ANU School of Legal Practice scholars Ben Battcock (left) and David Catanziriti presented three background working papers at the Harvard Law School workshop.
Ben Battcock
Honorary Lecturer
MA (Cantab) Barrister (England and Wales)
ANU College of Law, Bld 6, Fellows Rd, Acton ACT 2600
ANU College of Law, 5 Fellows Rd, Acton ACT 2600
Research Themes
Biography
I was a barrister in London for 13 years specialising in product liability, professional negligence and employment law. I moved to Australia in 2001 and began working at the ANU School of Legal Practice (formerly ANU Legal Workshop) in 2003, teaching advocacy, civil, criminal and commercial practice. I am currently the National Convenor for the Becoming a Practitioner Course and also the Criminal Practice Intensive. I am also the Convenor for the Masters Advocacy Course and I teach in the Military Legal Practice course.
My research interests cover the practice and teaching of court advocacy in different jurisdictions around the world, and the development in the 21st century legal profession, especially the bar.
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Appointments
National Convener for Off Campus Courses ANU School of Legal Practice
Recent news
Past events
04
Nov
2019
10.00AM to 4.00PM Workshop
On November 4, 2019, the Harvard Law School Program on International Law (HLS PILAC) and the Centre for Military and Security Law at the Australian National University College of Law (ANU CMSL) will jointly convene a workshop at Harvard Law School.
Research biography
My research interests cover the practice and teaching of court advocacy, and development in the 21st century legal profession especially the bar.
Research projects & collaborations
I am collaborating in a research group at the ANU School of Legal Practice studying the 'Emerging Legal Identity of young practitioners'.
Conference papers & presentations
- APLEC Conference -Melbourne November 2017 - paper presented 'Emerging Legal Identity -the path to your best'
- APLEC Conference - Perth - November 2015 - paper presented - 'Emerging Legal Identity - Understanding the educational experiences and legal aspirations of students attending the ANU Becoming a Practitioner Course'
- ALT Conference - Oxford - April 2012 - paper presented
- APLEC Conference - Sydney - November 2011
PhD supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
SJD supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
MPhil supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
LLM Masters thesis supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
Honours thesis supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
Internship supervision
Legal Profession; Clinical Legal Education; Advocacy.
I am willing to supervise in the above areas
Philosophy & approach
My philosophy and approach to teaching is to simplify and engage. This approach is perhaps most relevant to advocacy instruction, but it applies to all areas of law. Advocacy is perceived by students to be challenging and complicated. In fact, of course, it is simple and logical. If one can assist the students to recognise the patterns and structures within different aspects of advocacy, then I think that they begin to see the overall logic and consequently grow in confidence and ability.
Past courses
- Civil Practice -Instructor 2003-2004; Convener 2004-2007.
- Criminal Practice National Convener 2015 -2018
- Advocacy MLP - Convener 2014-2018
- Military Legal Practice 2014-2018
- Becoming a Practitioner National Convener 2006-2018
- Commercial Practice Subject Mentor 2012-2016
- Professional Practice Core Course -Practice Mentor 2011-2013
