Research in the La Trobe Law School

La Trobe Law School brings together both leading and emerging experts in law and criminology who are committed to social justice at local, national and international levels.
Our researchers are recognised nationally and internationally for innovative and impactful research that tackles pressing concerns in times of global upheaval.
We partner with industry, government and community organisations to influence societal debate, advance law and policy reform and promote a more just and equitable society.
We welcome visiting academics from across the globe to partake in our vibrant research culture. Academics interested in visiting the School are invited to reach out directly to a member of our academic staff with their CV and a research plan. Applications should be made well in advance of a planned visit.
Research areas
Our researchers work in diverse areas of law and criminology with strengths in the contextual study of law and in international and comparative law.
Our research is organised into two research clusters that act as hubs for research activity by holding regular events, hosting esteemed visitors, facilitating interdisciplinary partnerships and supporting the research development of La Trobe Law School academics.
La Trobe Law School is a leader in the contextual study of law and society. Our focus is on building legal and criminal justice systems that will result in a more inclusive, equitable and just society.
Our researchers are leaders in La Trobe University's Care Economy Research Institute, and are highly regarded in areas such as:
- Access to justice
- Corrections
- Decolonising justice
- Gender violence
- Family violence
- Health, disability and justice
- Law and technology
- Police accountability.
La Trobe Law School is a leader in the contextual and interdisciplinary study of international law in times of global transformations.
Our researchers also adopt comparative perspectives, drawing on the experience of other jurisdictions for critical insights and to develop evidence-based approaches to law reform.
Our researchers examine the role of international law in shaping the global order, and compare national laws in their social, historical, cultural, political and economic contexts. Our approaches are diverse and creative in areas such as:
- Comparative public law
- Comparative legal institutions and governance
- International criminal law and justice
- International environment law
- International legal theory
- International refugee law
- Law and development
- Law and the humanities
- Law and performance
- Public international law.
We pride ourselves of our vibrant research culture with events such as regular research seminars with leading and emerging research leaders, reading groups and an Annual Lecture series with United Nations Special Rapporteurs.
Graduate research
La Trobe Law School is proud to educate the next generation of law and criminology academic leaders, delivering high quality training to our graduate researchers.
We have Masters and PhD opportunities, where candidates conduct high impact projects under the direction of experts in their field. PhD candidates also have the option of developing a project with government, the private or the not-for profit sector in our industry PhD.
Our graduate researchers are well supported by teams of at least two supervisors, progress committees and a carefully tailored milestone program.
They enjoy a vibrant research culture with reading groups, skills-based workshops, library support, and an annual 3 Minute Thesis competition and Higher Degree by Research writing retreat. Some also teach in the School, preparing them for a career in academia.
Have questions about graduate research at La Trobe Law School? Contact La Trobe Law School’s Director of Graduate Research, Dr Kathleen Birrell.