Marcelle Burns

Marcelle Burns is a Gomeroi-Kamilaroi First Nations’ academic and legal professional, currently serving as Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership & Engagement) at the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney. With over 25 years of experience, she bridges Indigenous legal advocacy and education, focusing on cultural competency, race, and legal pluralism. Her career spans roles as a solicitor at the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) and as a lecturer at the University of New England, Queensland University of Technology, and Southern Cross University.

• Education
  • PhD, University of South Australia (2013–2023)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, College of Law (2000)
  • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law (Hons), Southern Cross University (1994–1999)

Her research explores indigenization of legal education, Indigenous cultural competency, and international legal frameworks for Indigenous rights. Key publications address systemic racism in legal systems, the pedagogical role of Indigenous epistemologies, and the implementation of cultural competency in law curricula. She has led the Indigenous Cultural Competency for Legal Academics Program (2015–2018), shaping national discourse on inclusive legal education.

Scientific Awards

• 2017: Southern Cross University Alumnus of the Year
• 2018: University of New England Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Research

Marcelle actively contributes to institutional leadership through committee memberships, including the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Working Group and the First Peoples Partnerships Working Party. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 16 (Peace and Justice), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing legal reform as a tool for social equity.