Regulatory Reform Fellowship
About the Fellowship
The Regulatory Reform Fellowship was established by the Business Law Section (BLS) of the Law Council of Australia to encourage innovative, evidence-based research that strengthens the development of business law in Australia. It is aimed at early and mid-career lawyers who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey by contributing to meaningful reform.
Unlike traditional academic programs, the Fellowship is practice-oriented. It supports lawyers who are closely engaged with the realities of business law and regulation, enabling them to explore issues that matter to practitioners, policymakers, and the wider community. Fellows are encouraged to think boldly, to test ideas against real-world challenges, and to propose reforms that can shape the future of law and policy.
What the Fellowship involves
Successful Fellows will receive up to $10,000 in funding, flexible over a six‑month period, with an expected commitment of 10–20 days. In return, Fellows are required to produce a 10,000‑word evidence‑based report or equivalent publication, suitable for distribution through BLS channels.
During the Fellowship, recipients will engage with BLS committees and experts, present their findings at a BLS event if invited, and ensure their research contributes meaningfully to law reform and policy dialogue.
Eligibility
- Lawyers with 2–10 years post-admission experience
- Preference for applicants currently or recently employed in practice, government, courts, or regulatory agencies
- Not open to full-time academics or students (including PhD candidates)
Application process
Applications are to be submitted via the below online form and must include:
- A project proposal (max 1,500 words)
- CV and sample of written work
- Proposed use of Fellowship funds
- Two referees (preferably including a BLS member)
Successful applicants will be asked to provide a letter of support from their employer before commencing the Fellowship.
Research scope
Projects must address a current issue in business law or regulation within the scope of a BLS specialist committee or working group. Successful applicants may refine their research question in consultation with BLS experts.
Use of Fellowship funds
The $10,000 grant may be used flexibly, including for:
- Purchasing leave from an employer
- Travel (domestic or international) to explore comparative approaches
- Research-related expenses
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Relevance and significance of the research question
- Originality and potential impact
- Feasibility of the project
- Applicant’s qualifications and demonstrated interest in business law
Applications are now open
Applications are to be submitted by 30 April (Round 1) or 30 September (Round 2).
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I apply if I’m working part-time or on contract?
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria (2–10 years post-admission experience), you are welcome to apply.
Q: Can I propose a project outside Australia?
Yes. Comparative or international research is encouraged, provided the findings are relevant to Australian business law or regulation.
Q: How flexible is the Fellowship duration?
The standard timeframe is 6 months, but extensions or adjustments may be considered on request.
Contact
Jessica Morrow
Executive Officer
Business Law Section
T. 02 6246 3737
E. jessica.morrow@lawcouncil.au
Previous winners
Amy is currently Associate to Justice Peter Brereton in the Corporations List at the Supreme Court of New South Wales. She previously worked as a Lawyer in the Disputes team at MinterEllison. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales, graduating in the top 3% of her law cohort.
Amy is the researcher for the Australian Institute of Judicial Administration’s AI and Courts project and has published in academic journals on artificial intelligence and the law, including the Commercial Law Quarterly.
Drawing on experience across private practice and the courts, Amy has developed a strong interest in complex corporate and commercial disputes. Through the Law Council’s BLS Regulatory Fellowship, she will examine whether s 180 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) remains fit for purpose as directors increasingly rely on AI-assisted decision-making.
Her research will consider how duties of care and diligence apply to the use of AI, including challenges arising from opaque systems, data quality issues and algorithmic bias. It will also assess whether the “reasonable director” standard and the business judgment rule provide sufficient guidance for directors relying on AI, and whether targeted reform or regulatory guidance may be necessary.
Last Updated on 30/09/2026