David Spencer

David Spencer is a Professor at the Thomas More Law School within Australian Catholic University (ACU), where he has been affiliated since 2012. He joined the Law School in 2019 after holding senior administrative roles including Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching (2017-2019) and Deputy Provost (2012-2017). Spencer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney.

His research focuses on four primary domains: contract law, civil procedure, dispute resolution, and higher education theory/practice. This interdisciplinary work bridges legal scholarship with pedagogical innovation, examining systemic aspects of justice delivery and legal education methodologies.

Publications demonstrate strong emphasis on dispute resolution mechanisms and legal accessibility, particularly regarding deaf jurors' rights. Recent work investigates sign language interpretation in courts and human rights implications of jury exclusion. Earlier scholarship analyzed judicial mediation frameworks and contract law formalities.

Awards & Honors:

• Andrea Durbach Award for Human Rights Scholarship (2018)
• National Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2006)
• Macquarie University teaching awards (2005-2006)

Major Research Grants:

• ARC Linkage Grant: Deaf Jurors Investigation ($268,000, 2012)
• ALTC Fellowship: Curriculum and Pedagogic Bases ($339,685, 2009)
• Four institutional grants for curriculum development (2005-2009)

As a former Supreme Court solicitor and accredited mediator, Spencer maintains professional affiliations with the Law Institute of Victoria and Resolution Institute. He serves on editorial boards for the Australasian Dispute Resolution Journal and Thomson Reuters' legal publications.