1st Edition
Better Law for a Better World New Approaches to Law Practice and Education
Introduction
Part 1 The case for change – a need for innovation in the law, teaching and practice
1. Context and recent research
2. Adversarial approaches, problems and a need to do law differently
3. Rationale for new approaches to law and the teaching of law
4. Empowerment models
5. Client-centred approaches
6. Multidisciplinary practice
7. Restorative practice
8. Interdisciplinary student clinics and joint learning opportunities
Part 2 Practical skills for new approaches to lawyering
9. Effective communication and problem-solving skills
10. Collaboration
11. Community development and professional development
12. Policy research, submission writing and advocacy for change
13. Interdisciplinary learning in higher education
Part 3 The ethics of reflective practice and evaluation
14. Reflective practice
15. The importance of evaluation
Part 4 Resources
Appendix 1. Checklists and tips
Appendix 2. Author publications
Appendix 3. Established health-justice partnerships in Australia
Appendix 4. Relevant legal principles and inquiries
Biography
Liz Curran is Honorary Associate Professor at the Australian National University College of Law; Visiting Senior Fellow at Nottingham Trent University and a practicing solicitor. She is a member of the Australian Society of Evaluators and the Australian Association for Restorative Justice. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
"Curran advocates for, and illustrates, strengths-based approaches, trauma-informed practice, restorative practice, legal empowerment and multidisciplinary service delivery. The later chapters provide practical resources for developing the skills required for the new approaches identified.
While most relevant to legal educators, graduates and students, the text invites a much broader group into the conversation. Curran has made a concerted effort to ensure the text is accessible to those who have not been socialised into the legal lexicon, norms and traditions."
Brett Louise Woods, College of Law & Justice, Victoria University






