Law students learning from the best

Monday, 18 September 2017

Congratulations to Mr Shaun McCarthy, Director of UON’s Legal Centre, who has been awarded a 2017 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).

Shaun McCarthy

Shaun said he was thrilled to receive a prestigious AAUT Citation which was presented at the NSW/ACT Citations Ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney on 14 September 2017.

An advocate for innovative and multidisciplinary initiatives, Shaun’s teaching approach and his introduction of real life client casework into his courses has been instrumental in enabling students to acquire and foster skills in advocacy and problem solving.

“This award is recognition of the importance that Newcastle Law School places on work integrated learning and clinical legal education. It highlights the real client experiences and opportunities law students have at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre, which I am incredibly proud to be part of,” he said.

“Being a lawyer is not just about text, case studies and theoretical argument. While it is those things, a great theoretical lawyer will find themselves ultimately challenged when they step into their first case if they have been a student of law in the lecture theatre only,” Shaun said.

“I hope my work with UON has helped shape positive experiences of those I have had the pleasure to teach, as well as helped lay the foundations for long and successful careers,” he said.


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