UNSW Law & Justice appoints Professor John Page as Head of School of Private and Commercial Law

UNSW Law & Justice is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor John Page as the new Head of School of Private and Commercial Law, commencing in January 2027. 

A highly respected scholar, educator and academic leader, Professor Page currently serves as Director of Juris Doctor (JD) Studies and has made a significant contribution to the UNSW Law & Justice community since joining the faculty in May 2023. 

Before arriving at UNSW, he served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He brings extensive experience as an academic leader. 

Professor Page succeeds Professor Mimi Zou, whose leadership has helped strengthen the School's reputation for excellence in research, education and engagement. 

Dean of UNSW Law & Justice, Professor Andrew Lynch, welcomed the appointment. 

"John is an outstanding academic leader who brings deep expertise, a strong commitment to student success and a genuine appreciation of the collegial culture that makes our Faculty so distinctive," Professor Lynch said. 

"Having contributed to UNSW Law & Justice in a range of leadership and teaching roles, John is exceptionally well placed to lead the School of Private and Commercial Law through its next chapter. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build on the School's strengths in research, education and community impact." 

"I would also like to thank Mimi Zou for her dedication and leadership as Head of School. Her contribution has been instrumental in advancing the School and positioning it for future success." 

Professor Page said he was honoured by the appointment and excited to work with colleagues across the School.

"It is a privilege to take on the role of Head of School of Private and Commercial Law and to serve a community that has been such an important part of my academic career," Professor Page said. 

"Our School is home to exceptional researchers and educators whose work makes a significant contribution to legal scholarship, policy and practice. I look forward to supporting our staff and students, strengthening our connections with the profession and broader community, and helping to advance the School's ambitions in the years ahead."

"I am grateful for the leadership and foundations established by Mimi and her predecessors and look forward to building on that work with colleagues across the School." 

Professor Lynch says there is a lot of work to be done in addressing our challenges as identified in the Law & Justice 2030 Strategy. 

"As a faculty, we have identified a series of priority challenges that will shape our teaching, research and engagement over the coming years. From technological disruption and economic transformation to questions of governance, sustainability and access to justice, these challenges cannot be addressed by any one discipline alone." 

"The School of Private and Commercial Law has a critical role to play in this work. Through its expertise and collaborations across the faculty, the University and with partners beyond academia, the School helps develop the legal and policy solutions needed to respond to some of society's most pressing issues. I am confident John will provide outstanding leadership in advancing that contribution."