Confronting the Reality of Casualisation in Australia: Recognising Difference and Embracing Sessional Staff in Law Schools

Abstract

Casualisation of academic staff in universities and law schools is a reality. It is argued that sessional academics in law schools are atypical of sessionals across the sector and need training, resourcing and encouragement, which value their particular contribution and worth. The creation of a more specific program at the school level is described, and it is argued to be effective as it assists sessional academics to engage with the students, thereby improving the quality of student learning and enhancing the experience for these academics. Adopting a one-size-fits-all program at the institutional level may be cost effective, but is less likely to achieve this aim.

Keywords: sessional law academics