Rate Professor Jeannie Paterson

Professional Summary: Professor Jeannie Paterson

Professor Jeannie Paterson is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a notable career in law, focusing on consumer protection, contract law, and digital technology's legal implications. Her expertise and contributions have made her a leading figure in her field, combining rigorous scholarship with practical impact on policy and regulation.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Paterson holds advanced degrees in law, reflecting her deep commitment to legal scholarship:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours, University of Melbourne
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Monash University, focusing on consumer law and policy

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research primarily explores the intersection of law and technology, with a focus on:

• Consumer protection law, particularly in digital markets
• Contract law and unfair terms
• Regulation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automated decision-making
• Access to justice and legal remedies for vulnerable consumers

Career History and Appointments

Professor Paterson has held significant academic and leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of legal education and research:

• Professor of Law, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Law School (current)
• Co-Director, Centre for AI and Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne
• Previous academic positions at Monash University and other institutions, focusing on commercial and consumer law

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to legal scholarship and policy have been recognized through various accolades:

• Recipient of multiple research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for projects on consumer law and digital technology
• Recognized for contributions to policy reform in consumer protection through collaborations with government and regulatory bodies

Key Publications

Professor Paterson has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in the field of law. Some of her key publications include:

• Principles of Contract Law (multiple editions, co-authored with Andrew Robertson and Arlen Duke, latest edition 2020)
• Corones’ Australian Consumer Law (multiple editions, co-authored with Stephen Corones, latest edition 2019)
• ‘The New Consumer Guarantee Law and the Reasons for Replacing the Regime of Statutory Implied Terms in Consumer Transactions’ (2011), Melbourne University Law Review
• ‘Good Faith in Commercial Contracts: A Distinctively Australian Contribution’ (2014), Australian Business Law Review
• Numerous articles on digital consumer protection and AI regulation in leading journals

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Paterson’s work has had a significant impact on both academic discourse and public policy in Australia and beyond. Her research on consumer protection in digital environments has informed legislative reforms and regulatory approaches to emerging technologies. As a thought leader, she bridges the gap between theoretical legal scholarship and practical application, influencing how laws adapt to technological advancements. Her contributions to the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics highlight her role in shaping ethical frameworks for AI and automated systems.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Paterson is actively engaged in the broader academic and legal community through various roles:

• Frequent speaker at national and international conferences on consumer law and digital regulation
• Contributor to policy consultations with Australian government bodies on consumer protection and technology law
• Member of editorial boards for prominent legal journals in Australia
• Active participant in committees addressing legal education and reform at the University of Melbourne