From blockchain to artificial intelligence, Associate Professor Tania Leiman, Dean of Law at Flinders University, is fascinated at how changing technologies are disrupting the legal system. Her keen interest and award-winning teaching recently saw her receive another national accolade.

Professor Leiman was recognised as an Academic of the Year finalist in the 2018 National Women in Law Awards.

An inquisitive mind and passion for embracing change have kept her at the cutting edge of legal research into disruptive technologies and the future of law. It’s a passion that is paying dividends for law students at Flinders – shaping innovative leadership and teaching to produce graduates equipped to adapt and thrive in the future job market.

Flinders alumna Andrea Michaels of NDA Law is also a finalist in the Thought Leader of the Year category, for female lawyers who have shown a long-term passion and aptitude for improving the industry.

Ms Michaels is treasurer of the Law Society, and founder and managing director of one of Adelaide’s most innovative law firms. Her vision for NDA has led her to scrap timesheets and focus on flexibility and real teamwork in order to develop a client-focused business structure which allows women in particular to make a valuable contribution.

She says Flinders law not only taught her the technical skills needed for her career, but also the problem solving and other life skills that have been critical to her success.

Winners of The Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards will be announced in November 2018.