The Legal Studies State Conference 2026 is a premier event organized by the Legal Studies Association of NSW Inc., dedicated to supporting and enhancing the teaching and learning of Legal Studies. Scheduled for Thursday, 26th, and Friday, 27th March 2026, the conference will be held at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre in Surry Hills, Sydney.
The conference will feature a diverse range of sessions and workshops covering critical topics such as the criminal trial process and sentencing in NSW, contemporary human rights issues, international law, and updates on the new Legal Studies Stage 6 syllabus and assessment. Notable speakers include His Honour Judge C O’Brien, Deputy Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW; Hugh de Kresta from the Australian Human Rights Commission; Dr. Matt Killingsworth from the University of Tasmania; and Professor Catherine Renshaw, Dean of Law at Western Sydney University.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops focusing on areas like streamlining content within a structured writing framework, embracing curriculum changes, technology and the justice system, and various law updates and strategies. The event also includes optional networking sessions with refreshments and canapés, providing a platform for educators to connect and share insights.
This conference is ideal for Legal Studies educators seeking to deepen their subject knowledge, stay updated on recent developments, and enhance their teaching methodologies. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts, collaborate with peers, and access valuable resources tailored to the Legal Studies curriculum.
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Speakers(11)
Amber Mah
Teacher at Katoomba High School
Amber Mah is a teacher at Katoomba High School, focusing on streamlining content within a structured writing framework.
Dr Matt Killingsworth
Lecturer in International Relations at University of Tasmania
Dr Matt Killingsworth is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Tasmania, specializing in international law.
Dr Vincent Hurley
Lecturer in Criminology at Macquarie University
Dr Vincent Hurley is a Lecturer in Criminology at Macquarie University and a former NSW Police Officer, specializing in policing and prosecuting domestic violence.
His Honour Judge C O’Brien
Deputy Chief Judge at District Court of NSW
His Honour Judge C O’Brien serves as the Deputy Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW, overseeing criminal trials and sentencing.
Hugh de Kresta
President at Australian Human Rights Commission
Hugh de Kresta is the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, focusing on contemporary human rights issues.
Justine Hanks
Education Manager at Rule of Law Education Centre
Justine Hanks is the Education Manager at the Rule of Law Education Centre, focusing on technology and the justice system.
Kate Kempthorne
Representative at NESA
Kate Kempthorne represents NESA, providing an overview of the new Legal Studies 2025 Stage 6 syllabus and assessment.
Kristen Lazarus
Representative at Jesuit Refugee Service
Kristen Lazarus represents the Jesuit Refugee Service, providing human rights case studies and resources.
Lauren Goodsell
Head Teacher at Bonnyrigg High School
Lauren Goodsell is the Head Teacher at Bonnyrigg High School, specializing in embracing opportunities through curriculum change.
Professor Catherine Renshaw
Dean of Law at Western Sydney University
Professor Catherine Renshaw is the Dean of Law at Western Sydney University, focusing on human rights updates.
Wayne Gleeson
Juvenile Justice Community Representative at Sentencing Council of NSW
Wayne Gleeson serves as the Juvenile Justice Community Representative on the Sentencing Council of NSW, providing updates on crime.
Event Details
- Date
- March 26-27, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia
- NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre
- Pricing
- Early Bird Pricing available until 26 February 2026
- Audience
- Legal Studies educators