At the University of New England, Professor Mark Lunney teaches in his main area of expertise, the law of tort.  He is an international figure in this area and he has written and contributed to numerous books, journal articles, and commissioned research. Professor Lunney was originally a solicitor in Brisbane before heading to England for postgraduate study.  Prior to teaching at the University of New England, he also spent twelve years teaching in the United Kingdom.

Professor Lunney says that there is a real benefit of studying tort law as its principles will stay with students for many years after the completion of their degrees. Students will find it interesting as it is deals with the commonplace, involves real and often relatable situations, and always has a human dimension.  While most tort law cases fall into three categories – motor vehicle accidents, accidents at work and accidents in public places- each individual case  has its own value and contributes to setting standards and guidelines so that similar accidents can be prevented in the future.

After many years of researching and teaching tort law, Professor Lunney thinks his risk assessment skills are unrivalled, much to the displeasure of his wife. He says that walks with his wife are not enjoyable for her as he is always on high alert, constantly pointing out potential hazards which can turn into serious accidents.

Professor Lunney enjoys the cooler climate of Armidale and also the regional setting of UNE. He says that UNE offers a unique experience to students. The University of New England’s Law School staff have expertise in many areas of law and also have diverse backgrounds in law. He encourages law students to tap into this knowledge as he and his colleagues are friendly and more than willing to share their legal expertise.