Deputy Dean of Law at Bond University Professor Laurence Boulle has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM); "For service to the law, particularly in the fields of mediation, alternative dispute resolution and education, and as a contributor to legal publications."
A seasoned legal practitioner, Professor Boulle AM has worked tirelessly to improve mediation practices within Australia and, as a foundation staff member, has been helping Bond Law students to master the intricacies of the legal profession for 20 years.
Laurence Boulle taught at the Universities of Natal and Adelaide before joining Bond University in 1988. He has taught and worked at universities in Europe, Africa, North America and Australasia and his books on constitutional law, employment law, mediation and dispute resolution have been published in seven countries.
He served as Chair of the Federal Government's National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council from 1999 until 2003 and is currently a part-time member of the National Native Title Tribunal. He is accredited as a mediator of the Supreme Court of Queensland and conducts a private mediation practice.
Despite his success and his contribution to the field of law, Professor Boulle was taken aback when his efforts were recognised with the award.
"I was rather embarrassed actually, I wanted to find the nominator," he said.
"However, it's a great recognition of the place of mediation in Australia's justice system today."