Mark Ferraretto

Mark Ferraretto is a Senior Lecturer in Law at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law, specializing in legal technology education. He returned to the university in 2023 after private practice, having established the 'Law in a Digital Age' curriculum in 2019. Founder of the 2024 Digital Law Lab, he bridges academic theory with real-world legal tech development while maintaining a sole legal practice.

Education:

• BSc in Computer Science (1989)
• Bachelor of Laws (2016)
• Admitted to SA Supreme Court (August 2017)

His research centers on legal technology innovation, with expertise in blockchain applications, smart contract drafting, data privacy frameworks, and document security protocols. He develops curricula that teach law students to build functional legal software, emphasizing technology's role in democratizing access to justice through practical implementation.

While his 2019 cybersecurity article represents early scholarly output, current work focuses on applied legal tech through the Digital Law Lab. This initiative demonstrates a clear trajectory toward operationalizing academic research into community-facing solutions, particularly for not-for-profit justice initiatives.

Awards:

• 2020 College of Business, Government & Law Teaching & Learning Innovation Grant 'Digital Age Lab' (with Tania Leiman)

Ferraretto mentors students through the Digital Law Lab's commission-based model, where learners develop production software for real clients. His grant work supports curriculum innovation that transforms theoretical legal concepts into deployable technology solutions, directly linking pedagogy with public service.

The Digital Law Lab (2024) operates as a legal tech incubator, providing not-for-profits with custom software solutions while simulating a professional technology business environment. This student-run initiative handles client commissions from development through deployment, serving as both an access-to-justice enabler and immersive educational platform.