What are we doing?
Together with our partners, we are fostering the innovation needed to meet these opportunities and challenges. This includes NDIS and disability access-focused clinical subjects, multidisciplinary centres examining patent law, and research that integrates systems-thinking across tax policy, media, health and employment law.
Scholars at Melbourne Law Schoolare shaping debate of issues that define our nation’s societal progression. Embedded in both policy and industry, they are informing policy, advising governments and partnering with industry to address the most urgent legal challenges.
How can tax justice reform improve our society? Is wage exploitation of young people endemic and how can we ensure business is accountable? What reforms are necessary to ensure political donations benefit transparent and fair elections? How robust is civil society in neighbouring countries? How can we best ensure differently abled persons in Australia can prosper in the workplace? Our students, led by researchers, are addressing these questions and more in the classroom and within practical clinical subjects, carrying the latest knowledge and solutions with them to graduate jobs after their studies.
Legal firms, industry groups, and businesses engaging in these fields are powering this. They partner with us at each stage of our work: in the classroom, across research projects, and in policy guidance.
Our School includes world-renowned experts across:
Advance your career
Capitalise on the legal and policy space that supports the equitable governance of our society 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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Upskill and learn from the best through a variety of micro credential short courses.
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Latest news
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Law at University of Melbourne rises in rankings
Law at University of Melbourne was recognised as part of the global top 10 and placed 8th in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
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Recognition for renowned human-rights lawyer
Melbourne Law School has conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa on renowned Filipino human-rights lawyer and former political prisoner of the Ferdinand Marcos regime, Neri Javier Colmenares.
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Why Art for Future Lawyers? An exploration of power, law and art
Presented by Sri Vamsi Matta
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New rules of engagement: social media and governance
Governments must embrace social media and use it to engage with the public in what Melbourne Law School alumna and experienced company director Dr Nora Scheinkestel believes are disruptive times in which to govern.
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.
From tailored corporate solutions to full cohort programs, there are unique opportunities to work together.
Explore our partnerships
Financial Literacy Project
Collaborations with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and Consumer Action Law Centre to contribute to broader understanding of the role of financial literacy and consumer behaviour in Australia, and its relationship with Australia's financial services and consumer protection laws.
Find out moreMcCabe Centre for Law and Cancer
A joint initiative of Cancer Council Victoria and the Union for International Cancer Control that partners with MLS student interns and researchers to contribute to the effective use of the law for cancer prevention, treatment, supportive care and research.
Internships and clinicsRethinking Conscientious Objection in Health Care
Health Law and Ethics Network and Hallmark Research Initiative on Reproductive Justice collaboration on the launch of Rethinking Conscientious Objection in Health Care, in association with Biomedical Ethics Research Group at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Read moreELLIS
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 donationPartner with Australia's Number 1 Law School
As Australia's number one law school and consistently ranked among the world's best, we are at the forefront of legal education and research.
Access Expertise and Drive Innovation
Partner with our practising experts and research leaders who are embedded in the cutting-edge legal-tech work and collaborate on joint projects tackling real-world challenges
Upskill and Customise Training
Support your staff through specialised digital-age courses or design bespoke programs that meet your needs
Hire and Nurture Talent
Engagement with top students and graduates, and partner in work-integrated learning, mentorship and donor initiatives
Expand, Lead and Deepen Knowledge Sharing
Engage with leading voices and be part of a dynamic community shaping the profession’s future.
Melbourne 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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Disability Human Rights Clinic
Students and clinic practitioners here partner with Disabled People's Organisations, government bodies, civil society organisations, international non-governmental organisations, and international human rights bodies along to identify, analyse and report on rights violations experienced by persons with disabilities, and propose and advocate for solutions.
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NDIS and Disability Benefits Clinic
Students will engage one-to-one with clients and conduct legal research for partner organisations that are doing systemic advocacy work, while advising and representing people with disabilities, their families and carers
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MLS Tax Clinic
The MLS Tax Clinic provides students with the opportunity to undertake advice and representation work for vulnerable taxpayers, either individually or clients as part of Not-For-Profit organisations, government institutions, or small businesses.
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Public Interest Law Clinic
Students support lawyers in public interest law organisations one day a week over the course of the semester, directly assisting in the delivery of legal services to clients. Partners have included JobWatch, Refugee Legal, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre, Victoria Legal Aid.
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Street Law
Students collaborate closely with community organisations to identify, design and develop one or more Community Legal Education presentations or resources that they will present to the chosen audience or community partner.
Meet some of our experts
Research centres
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Electoral Regulation Research Network
A pioneering collaboration fostering discussion amongst electoral commissions, academics, and other interested groups on research relating to electoral regulation, management, and design.
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Institute for International Law and the Humanities
Profiles and enhances research in a broad range of areas of international law and international legal theory at Melbourne Law School.
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Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law
Engages with the practicing employment-lawyer community and government through research and teaching programs.
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Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies
Undertakes and promotes research on constitutional law and government and provides a focal point for scholars and practitioners interested in these areas.
Our graduates in action
Our graduates are at the forefront of legal innovation, pioneering AI-driven legal solutions, advising on blockchain regulations, shaping data privacy policies, and leading tech startups, demonstrating the transformative impact of their law and technology expertise in today's digital world.
From MLS to leading judicial and governance reform across Indonesia. Rifqi Assegaf | Juris Doctor
Technical Expert, Secretariat of National Strategy for Corruption Prevention