Law launch signals coming of age

The new Law programs at USQ have been described as a ‘coming of age' for the University by Vice-President of the Queensland Law Society Megan Mahon.

Senior Lecturer in Law at USQ, Mark Tranter, said Mrs Mahon addressed USQ staff and Toowoomba law firm representatives at the official launch last week.

'We had people here from the local law fraternity, as well as USQ Chancellor Bobbie Brazil, Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove and Toowoomba Mayor Di Thorley,' Mr Tranter said.

'Megan Mahon also attended and she really felt that Law at USQ was a coming of age for the University and that the new programs would be very significant for the region.

'The USQ Chancellor Bobbie Brazil also addressed the audience and spoke about the value of a legal education.'

Mr Tranter also noted the continued support of Toowoomba law firms, which he said had been very generous.

'It was a great function and it was very gratifying to see how supportive and how keen the local law firms were to see USQ law graduates take up positions in a regional law firm.

'It also demonstrated the strength of the ties between the University and the local legal fraternity.'

On offer from Semester One 2008, the new programs will include elective specialisations in commercial law, general practice, natural resource law and international law.

Students will be able to undertake Law on-campus and externally through the University's Toowoomba and Springfield campuses.

Now approved by the Legal Practitioners Board, the University is awaiting approval for the programs from the Chief Justice.

'We are hoping that we will receive approval in the near future and we are looking forward to offering the programs in 2008.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, +61 7 4631 2977