What are we doing?
By prioritising Indigenous perspectives and legal traditions in our curriculum and research, we contribute to the global dialogue on Indigenous rights and self-determination. From research demonstrating the necessity of cultural water carveouts across water governance, public education programs surrounding Treaty, travelling subjects that enable students to learn on Country, multidisciplinary centres examining political theory of Indigenous rights, and collaborations with global First Nations; we are fostering the collaboration and innovation needed to meet these opportunities and challenges.
Scholars at Melbourne Law School are working with First Nations to shape the debate on self-determination in modern Australia. Across scholarship and practice, they are informing policy, advising governments and partnering with industry to address the most urgent legal challenges. Legal firms, industry groups, and community organisations are powering these efforts through partnership with our leading scholars, practitioners and students.
The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub is the centre of our Indigenous-law research and education. Founded in 2022 and now led by Professor Nicole Watson, ‘The Hub’ is the leading arm of Melbourne Law School’s pursuit of knowledge that advances sovereignty and justice. It seeks to transform Australian legal education to equip legal practitioners with the skills and understanding to support the justice work of First Nations peoples. Students across our law school learn from our researchers and experts in the classroom, and within practical clinical subjects – in tune with the leadership provided by The Hub.
From Indigenous land rights to ensuring equitable access to justice, Melbourne Law School strives to be at the forefront of research and education of Indigenous law
Our School includes world-renowned experts across:
Advance your career
Make your mark here in Australia and internationally and prepare yourself for work that strives to uphold the principles of equity and human rights. From short courses to full degrees, we have a program to match your career goals and elevate your expertise.
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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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We also work with new partners to design bespoke programs that can fit you or your team’s needs. Have something in mind?
Innovation in Indigenous Higher Education
The Access to Justice on Country subject is an experiential and ‘On-Country’ learning experience. Through on Country experience and engagement with a range of organisations and practitioners, students will consider key and emerging issues of access-to-justice that lawyers must critically engage with in their work, with particular attention to First Nations justice.
Latest news
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“We will tell our children about today” Victorian Treaty with Indigenous people signed into law
HISTORY IS MADE: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan formally signed Australia’s first-ever Treaty with Indigenous people into law.
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Professor Nicole Watson appointed Director of Indigenous Law and Justice Hub
Melbourne Law School has appointed distinguished academic Professor Nicole Watson as the next Director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub.
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Coming to Australia? Hub intern Taylor shares her Indigenous student abroad experience
Hub intern Taylor Broadbent shares her Indigenous student abroad experience and advice.
Our partnerships with community
To ensure Melbourne Law School can help drive pursuits of self-determination, justice, and a recalibration of Australian law, society and policy, 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 real-world challenges for Indigenous communities in Australia.
From tailored corporate solutions to full cohort programs, there are unique opportunities to work together.
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
Access to Justice on Country
Hub staff and students work with a range of organisations and practitioners, justice and human rights organisations - including community, government and civil society organisations - to better understand barriers to justice. Students undertaking this program learn on site, on a chosen First Nations Country.
Find out more
Indigenous Law in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Australia
Students travel to New Zealand to work and learn alongside colleagues and partners embedded in the everyday work of justice reform. Previous hosts have included Supreme Court Justices, business leaders, and leading New Zealand scholars.
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Naarm Law Students on Voice
Indigenous Law and Justice Hub partnered with Naarm Law Students on Voice to deliver high-quality referendum information sessions on the 2023 Voice to Parliament proposal referendum. Student facilitators delivered the program across communities, while more than 90 MLS students collaborated across the community legal education program.
Read moreGet 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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Indigenous Legal Advocacy Clinic
Students engage with current law and policy issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in partnership with an Aboriginal legal service, on an issue of law or justice identified by the partner organisation. Clinical projects include legislative submissions, amicus briefs and law and policy analysis.
Meet some of our experts
Prof Nicole Watson
Prof Eddie Cubillo
Prof Lee Godden
A/Prof Erin O'Donnell
Indigenous Law and Justice Hub
The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub brings together legal experts and community leaders to support Indigenous advocacy and self-governance. Hub staff and students work together as educators to develop understandings of Indigenous cultures, legal systems, and Indigenous experiences of settler law. Through teaching, research and engagement with the community, it strives to put the legal profession in service of this pursuit of justice.
The Hub fosters reciprocal engagement between experts, judges, and institution officials who collaborate with students and scholars to share knowledge of Indigenous systems and justice reforms. Hub students work with community organisations and Traditional Owner Organisations to innovate and learn from each other – fostering a generation of ready-made lawyers experienced in the challenges and opportunities within Indigenous communities.
Our graduates in action
Our graduates are supporting Indigenous sovereignty and justice advances in Australia and globally through their work in community legal organisations, in government bodies, within treaty negotiations, public education campaigns, water governance, and criminal law reform.
From Melbourne Law School to championing survivors as CEO of a domestic violence refuge Claire MarshallClaire's profile
Chief Executive Officer, Emerge