts, one of the largest Queensland court complexes outside Brisbane, enables us to give our students the best chance to learn and develop as professionals.
“The larger space also allows us to expand student numbers in the law program.”
Academic staff will be located in the newly renovated Grace House.
The 104-year-old heritage-listed building includes a large meeting room, staff offices, a dedicated room for the USQ Law Society student group, and a collection of law reports and journals.
Chief Justice Kiefel also unveiled the University’s new Moot Court.
The purpose-built modern courtroom includes the full audio-visual capacity to accommodate both on-campus and online students and remote appearances of counsel or judges.
As part of its commitment to the region, the University will soon be opening a law clinic at the Ipswich campus, offering pro bono legal services to the public while allowing students to gain practical experience under the supervision of accredited legal practitioners.
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