Dean's Welcome

A very warm welcome to Western Sydney University School of Law!

This is an exciting time to be studying law. The way law is practiced is changing, and there are new opportunities for law graduates. At the same time, some things have not changed – like the ethical foundations of the legal profession, and the special duty lawyers have, to uphold the values of the profession.

Our Law School has a very clear mission.

First, we want our students to have strong practical legal skills, to prepare them for dynamic and rewarding careers – in law, or in the many other professional areas where law degrees are valued - business; technology; government; international relations; policy development; building and construction; entertainment – just to name a few!

Second, we want our students to be familiar with the regional and global dimensions of law because this will be foundational to the way law and business operates in the future.

Third, and most importantly, we want our students to understand the values that underpin the legal profession, and how critical these are for our society.

We are deeply committed to providing a legal education that is at the cutting edge of developments in law and education, that is challenging and stimulating, and that prepares our students for success in a changing world. Our students have the opportunity to work in our renowned Justice Clinic, take up domestic and international internships and placements, and to work with judges, barristers and solicitors in some of our Pro Bono programs.

Western Sydney University Law School excels in research. We are ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide.  The university’s work in furthering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has seen us achieve the #1 Global Rank in this area – for the last two years in a row.  Our location here in one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, with one of the largest Indigenous populations in Australia, places us at the forefront of solving some of the most challenging problems that exist – whether they are in our local community, our country, our region, or the world. The work that our researchers do makes a difference.

We view our students, whether they are undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate students in our flourishing PhD program, as part of our academic community. We care deeply about their success. We understand that in today’s world, success requires not just legal knowledge and the ability to carry out research, but also the creative and interpersonal skills that enable graduates to see problems from multiple dimensions; to understand the connections between institutions, people and power; to work in teams to achieve great outcomes; and the confidence to communicate and explain legal concepts and solutions clearly and accurately.

At Western Law, you will have the chance to practice legal skills, try different types of legal practice, serve your community, pursue causes you care about, learn from great Professors and lecturers, and make amazing friends.

We look forward to meeting with you and supporting you as you study at Western Sydney University Law School.

Professor Catherine Renshaw

Interim Dean, School of Law
Western Sydney Law School
Dean.Law@westernsydney.edu.au

January 2024