Rachael Field

Prof Rachael Field is a Professor at Bond University's Faculty of Law and Centre for Professional Legal Education. She holds a PhD from the University of Sydney and specializes in dispute resolution ethics, legal education, student well-being, and family law. Her research addresses mediation efficacy, domestic violence in family law contexts, and curriculum reforms to support student success. Prof Field has significantly influenced national and international legal education policies, particularly regarding well-being frameworks. She was honored as 2013 Queensland Woman of the Year for her advocacy work.

Education:

• PhD in Law, University of Sydney (2012)
• Graduate Certificate in Education (Higher Education), QUT (2001)

Research Interests: Prof Field's work bridges legal practice and education, focusing on:

• Ethical mediation practices, particularly in domestic violence cases
• Pedagogy for promoting student well-being and resilience
• Threshold concepts in legal education
• Pro bono and clinical legal education models
• Law school curricular reforms

Recent Themes in Publications: Her work emphasizes legal educators' role in cultivating well-being through curriculum design, addressing pandemic impacts on academic staff, and advocating for systemic reforms in family law reporting practices. She has pioneered frameworks for law schools to integrate mental health support as core institutional priorities.

Awards:

• 2013 Queensland Woman of the Year

Advising & Grants: While specific grants are not detailed, her research has secured significant national/international impact through policy advocacy and institutional partnerships. She leads initiatives like the 'I Belong in the LLB' program to enhance student belonging and success.

Labs/Teams: Her work is anchored in Bond University's Faculty of Law and collaborative networks advocating for legal education reform and domestic violence policy improvements.