As The University of Western Australia Law School approaches its centenary, the transformative impact of collective giving has never been more evident. The Dean’s Circle, UWA Law School’s distinguished alumni partnership program, has now reached a remarkable milestone of $1.5 million in contributions, facilitating tangible changes that enhance every aspect of the student experience.
Through the generous support of its 31 Dean's Circle members, the Law School has achieved what would have been impossible through traditional funding alone – establishing a wellbeing adviser role that represents a rare example of philanthropically funded student support in Australian legal education.
Initially operating one day per week through the Law School Strategic Fund, this crucial support service has proven so successful, it has now expanded to two days per week, thanks to additional Dean's Circle support. It is a reflection of the School’s proactive commitment to student and staff welfare, understanding that a healthy mind lays the groundwork for excellence.
Wellbeing Adviser for Law Corrine O’Sullivan (Cos) said students came from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures.
"Building and prioritising a wellbeing culture amongst students has been adopted honestly and gratefully,” she said.
“They are recognising the importance of personal wellbeing and the instrumental role it plays, not only in their studies, but how they build who they are as a lawyer and how they understand and interact with others who will access their services.”
"They are seeing the value in emotional intelligence as well as academic intelligence."
Corrine O'Sullivan (Cos)
The impact extends far beyond the support offered by this role. In 2024 alone, Dean's Circle contributions enabled 12 students to receive scholarships, providing the financial stability necessary to focus on their legal education without the burden of financial stress.
These scholarships have empowered students such as Olivia Huang, recipient of the 2022 Dean’s Circle Juris Doctor Scholarship. Olivia was born in the small town of Honghu, which, like many traditional Chinese villages, lacked opportunities for women, often favouring male progress.
“I work and study hard not only for myself but also to show my daughter that we have the chance to choose our own lives, no matter how hard,” Olivia said.
“If we have a dream, no matter whether we claw, walk, or run toward it, if we are heading towards it, eventually we will be there.
“I’m a slow dream chaser, I have been clawing in the mud, but since I got Australian citizenship and UWA’s offer, I felt like I started to walk, I came to the same height as others, and I can see the views others have been enjoying.
“This support now makes me feel like I may run in the future.”
The collective approach of Dean’s Circle has also facilitated significant infrastructure improvements, including renovations to the law library and updates to student spaces. These physical enhancements create an environment where learning can thrive, demonstrating how philanthropic investment in facilities directly correlates with improved educational outcomes.
What makes the Dean's Circle particularly powerful is its model of sustained partnership.
With new members joining in 2024 and existing members renewing their commitments, the circle continues to grow, creating a compounding effect that amplifies impact year after year. Each contribution, when combined with others, creates possibilities and accelerates meaningful change that individual donations alone could never achieve.
Professor Sharon Mascher, Dean of the UWA Law School, said this shared dedication to advancing legal education didn't just support current students; it shaped future leaders who would contribute to the legal profession and wider global community.
“The Dean's Circle members are integral to the Law School community and their support is instrumental to securing its future,” she said.
“The $1.5 million milestone represents more than financial achievement; it embodies a powerful collective vision for excellence in legal education.”
Through wellbeing support, scholarships, improved facilities, and enhanced student spaces, the Dean's Circle demonstrates how strategic philanthropic partnership can create lasting change, ensuring that UWA Law School remains a place where students don't just learn law – they thrive, grow and prepare to make meaningful contributions to society.