Marnie Brown
Faculty of Law
From IP lawyer to lecturer: Bringing real legal experience into the classroom
Marnie was the first person in her family to go to university, and creates a safe space where questions are welcomed and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn.
What are you doing differently in your field that you believe is driving real change?
I bring both the heart of a teacher and the mindset of a practitioner to my classroom. I draw from my experience as an IP lawyer, an academic, and an international education specialist to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I embed real-world, practical scenarios into my teaching, helping students see how the law operates beyond the textbook. I also foster an inclusive, supportive environment that prioritises student well-being and success, particularly for international and EAL students.
How do you help students build confidence, not just knowledge?
Confidence grows when students feel seen, heard, and supported. I create a safe space where questions are welcomed and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn. I take time to explain complex concepts clearly, using relatable examples from my own legal practice. I encourage critical thinking and guide students to apply their knowledge practically. I also provide regular, constructive feedback and celebrate their progress. It means the world to me when students tell me they used to avoid attending classes but now love coming because they feel empowered and engaged.
What do you hope your students take away from their time with you? Is there a student moment you’ll never forget, and why?
I hope they take away a love of learning, a sense of curiosity, and the confidence to use their legal knowledge in the real world. I want them to know that the law is not just about rules; it is about people and the positive change we can make.
There are so many wonderful moments from my years of teaching at university that I will never forget, but one recent moment stands out vividly in my mind. A student gave me a handmade card thanking me for everything I had done for them that semester. They told me that my teaching had been fun, real, and engaging, and that it had inspired them to pursue a different area of law than they had originally planned. They also said they looked forward to coming to my class each week, even though it was an early 8:00 a.m. session and they were not a morning person! Their words brought tears to my eyes and reminded me exactly why I do what I do.
Confidence grows when students feel seen, heard, and supported. I create a safe space where questions are welcomed and mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn. ”
What’s something about Monash that would surprise people in a good way?
People may be surprised by how much Monash values innovation in teaching and student-centred approaches. It is a place where educators are encouraged to think creatively, use technology meaningfully, and support students holistically. I have found Monash to be a deeply warm environment where great ideas are welcomed and collaboration is celebrated.
What would surprise your younger self most about what you do now?
Everything! I am the first in my family to go to university and never thought I would be where I am today. I worked full-time while completing both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and at the time, I often felt I was simply trying to keep my head above water. I was rarely on campus and certainly never imagined that I would one day be standing at the front of a lecture theatre playing the same kind of role that my own inspiring professors once played for me. I think my younger self would be amazed and proud.
What does being a 'Changemaker’ mean to you personally?
For me, being a Changemaker is about helping others unlock opportunities they may not have thought possible. It is about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where students from all walks of life can succeed and thrive. It is also about helping students see law as something that can create positive real-world change. If I can inspire even one student to think differently about their future or to feel more confident in their ability to contribute, I feel I have done my job.
How do you tailor your teaching approach to engage and inspire today's students?
I take an open, honest, and approachable style to teaching. I bring real-life practical scenarios from my years as a practitioner into the classroom and aim to make legal concepts relevant and tangible. I also focus strongly on building confidence, particularly for international students or those for whom legal language can feel daunting. I make a point of knowing my students, encouraging questions, and creating a space where they feel safe to engage.