JustLaw pilot inspires future law students

Melbourne Law School has successfully launched JustLaw, a new outreach initiative designed to broaden access to legal education and encourage more young people to consider a future in law.

Philanthropically funded and delivered in partnership with Western Chances and the Melbourne University Law Students' Society, the inaugural pilot welcomed 99 Year 10 students from 28 schools, primarily from across Melbourne's west. During the day, students took part in interactive learning, campus experiences and conversations with academics, law students and legal practitioners. 

Western Chances is a not-for-profit organisation supporting young people from Melbourne's west and Geelong to overcome barriers to education.

Throughout the day, students explored topics including human rights, youth justice, refugee and statelessness law and environmental justice. They also toured Melbourne Law School, visited the Law Library and Moot Court, and heard from current Juris Doctor students about their own pathways to studying law.

The day-long program included workshops conducted by Katie Robertson, director of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness Legal Clinic; Lee Carnie, CEO of Youthlaw; Evelyn Tadros, barrister and former director of the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival; Gemma Cafarella, barrister and president of Liberty Victoria; and Hannah White, solicitor at Environmental Justice Australia.

They shared their own experiences working across the legal profession, demonstrating how legal knowledge can be used to protect rights and advance justice.

Dean Michelle Foster said: "We're delighted to partner with Western Chances on an initiative that welcomes to Melbourne Law School young people who might not yet have considered themselves as future lawyers. By connecting them with our academics, students and legal professionals, I hope they see that a future in law is both possible and meaningful."

The success of the pilot has provided a strong foundation for future iterations of JustLaw, with Melbourne Law School to explore opportunities to expand the program and provide ongoing support for interested students as they progress through secondary school.