About the Faculty of Law

Over the years, the UNSW Law School has developed a unique and innovative approach to legal education. It is the pioneer of small-class teaching since 1971, abolishing the need for lectures and enforcing compulsory student participation to promote active learning. Furthermore, UNSW was the first Law School to offer students real client-focused training through compulsory attendance at a community legal service centre, developing the practical skills of students in a client-oriented environment. The Law School boasts many of Australia’s leading academics in various fields of law. It also offers a wide range of electives and extra-curricular activities to prepare students for virtually any career path. For over 30 years, it has provided students with superior knowledge in social justice, business and the law, as well as highly regarded problem solving skills and an understanding of the social and commercial context in which the law is applied.

As a testament of its ongoing commitment to teaching excellence, purpose built law facilities are undergoing construction to accommodate the nation’s largest collection of research centres, Sydney's first university community legal centre, as well as our envied teaching facilities. The Faculty's standing is readily apparent locally and internationally. Demand for positions has seen the entrance requirement become the highest in NSW. We have the highest graduate satisfaction rating in NSW, with graduates receiving numerous prestigious and international awards, including five Rhodes scholars and one Fulbright scholar in the last six years. Year after year, UNSW Law students are offered the highest number of clerkship and vacation placements in Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and London. All this is testament to UNSW law graduates being equipped with the skills necessary to successfully enter and work in a broad and diverse range of industries.

Our Establishment

Since its establishment in 1971, the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales has become one of the premier law schools in Australia. Its graduates are sought after in a diverse spectrum of industries, including international commercial legal practice, consulting houses, investment banks and other professional services organisations. Our graduate employment rate is one of the highest in the country and in the world. The University, the Faculty and the Society were pioneers in many initiatives listed in the following pages and maintain the highest ratings nationally and globally.