Natalie Klein

Professor Natalie Klein is Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor at the Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Australia. She previously served as Dean of Macquarie Law School (2011–2017) and Acting Head of the Department for Policing, Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism at Macquarie University (2013–2014). Her academic career spans roles at the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and Government of Eritrea (1998–2002).

• Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD), Yale Law School, 2002
• Master of Laws (LL.M.), Yale Law School, 1998
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Adelaide, 1995
• Bachelor of Arts (Jurisprudence), University of Adelaide, 1993

Professor Klein’s research focuses on international law, particularly law of the sea, maritime security, and international dispute settlement. She has advised governments and international bodies on law of the sea issues and is Australia’s nominated conciliator under Annex V and arbitrator under Annex VII of UNCLOS. Her work explores intersections between maritime autonomous vehicles, human rights at sea, and maritime boundary disputes.

Her recent publications analyze UNCLOS compliance, maritime security frameworks, and climate change adaptations within the law of the sea. She has edited key handbooks on international marine environmental law and unconventional lawmaking in maritime contexts.

• Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2019)
• MacCormick Fellow, University of Edinburgh
• Visiting Fellow, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (Cambridge University)
• Fellow, Australian Academy of Law and Academy of the Social Sciences of Australia

Professor Klein has contributed to global marine governance through roles as Trustee of Human Rights at Sea and President of the Australian Branch of the International Law Association. Her grants include Australian Research Council projects on maritime autonomous vehicles and informal lawmaking in ocean governance.