Solving disputes in the workplace
Research news
Deakin Law School's Dr Victoria Lambropoulos has been formally recognised for both her teaching and research and, most recently, added to an impressive list of accolades a PhD for her efforts in the area of workplace law.
In her PhD thesis, ‘Rethinking the Employer’s Summary Dismissal Power in the Employment Contract’, Dr Lambropoulos devised a new way to resolve disputes on the basis of statutory reform, rather than through the Common Law.
Dr Lambropoulos’ interest in workplace law is based upon her belief in work as a significant source of life enjoyment.
“For many people the most important thing is work. It provides opportunities to create a future and to live out their dreams. It provides not only income, but it can also be a source of deep satisfaction,” she said.
Practicing as a commercial lawyer, Dr Lambropoulos found she lacked people contact. It was as a barrister, undertaking pro bono work in the area of discrimination, that she found satisfaction. From there, her future fell into place.
She is emphatic that finding your passion is not about luck.
“You must chase it,” she said.
In her opinion, this can be achieved by engaging in volunteer work or finding other opportunities that offer a way to gain relevant experience.
Dr Lambropoulos joined Deakin Law School as a full-time academic in 2004 and is now a senior lecturer. Her research work is well recognised and in 2013 she won the School of Law Research Award for Outstanding Publication, as well as the School of Law Researcher Award.
She is the primary author and editor of Thomson Reuters’ annual publication, "Fair Work Legislation" and editor for the Common Law and General Protections section of the "Workplace Review".
In 2013, Dr Lambropoulos was also honoured with a Faculty Teaching Excellence award, a part of her job she is very passionate about.
Although partly driven by her desire to inspire future thinkers and practitioners in the workplace relations law field, she also enjoys the fact that Deakin teaching staff are given the autonomy to try new things.
“The University wants to be seen as progressive in its delivery of teaching. It is less bureaucratic and more inventive,” she said.
Dr Lambropoulos found the process of completing her PhD engaging and an outlet for her passion to read, research, learn and discover. Most importantly, she has found that her research has informed her teaching practice. In 2016, she is looking to consolidate knowledge from her PhD and expects to publish from it.