What are we doing?
From Sustainable-business clinical subjects, research and policy centres examining Australia’s role in sustainable governance, and partnerships with government and business looking to make the most out of the changing energy marketplace - we are fostering the collaboration and innovation Australia needs to meet these opportunities and challenges.
Our students are learning from our researchers and experts in the classroom and within practical clinical subjects, carrying the latest knowledge and essential problem-solving capacities with them to graduate jobs after their studies.
We work with organisations who are leading solutions to environment challenges; community legal centres who see the impacts of climate change on society firsthand; the businesses engaging in the renewable energy space; and land authorities including Indigenous owners. They partner with us at each stage of our work: in the classroom, across research projects, and in policy guidance.
What is the future of sustainable construction practices in Australia? How can Indigenous knowledge inform sounder approaches to natural resource management? How are Australian businesses placed to adapt to international sentiment and regulation surrounding emissions reduction? What impact does AI have on consumer protection? How do we maintain the health of our oceans as shipping and trade increase, and as geopolitics shift?
MLS is at the forefront of research and education in the climate and environment space, tackling questions like these every day.
Advance your career
Be a part of opportunities to shape our environmental future and elevate your expertise. From short courses to full degrees, we have a program to match your career goals.
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Single subject enrolment is a great way to advance your professional knowledge in a specific area of law.
The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively over five days, with some subjects taught for two hours each week during the semester.
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The Master of Environmental Law is ideal for government professionals, legal practitioners, professionals working in environmental and resources sectors, and those with a broader philosophical or practical interest.
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The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law is designed to develop your expertise in a dynamic area of law that is continuing to grow in importance.
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We also work with new partners to design bespoke programs that can fit you or your team’s needs. Have something in mind?
Latest news
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Supreme Court of Victoria Commercial Law Conference
The Supreme Court of Victoria, Melbourne Law School and the Melbourne Centre for Commercial Law are proud to re-convene and host the Supreme Court of Victoria Commercial Law Conference, which was previously held annually between 2009 and 2016. The conference brings together the legal community to reflect and interact on current issues in commercial law.
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Fiduciary Duty and Corporate Externalities: Rethinking Directors’ Climate Obligations
On Thursday 19 March 2026, the Corporate Law and Financial Regulation Program of the Melbourne Centre for Commercial Law hosted a seminar on ‘Fiduciary Duty and Corporate Externalities: Rethinking Directors’ Climate Obligations’ presented by Professor Ernest Lim.
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Climate Protection as a Driver for the Development of New Legal Concepts
Presented by Professor Angela Schwerdtfeger (Free University Berlin)
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12th Frontiers in Environmental Law Colloquium
The annual Frontiers in Environmental Law Colloquium provided a forum for environmental law academics and practitioners to share and discuss their experiences, research, and teaching practices.
Our partnerships with industry
To ensure Melbourne Law School can meet the opportunities and challenges of societal change and evolving governance realities, we work closely with industry across our research and teaching programs. This two-way exchange connects industry with academic expertise and emerging talent. Professionals contribute as mentors, guest lecturers and project partners with our research centres and Clinic Program, helping address the legal complexity inherent in these issues.
Why partner with us
There are always unique opportunities to work together shape the future of the legal profession.
Expertise
Work with our research and industry experts and collaborate on joint projects.
Upskill
Support your staff through specialised courses or work with us to design you a bespoke program.
Discover Talent
Engage with top students and graduates in work integrated learning, mentor, and donor initiatives.
Explore our partnerships
Funding solutions and insights into climate action
The Climate Research Accelerator Program at Melbourne Climate Futures is a partnership-driven program that rapidly connects organisations with leading University of Melbourne researchers to address priority climate challenges. Through close collaboration with industry, government, and community partners, the program co-designs targeted research projects that deliver practical insights and accelerate real-world climate action.
Climate Accelerator Program
Monitoring greenwashing claims
Misleading green claims are a monitoring and enforcement priority for Consumer protection regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Working with the Consumer Policy Research Centre, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S) Greenwashing Project, led by Professor Christine Parker, examines how misleading environmental claims arise and how they can be identified, governed, and reduced.
Greenwashing Project
Practical solutions to climate-related legal challenges
The Climate Resilience Clinic is a partnership-based initiative between Melbourne Law School and the Federation of Community Legal Centres, designed to strengthen climate resilience through collaboration. By working closely with community legal centres, the Clinic connects academic expertise with frontline legal practice, supporting practical solutions to climate-related legal challenges while building capacity across the community legal sector and creating shared value for partners.
Climate Resilience Clinic
Fostering private financing of clean energy
The Advancing Investor Action on Energy Transition project, brought together legal and business analysis and investors to examine contemporary engagement practices and investors' management of climate-related financial risks.
Advancing Investor Action on Energy Transition projectELLIS
The ELLIS Program (Experiential Learning for Law International Students) exemplifies our student and industry collaboration. Top-tier international Master and JD students are aligned with real-world bespoke projects scoped by industry. Our partners tap into this program to develop new ideas, research emerging trends, and provide advice.
Get involved
Learn more about opportunities to partner with us.
Mentoring
Connect with a Juris Doctor or international Melbourne Law Masters student for a semester and share insights, help navigate the realities of the profession and be a sounding board.
Become a MentorHost an Intern
Get an early peek at our student talent in a professional setting and host an intern through our MLS Clinics’ Legal Internship program.
Become a hostGiving
Make a real impact on talented MLS students facing obstacles to legal study, on the capacity of our world-class research centres and teachers, and on the fulfilment of our school’s highest priorities.
Make a donationMelbourne Law School Clinic Partnerships
Through experiential learning opportunities such as internships and clinics, students build their legal skills and knowledge while contributing to the work of our law partners. Learning by working with real clients to solve real legal problems.
MLS is always seeking new potential new partners across the clinical program. To find out more, contact MLS Clinic Director Kate Fischer-Doherty.
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Climate Resilience Clinic
An experiential legal education program partnering with community legal centres to support vulnerable populations facing climate-related risks. The Clinic helps communities navigate legal challenges linked to extreme weather and environmental change while training law students to provide practical, climate-focused legal assistance.
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Law and Environment Lab
An interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing legal solutions for climate change, environmental protection, and natural resource management. The Lab works closely with governments, industry, and communities to develop policies and frameworks that promote environmental sustainability and strengthen climate resilience.
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Sustainability Business Clinic
A practical legal clinic that helps businesses address climate and environmental challenges through sustainable practices. The Clinic supports clients in navigating environmental regulations, managing climate-related risks, and developing strategies that promote long-term resilience and reduce their ecological impact.
Meet some of our experts
Prof Jacqueline Peel
Prof Christine Parker
Dr Erin O'Donnell
Prof Rebecca Nelson
Research centres
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Melbourne Centre for Law and Environment
A comprehensive centre that incorporates research and practical expertise across International and national climate change law, resources and infrastructure projects; sustainable food systems and biodiversity protection, and water law. MCLE has partnered with organisations including The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), The Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association Limited (Formerly AMPLA, now Energy and Resources Law Association) the Murray-Darling Basin Authority; and other leading Indigenous and environmental organisations across Australia.
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Melbourne Climate Futures
The University of Melbourne’s flagship research and policy hub hosted by MLS, Melbourne Climate Futures, assists organisations understand and respond to climate change risks and opportunities. It translates climate science into practical, decision-ready insights so businesses, governments, and communities can plan with confidence for a changing climate.
Our graduates in action
Our graduates are driving innovation in climate-change governance, partnering with the resources sector, shaping water law reforms, advising governments on international climate regulation, and positioning business in changing energy markets as the world confronts a changing climate.
From MLS to driving decarbonising technology startups across Africa. Ash Berman | Juris Doctor
Director, Carbon Finance Conservation International