Sarah McKibbin

Dr Sarah McKibbin is a Lecturer in the School of Law and Justice at the University of Southern Queensland, where she has been employed since 2015 (initially as Sessional academic, then Lecturer from 2017). Her expertise centers on private international law and legal history, with significant contributions to conflict of laws scholarship through publications and committee work.

Her academic qualifications include:

• LLB(Hons) from University of Southern Queensland (2013)
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Australian National University (2014)
• PhD in Law from University of Southern Queensland (2020)

McKibbin's research integrates historical analysis with contemporary legal challenges, particularly in Australian cross-border litigation contexts. Her doctoral thesis examined public policy exceptions in Anglo-common law, and her work consistently bridges legal history with modern private international law dilemmas, evidenced by her co-edited 2023 volume The Common Law Jurisprudence of the Conflict of Laws. She emphasizes practical applications in family law and commercial litigation.

Her recent publications demonstrate a trajectory from foundational historical analysis (2018-2020) toward applied conflict of laws solutions (2021-2024), with increasing focus on Australian implementation of international frameworks like the HCCH Judgments Convention. Key themes include marriage validity, family provision claims, and judicial reasoning in cross-border disputes.

Dr McKibbin serves on the School of Law and Justice Research Committee and Learning, Teaching and Student Success Committee, coordinates the Research Seminar Series (2019-present), and edits the Lawfully blog. Her teaching portfolio includes Cross-Border Litigation (LAW3463) and International Family Law (LAW8718), reflecting her research specializations.

She maintains active collaboration with scholars including Reid Mortensen, Marcus Harmes, and Jeremy Patrick, primarily through the Centre for Heritage and Culture. Her professional affiliations include the Selden Society (Australian Chapter) and Society of Legal Scholars.