Podcasts

Podcast (the-happy-family-lawyer-podcast): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Patrick Parkinson.  Patrick is the new Dean of the University of Queensland Law School which many of you will know is the home of my law studies so I was intrigued to have him on my show to hear his plans for the future.  Patrick has spent his legal career deep in research and teaching in areas of the law that are close to my heart in both family law and child protection and in this conversation I had the pleasure of learning so much more about his work but also his life outside of the law.

Patrick like some of my earlier guests has a deep connection with his faith which was beautiful to learn more about.  It has been his faith coupled with his deep sense of service that has driven much of his work- he described it as a sense of calling.  That calling has seen him undertake over 30 years of research, writing, policy reform and education and has heavily influenced the development of child protection and family law here in Australia.  With the current state of flux in the Family Law System , it was very interesting to hear more about Patrick’s thoughts for the future and how access to justice for families can be improved.

Patrick has had a fascinating career in law.  His passion for justice and clear purpose in law is evident in this conversation.  When it comes to happiness his advice is simple- relationships and connection coupled with his faith have driven happiness in his life.

 Patrick and I also spoke about:

• If Patrick was not a lawyer he would have been an Anglican Minister.
• Patrick studied at Oxford University and shares his experiences of studying law at this historical university.
• Growing up in England, Patrick attended boarding school where he found his love for helping people.
• Patrick moved over to Illinois in America for 3 years where he completed his Masters and he shared his experience of living and working in America.
• I asked the question of ‘Why family law?’
• Patrick found his way to Sydney where he took up a teaching role at the University of Sydney and to some degree the rest is history.  He remained there for over 30 years undertaking much research and writing in the areas of family law, child protection and child sexual abuse.
• Patrick discussed some of his research and texts and explains his findings in the very challenging areas of sexual abuse particularly in the churches.
  
• The desire to make a difference, especially for children, in Patrick’s life has been a huge motivator for him in his legal and writing career.
• We discussed at length the challenges within the family law system here in Australia and Patrick’s suggestions for change.
• How we can be advocating for change in our legal system and how Patrick’s experience has influenced his opinion.
• How and why he taken on the role as the Dean of the University of Queensland and his thoughts and visions for the future of the law school.
• Patrick’s life outside of the law and UQ.
• Contentment and happiness and being a disruptor in the law.
• Patrick’s Happiness Tip.

Sit back and enjoy this interview with Professor Patrick Parkinson

***

Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside 

of the law.   

Listen to last week’s episode here