Summary
James Farrell joined the Deakin University School of Law in October 2011. Before this, he was the manager/principal lawyer of the PILCH Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic, a specialist outreach legal service for people experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness. In this role, James supervised over 300 volunteer lawyers from large commercial law firms who visited 12 shelters and welfare agencies each week to provide clients with advice, advocacy and representation. James was also responsible for the HPLC's policy and law reform campaigning and community engagement.
James' research interests have been shaped by his experiences working with marginalised and disadvantaged clients, and his research focuses on poverty law, social justice and human rights. He currently teaches taxation and legal skills.
James is currently a Director of the Council to Homeless Persons, Treasurer of the Federation of Community Legal Centres and a members of the StreetSmart Australia grants committee. James has also served on the boards of community legal centres, an arts organisation and other community groups.
Experience
- Lecturer in Law, Deakin University 2011 – present
- Manager/Principal Lawyer, PILCH Homeless Persons' Legal Clinic 2009 – 2011
- Lawyer, Corrs Chambers Westgarth 2007 – 2009
Education
- RMIT University, Graduate Diploma in Applied Human Rights, 2010
- University of New England, Master of Laws, 2009
- College of Law, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, 2007
- Deakin University, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), 2007
- Deakin University, Bachelor of Commerce, 2006
Research Areas
- Law (1801)
- Criminology (1602)
Honours
2011 LIV President's Awards finalist (Community Lawyer)
2011 Lawyer's Weekly Awards - Young Gun (highly commended)
2011 VCOSS Ben Bodna Award