Tim Lear
Director, Enforcement Branch
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Current Student, Graduate Diploma in Competition Law
Why did you choose to undertake a graduate degree in Law?
Having practised in areas relevant to competition law for a number of years I felt it was time to update my qualifications and take a step back from the work I do to consider the broad ramifications of competition law and policy in Australia. The ACCC's commitment to encouraging further learning allowed me to pursue this opportunity while undertaking full time work.
Why did you choose Melbourne Law School?
In my field, Melbourne University's scholars are among the leaders in Australia and its intensive course structure enables me to study with limited impact on my work. I spoke to a number of my professional peers who recommended Melbourne's competition course and, in particular, the quality and experience of students it attracted.
Describe your career pathway - what is your current role and how did you get to where you are?
I am currently a Director of the Enforcement Branch of the ACCC.
My role is to manage a team responsible for reporting to the Commission on enforcing possible contraventions of the Trade Practices Act to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws.
After completing my undergraduate degrees I commenced practice as a lawyer in a commercial dispute resolution of a Sydney firm. The work stemming from national and international commercial disputes was varied but included an increasing amount of trade practices law, where I acted for private companies and the ACCC. In 2003, I decided to broaden my career focus and took up a policy job with the Australian Government in Canberra which included developing bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade agreements. In 2005 an opportunity arose to move to the ACCC, whose work I see as increasingly central to commerce in Australia and ensuring Australians get the most from their economy, in a role which mixes my policy and legal experience.
Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters. What have been the highlights so far?
My subjects have been taught by national and, in one case, international leaders in the field. This was essential to me as the content of the subjects is not always new and I am seeking the opportunity to explore key competition law issues in greater detail.
The subjects have been well structured and the materials well prepared, ensuring my limited time is focused on studying and not the administrative tasks that can sometimes accompany university attendance. Living and working full time in Canberra, the intensive course structure also means my time in Melbourne has been limited to attending the intensive week long courses, ensuring the further study has a minimal negative impact on my work and leisure time.
I spoke to a number of my professional peers who recommended Melbourne's competition course and, in particular, the quality and experience of students it attracted. This has proven to be the case. The in-class discussions have added an important dimension to the graduate coursework and offered a variety of informed perspectives on issues facing my field.
What advice do you have for others considering undertaking a graduate degree in Law at Melbourne?
There are great benefits from studying in an area where you have academic and practical experience. This course has given me the expert information and space required to think about issues from a broader perspective, which has assisted the creation of innovative solutions to issues affecting my work.