What are we doing?
Our researchers and practitioners have forged their careers working alongside government, jurists, business and non-governmental organisations across the world. Their expertise encompasses a broad range of initiatives spanning research on international humanitarian law, mediation and arbitration programs, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution policy development. By fostering an interdisciplinary approach and collaborating with domestic and global partners, we are equipping the next generation of legal professionals with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a more peaceful and just world.
Our students are learning from our researchers and experts in the classroom and within practical clinical subjects, carrying the latest knowledge and solutions with them to graduate jobs after their studies. Legal firms, businesses, advocacy and industry groups are powering this. They partner with us at each stage of our work: in the classroom, across research projects, and in policy guidance.
What can lawyers in East Asia and Australia learn from each other to safeguard judicial institutions? What global cooperation is necessary to reduce statelessness in Australia, and abroad. What are the opportunities to advance proliferation of human rights protections in the Global South? How can research strengthen the nation’s understanding of potential migratory crisis in our region? How can the legal industry improve access to justice for newer Australians? What should businesses consider when looking to expand their reach into neighbouring cultures and jurisdictions?
From refugee law to the role of human-rights legislation in the workplace, Melbourne Law School is at the forefront of research and education, tackling questions like these every day.
Our School includes world-renowned experts across:
Advance your career
Capitalise on the emerging geopolitical policy landscape and elevate your expertise across the global stage. From short courses to full degrees, we have a program to match your career goals.
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Taught across five intensive days consecutively, or spread across a month or entire semester, law and non-law graduates can enrol in a single subject at Melbourne Law School to learn from leading jurists, academic and legal professionals
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Upskill and learn from the best through a variety of micro credential short courses.
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Latest news
Our partnerships with industry
To meet the changing circumstances of geopolitics, global environmental challenges, and civil unrest, we support civil society and government to progress to a safer world. We work closely with industry across our research and teaching programs and 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 legal challenges in an evolving global landscape.
From tailored corporate solutions to full cohort programs, there are unique opportunities to work together.
Explore our partnerships
Judicial Briefing Papers of Asian jurisdictions for Australian judiciary
The Asian Law Centre publishes a series of Briefing Papers for Australian judiciary, which aim to increase understanding of current legal issues and court systems in Asian countries
View briefing papers
Global recommendations developed in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner
The Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness (PMCS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) developed draft Global Recommendations on human mobility and climate change.
Find out more
Working with the Indian Supreme Court
Professor Farah Ahmed co-authored research, in partnership with the Indian Supreme Court, on negative caste-based language bias in India’s Supreme Court judgements.
Read the reportELLIS
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 and research leaders embedded in international jurisdictions and organisations 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
Early engagement with top students and graduates, and partnership 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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Assisting stateless children and families in Australia
The Stateless Legal Clinicpartners with community legal centres to provide legal education and support to stateless children and adults, offering Melbourne Law School students the opportunity to gain legal work experience that makes a real and positive difference.
Meet some of our experts
Research centres
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Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness
The only university-based and research and policy Centre devoted to reducing statelessness and protecting the rights of stateless people in Australia, and across the world. Established in 2018 by a generous philanthropic gift from Peter and Ruth McMullin and strong support from the University of Melbourne. The Centre hosts the world-first Stateless Legal Clinic, assisting families and children impacted by statelessness in Australia.
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Asian Law Centre
The longest running centre of its type in Australia, since 1985 the Asian Law Centre has been expanding its influence and relations with lawyers and governments across the Asian continent. Experts have deep knowledge and experience working in jurisdictions of their expertise and collaborate with judicial appointments and foreign legal industries in those Asian justice systems.
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Human Rights Program
Proliferates the range of teaching, research and engagement activities at MLS within across the field of human rights. Its activities educate and provoke reform across policy makers, members of civil society, the private sector, professional bodies and members of the general public. A central hub for students of human rights law across the broad disciplines this field captures
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Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society
Focused on the study of and engagement with Islamic and Indonesian law, holding partnerships across Australia’s geographically closest and largest immediate neighbour. Its policy papers circulate amongst business and community organisations with ties to Indonesia and its member experts are regularly consulted on emerging political and legal issues across the country.
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 shaping Nobel Prize-winning nuclear disarmament treaties. Tim WrightRead more
Treaty Coordinator, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons