Bond University has scooped the Australasian Law Teachers' Association (ALTA) / Lexis Nexis Early Career Award for the second year in a row, placing its law program firmly at the top of the field for teaching excellence.
Assistant Professor Francina Cantatore received the accolade for 2014, following in the footsteps of colleague Danielle Ireland-Piper who was the 2013 recipient.
Dr Cantatore commenced teaching at Bond University's Faculty of Law three years ago, adding to her successful career practising commercial law as a solicitor and barrister, specialising in IP law, Property Law, Consumer Credit Law and Media Law.
She also facilitates the Bond Law Clinic - a pro-bono clinic that offers free legal advice to the community on a range of matters.
Dr Cantatore said the award was a great honour and an inspiration to continue improving on her teaching initiatives.
"From my perspective a practice-based learning approach makes commercial law subjects much more vivid and gives students an insight into 'real world' law scenarios," she said.
"I'm able to provide my students with experiential learning opportunities in the subjects I teach, especially through the Bond Law Clinic, which allows them to interact with the public and resolve real legal issues.
"Bond University supports this hands-on approach as a way of giving our students an edge when they enter the workforce."