Cosgrove, the current chancellor of the Australian Catholic University, was the chief of the Defence Force between 2002 and 2005.

Other speakers at the Conference include Alexander Ward, the president of the Law Council of Australia and Australian Law Reform Commission Professor Rosalind Croucher.

"The ALSA Conference provides a wonderful opportunity for law students to network with one another and hear from a number of prominent experts on a broad range of legal issues," said Clayton Utz chief executive partner Darryl McDonough.

Clayton Utz is the main sponsor of the event. The conference will be held from 8-14 July at the University of New South Wales. Details about the conference can be found at www.alsaconference.com.au