UQ launches Dispute Management Centre

UQ launches Dispute Management Centre

One of Australia's strongest legal advocacy and arbitration law centres, The University of Queensland, has launched a new initiative to increase community access to its expertise.

Head of the University's TC Beirne School of Law Professor Tony Tarr launched the Corrs Chambers Westgarth Dispute Management Centre at the Forgan Smith Building, St Lucia on Wednesday, November 10 at 6pm.

Centre director Dr Nadja Alexander said the new centre would offer dispute management services, training and coaching to students and the community. It would also be an important component of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Dispute Management) program to be introduced in first semester, 2000.

"The Centre offers clients a range of dispute management providers and consultants including highly qualified and experienced arbitrators, case appraisers, mediators and negotiators drawn from around Australia and overseas," she said. "Many of our consultants are adjunct professors and staff members, and we also have access to the skills of professional colleagues in Europe and the United States."

Dr Alexander said UQ had a strong international reputation in arbitration, mediation and negotiation skills. In 2000 the School will host the inaugural International Maritime Arbitration Moot.

Corrs sponsors UQ students to compete in the world's two leading international legal advocacy and problem-solving competitions, the Jessup International Law Moot and the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna. This year the TC Beirne School of Law mooting team has been ranked first in the world for the second consecutive year at the Willem C. Vis.

Dr Alexander said the Centre would provide an independent centre of expertise and plans to assist community groups including student groups and indigenous groups in matters requiring mediation.

The Federal Attorney-General's Department has funded a $10,000 project by the Centre to research culturally appropriate dispute management programs for indigenous cultures.

Queensland Chairman of partners of Corrs Chambers Westgarth John Story said the firm was committed to supporting the University of Queensland's School of Law and was proud to sponsor students in the international moots. "The development of innovative methods to resolve legal disputes effectively and expeditiously is essential, and we are delighted to be associated with UQ's initiative," Mr Story said. "The skills developed in the international mooting programs that we sponsor are directly relevant to the Centre's activities, and provide an opportunity for practical application by the students."

Further information: Dr Nadja Alexander telephone 07 3365 2219 or Corrs marketing manager Mary Bonnin telephone 07 3228 9474.