Law School

From tradition to innovation, we are the leading Law School in Western Australia.

Our pathways, programs and teaching excellence ensure we continue to educate remarkable graduates and global citizens.

Our research contributes to a fair and just society.

We earn the trust of the communities we serve.

Discover the power of legal thinking. Discover the enduring value of diverse legal minds. Discover your place in law.

Our vision
To be a world-class law school that nurtures diverse legal minds and inspires just and innovative approaches to the global challenges of the 21st century.

Our mission
To provide a creative and supportive teaching, learning and research environment of legal excellence that fosters critical thought, ethical scholarship and practice, and connects with diverse communities.

 

Over 90 years of excellence

Ranked 88th law school in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2021)

Research rated above world standard (ERA 2018)

UWA Law School is committed to upholding the rule of law, and the promotion of the highest standards of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and community service.

In response to the outcome of the High Court of Australia’s investigation into the sexual harassment of six Judges’ Associates by former High Court judge, Dyson Heydon, the UWA Law School issued this statement on sexual harassment in law.

The UWA Law School condemns past and ongoing discrimination in the Australian legal system that continues to create profound injustice in the lives of First Nations peoples. We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to create culturally safe teaching and research spaces and produce culturally competent graduates.

 



The UWA Law School is certified by the Australian Law School Standards. 

Discover your place in Law

Over 90 years of excellence in legal research, education and service.

Read about our history

Supportive learning in the UWA Juris Doctor

Highly acclaimed teachers and researchers

Our staff are continually evolving to meet current and future predicted challenges, and we celebrate their international expertise and multidisciplinary areas of study. Our world-class researchers inspire just and innovative approaches to global challenges of the 21st century. 

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Our research areas

Our almost 60-strong faculty comprised of teaching and research staff bring with them a wealth of experience from a vast breadth of areas of expertise. Browse our research strengths below.

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Commercial and Corporations Law

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Law and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

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Law and Society

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Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law

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Public International and Human Rights Law

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Research entities

The UWA Law School supports the following research centres and networks.

Courses

UWA Law School fosters excellence, integrity and inclusivity in student learning through a diverse and inspiring range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, teaching methods and learning environments. We are leaders in the scholarship of teaching and learning in law, and provide a world-class legal education experiences across all our programs.


Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Find out what it's like to study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWA. Hear about our industry connections, experienced staff, work integrated learning and what you can expect to prepare you for a career in a range of areas.

 

Our remarkable students

Congratulations to our student award winners

We recognise the hard work and dedication you give to your studies and wish to celebrate your achievement with you. We also thank our generous donors for their continued support. 
 
2022 Prize Winners

Donar Awards

Australian Insurance Law Association Prize

  • Sarah Myers

John Norman Barker Prize in Law  

  • Rachel Francis

Adjunct Professor, Dr Brett Davies Prize in Taxation

  • Erika Millares

K W Hatfield KC Prize in Law    

  • Simrin Panag

Corrs Prize in Legal Excellence

  • James Argyle
  • Maria Ambrose
  • Natalie Krsticevic
  • Tiffany Chisholm Gardner
  • Yi-Yun Loei

Kate King Legal Prize    

  • Olivia Trimboli

Allen & Overy Prize in Legal Interpretation  

  • Jessica Low

King & Wood Mallesons Prize in Law  

  • Kristin Bowtell

Ashurst Prize

  • Melissa Dinnison

Lavan Legal Prize in Professional Practice    

  • Rachel Norman

Allens Prize in Law    

  • Vanessa Coutts

Lidia Scafidi Memorial Prize in Evidence    

  • Natalie Fretton

Cecil Bedford Thompson Brown Memorial Prize for Foundations of Public Law  

  • Tiffany Chisholm Gardner

Lord Mansfield Prize in Private Law  

  •  Matthew Swain

Clifford Chance Prize for Dispute Resolution 

  • Michaela Tam

MinterEllison Prize in Contract   

  • Tiffany Chisholm Gardner

Daryl Williams AM KC Prize in Corporations Law  

  • Matthew Swain

Nicholson and Wheatley Memorial Prize in Property    

  • Maria Ambrose

Grant Robertson Memorial Prize in International Commercial Arbitration 

  •  Dominic Carlsen

Peter Birks Prize in Unjust Enrichment and Restitution    

  • Nicholas Cokis

Grotius Prize in Public International Law    

  • Georgina Macri

Peter Handford Prize in Law  

  • Ellen Tetley

Harold H Glass Memorial Prize    

  •  Tiffany Chisholm Gardner

Peter Reading Prize for Evolution of Human Rights    

  • Gabriel de Gand

Herbert Smith Freehills Prize    

  • Aleasha Sanchez-Lawson

Philip Lionel Sharp Memorial Prize in Law  

  • Melanie Fraser
Herbert Smith Freehills Prize in Mining and Energy Law  

  • Gabrielle O'Hara

R.K. O'Connor KC Taxation Law Prize  

  • Thomas Penglis

Jackson McDonald Pro Bono Committee JD Prize    

  • Matthew Poli

Richard McCormack Prize in Equity and Trusts  

  • Isobel Cole

John Fiocco Prize in Law    

  • Tiffany Chisholm Gardner

STEP (WA) Prize in Taxation of Trusts    

  • Jia Jie Chin

John Hockley Prize in Succession Law  

  • Eloise Munro

Thomson Reuters Prize in Company Law  

  • Kate Ye


Thomson Reuters Prize in Introduction to Business Law  

  • Samantha Denehy-Johnson
 

Law School Prizes - Business Law

Business Law in Practice    

  •  Emma He

International Investment Law

  • Joshua Torre

Commercial Law    

  • Rory Hewson
Legal Framework of Business

  • Jack Killoh
  • Jia Xin Chhoa

International Commercial Law    

  • Jessica Yang
Taxation Law

  • Alicia Sec
  • Benjamin Lilburne

Law School Prizes - Law and Society

Adulting: Law for Everyday Lives  

  • Jasmine  Beattie

Law, Conflict and Change  

  •  Emilie Roe

Birth, Life, Death and the Law    

  • Leah Brough

Law in Action    

  • Dhiya'ul Huda (Lula)

Gender and the Law   

  • Helene Moe
  • Emma Hughes

Law and Religion  

  • Nicola Pike
International Legal Institutions  

  • Sarah Duong

Music and the Law    

  •  Olivia Trimboli

Law, Advocacy, Activism and Change    

  • Mariam Atieh

Social Media and the Law    

  •  Stephanie Eginton

Law School Prizes - Criminology

Crime and Society    

  • Dylan Harvey
  • Kiah Watson

Criminal Justice Systems  

  • Sarah Duong

Law School Prizes - Juris Doctor

Advanced Criminal Law and Procedure    

  • Tom Flaherty

Introduction to Roman Private Law    

  • Sophia Stannard

Advanced Topics in Private Law    

  • Nicholas Cokis

Legislation in Practice    

  •  Yasmin Kirkham

Comparative Legal Method    

  • Roslyn Stephens

Media Law    

  • Andrea Roestenburg

Criminal Law    

  • Emma  Wilson

Mergers and Acquisitions  

  •  Alexis Brenssell
  • Joseph Ferrante

Employment Law    

  •  Isobel Leman

Planning Law    

  • Gian Kaur
 

Environmental Law    

  • Joseph Waters

Procedure    

  • Vanessa Coutts

Innovations in Legal Practice Management    

  • Melissa Dinnison

Space and Satellite Law    Lisa Harris
Technology Law and Governance    

  • Ethan Pilossof

Law School Prizes - Postgraduate

Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading    

  • Athena Lyons

International Human Rights Law  

  •  Ines Gil

Construction Law 

  • Ji Hoo Lee
  • Rebecca Skead

International Humanitarian Law    

  • Eloise Munro

Double Tax Agreements and International Tax Law  

  • Christie Graham
  • Lillian Djanegara

International Sales Law    

  • Roslyn Stephens

Energy Agreements: Oil and Gas, Alternative Energy and Sustainability  

  • Elisa  Travaglione

Intersections of Law, Policy and Government    

  • Conor Patton

Environmental Protection Law  

  • Kaylee Prince

Law of the Sea    

  • Samantha Gates

Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions    

  • Conor Patton

Mining Law  

  • Astrid Serventy

Foundations of Public International Law  

  •  Ines Gil

Resource Taxation    

  • James Stevenson

Goods and Services Taxation    

  • Elisa  Travaglione

Taxation of Trusts    

  •  Jia Jie Chin

Health Law and Policy    

  • Bronte Campion

Theory & Practice of Risk Regulation    

  •  Eimear Reynolds
 

Theory, Method and Contemporary Issues of International Law  

  • Lisa Harris

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Anna & Nicoletta Ciffolilli Scholarship for Women in Law  

  • Heyang Guo

Jennifer Inkster Memorial Law Scholarship   

  • Claudia Reedy

B. P. Kakulas KC and Nellie Kakulas Scholarship in Law    

  • Mako Murazvu

K. W. Hatfield K.C. Memorial Scholarship in Law   

  • Matthew Swain

Ciara Glennon Memorial Scholarship  

  • Abigail Gregorio

Linda Cotton (Vatskalis) Memorial Scholarship   

  • Hannah Jackson

Dean's Circle Juris Doctor Scholarship   

  • Claire Local
  • Mia Donegan
  • Pailin Harris

McCusker Law Scholarship   

  • Ethan Nicholas

Daryl Williams AM KC Scholarship in Law   

  • Maria Ambrose

Melvin Yeo Jessup Moot Scholarship 

  • Georgina Macri

Ian Cochrane Memorial Scholarship  

  •  Daisy Hannaford

The Honourable Serge Ferrier Family Law Bursary  

  •  William Conti

James TF Chong Award   

  • Heyang Guo

UWA Tech & Policy Lab Impact Award   

  •  Abigail Gregorio 

JD Scholarship for the Promotion of Social Justice  

  • Celine Kwok
 

Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor

Through the Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor project, the UWA Law School is incorporating Indigenous cultures, knowledges and perspectives throughout Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The project is a joint initiative of the Law School and the School of Indigenous Studies, and is overseen by a Reference Group of legal and cultural experts.

 

Student health and well-being

The UWA Law School is committed to the health, well-being and safety of all of our students. We strive to support our students to stay well and thrive throughout their studies. 

Global study opportunities

The UWA Law School is a community full of dedicated and passionate people who foster an environment of encouragement and acceptance. Studying Law at UWA has opened up countless opportunities for both my individual development and to make an impact in the community.Joshua Sanchez-Lawson
Blackstone Society President 2018

Our history and alumni

Over the past 90 years we have gone from strength to strength, and have a long and proud history of excellence in legal education, research and community service. 

  Read about our history 

   Frank Beasley Medal

 

Dean's Circle

UWA Law Review

Executive education and CPD

Catering for busy professionals, our executive education courses give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills through intensives taught by experts in a variety of fields.
Taxation Law of a Foreign State
  • Unit date: 27-30 May 2024
  • Details: This four-day workshop will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers wanting to develop their understanding of the principles of the income taxation and other relevant taxes of China, Singapore and Hong Kong. Topics include:
    • the tax administration system and relevant legal and equivalent institutions
    • the taxation of inbound investment, outbound investment and trade by the state
    • the operation of double taxation agreements
    • residence and sources rules; corporate tax rules; taxation of passive income flows and anti-tax avoidance rules
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/taxation-law-of-a-foreign-state
Energy Agreements: Oil and Gas, Alternative Energy and Sustainability
  • Unit date: 28-30 May 2024
  • Details: This three-day workshop will appeal to lawyers and non-lawyers who would like to develop their understanding of the legal agreements which underpin the commercialisation of energy, including oil and gas and alternative energy. It aims is to explain and review the key provisions of contracts important to the commercial development of oil and gas, wind and solar against the background of a transition to more sustainable energy. The contracts considered include joint venture agreements, electricity and gas sales agreements, transportation and storage agreements and agreements for the development of wind and solar power.
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points
  • Further information and registration visit, https://events.humanitix.com/energy-agreements-oil-and-gas-alternative-energy-and-sustainability
Goods and Services Taxation
  • Unit date: 10 – 13 June 2024
  • Details: This unit explores how Australia’s GST system fits with global VAT and GST models, providing an intensive study of Australia's GST law, including its current scope and application to domestic supplies, exports and imports of goods and services, and a thorough analysis of prospects for future directions derived from international experience
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points 
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/goods-and-services-taxation
 
Base Erosion, Profit Shifting and Transfer Pricing
  • Unit date: 8 – 11 July 2024 
  • Details:  This four-day course examines the internationally important area of Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) and transfer pricing. It looks at fundamental sources applicable to BEPS and transfer pricing; examines the BEPS debate in detail; examines the arm's length principle in detail; examines how to carry out a functional analysis; considers transfer pricing methods; examines the issue of comparability; considers various specific transactions; and examines transfer pricing and permanent establishment and considers compliance and dispute resolution issues in a transfer pricing context.
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points 
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/base-erosion-profit-shifting-and-transfer-pricing
 
Climate Change Law and Emissions Trading
  • Unit date: 17 -19 July 2024 
  • Details:  This course begins with an introduction to the science of climate change and the associated climate justice issues. It will then turn to explore the international legal framework and the domestic legal framework, with a focus on the Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme and the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act. The course will also explore the human rights issues and the developing international and domestic litigation landscape. 
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/climate-change-law-and-emissions-trading
 
Environmental Protection Law
  • Unit date: 
    • On-line recordings and reading from Monday 29 July 2024
    • Interactive Sessions 27 – 29 August 2024 
  • Details: This short course is for legal practitioners and other professionals interested in the environmental protection regulatory framework in Western Australia, in its national and international contexts.
  • The course will explore six themes:
    • Key definitions, institutions and objectives of Environmental Protection Law;
    • The policy instruments and information tools that underpin environmental protection;
    • Regulatory controls on particular activities causing pollution and environmental harm;
    • Environmental Impact Assessment at the State and Federal level;
    • Criminal liabilities under the WA and Federal legislation; and
    • Civil liabilities under the WA and Federal legislation and at common law.
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/environmental-protection-law
 
Legal Issues for Not-for-Profits
  • Unit date: 3 – 6 September 2024  
  • Details: This four-day executive education short course examines the nature, function, governance and regulation of not-for-profit (NFP) entities in Australia, with a focus on charities. The unit approaches these issues on a life-cycle basis, examining aspects of formation, governance, tax and fundraising concessions, regulatory requirements and dissolution restrictions applicable to NFP entities under statute and the common law. The course engages with research, comparative perspectives and recent developments in the law to critique the extent to which the current framework for NFP entities encourages innovative, independent and efficient processes and activities for the public benefit, whilst also ensuring the accountability and integrity of the NFP sector. In doing so, we will examine boundary issues such as the provision of private benefits, the commerce/NFP boundary and the government/NFP boundary. Lawyers, accountants, government officials, board members and NFP managers will benefit from this course.
  • Price: $3,300 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/legal-issues-for-not-for-profits
 
Construction Law
  • Unit date: 25 – 27 September 2024  
  • Details:  This course covers several important doctrines of contract law and equity, as well as key legislation specific to issues which commonly arise under construction contracts. In an effort to explore all of these areas of the law, we will follow the journey through a hypothetical project for the design and construction of hybrid solar/battery, gas-fired power supply infrastructure for a gold mine in Western Australia, from negotiation of the contract through some of the issues which most often arise, to a consideration of dispute resolution of those issues. 
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points. 
  • Further information and registration visit, https://events.humanitix.com/construction-law
 
Double Tax Agreements and International Tax Law
  • Unit date: 1 – 4 October 2024 
  • Details: This course examines these core principles of international tax law as they apply around the world and the policy issues supporting them. It is not based upon Australian tax law. Topics include:
    • double taxation agreements with a focus on the current version of the OECD model
    • global issues in relation to transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules
    • international tax avoidance
    • current debates in relation to base erosion and profit shifting
Mining Law
  • Unit date: 30 October – 1 November 2024  
  • Details:  This workshop will provide an intensive course of study about the legal and policy essentials of mining regulation in Western Australia. It is designed to be a comprehensive review for lawyers, professionals and business people, non-government organisations and government administrators working in or with WA’s Mining Law. The three-day workshop will comprise eight sessions, each morning and afternoon, comprising lectures and tutorial discussions of problems raising the issues of law presented in the lecture. There will also be interactive seminars.
  • Price: $3,300.00 incl. GST and booking fee. We invite registered charities to inquire about the discounted registration rates. Please contact [email protected] for further information. 
  • CPD: For attendance at this short course, practitioners are entitled up to 10 CPD points 
  • Further information and registration: https://events.humanitix.com/mining-law
 

Events & opportunities

The Law School hosts a range of public events, short courses, seminars and conferences.
George Winterton Memorial Lecture
The annual George Winterton Memorial Lecture will be held in Perth on Thursday 11 April 2024. This lecture commemorates the outstanding and lasting contribution of Professor George Winterton to constitutional law scholarship and teaching. The Lecture is usually hosted by The University of Sydney Law School, but every three years it is hosted by UWA Law School in recognition of Professor Winterton as an esteemed alumnus. For further information and registration visit: https://bit.ly/GeorgeWintertonMemorialLecture 
Frank Beasley Medal
On Friday 17 November 2023, UWA Law School will hold the biannual Frank Beasley Medal dinner in the Beasley Law Library. The Frank Beasley Medal is awarded to distinguished UWA Law School alumni and scholars who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the law and the advancement of justice in Western Australia and to legal education at UWA. In 2023, the Medal will be awarded to barrister and former Law School lecturer John Fiocco and UWA Emeritus Professor Peter Handford.
Private and Commercial Law Conference

The annual Private and Commercial Law Conference will be hosted at the UWA Law School on 14–15 December 2023. The 2023 program contains papers by leading and emerging private law scholars from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and New Zealand. Panels are arranged thematically and will cover a wide range of topical issues in private law including in the areas of contract, equity, trusts, torts, and unjust enrichment. CPD points are available for in person attendance. Register to attend

Download event program

Judge in Residence Scheme

The Judge in Residence program encourages and fosters engagement between the judiciary and Law School staff and students. It supports sitting and retired judges to engage in academic activities, including writing and developing research topics and projects.

The 2022 Judge in Residence is The Honourable David Newnes. Open to sitting judges during a sabbatical (WA, Australia, overseas) or retired state, federal and High Court judges (including overseas judges) who wish to be part of the Law School community, the Judge in Residence program offers:

  • The opportunity to be involved in the life of the UWA Law School.
  • An office in the UWA Law School.
  • Access to UWA Library facilities and service during your time in residence.
  • Access to student researchers (with payment arrangements subject to negotiation).
  • The opportunity to guest lecture and make other presentations to students and staff.
  • Audit of postgraduate units taught by the UWA Law School.

In return, the Judge in Residence:

  • Has regular interaction with members of the Law School.
  • Provides informal mentoring of academic staff and students.
  • Maintains a regular presence at the Law School (at least once a week) throughout their residency. 
  • Has opportunities to contribute to teaching. 

 

How to apply

Contact Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head (Community and Engagement) Jacinta Dharmananda:

Tel: +61 8 6488 3955
Email: [email protected]

The Dean’s Foundation
In 2022, UWA Law School launched a corporate donor program, the Dean’s Foundation. The Dean’s Foundation is a corporate donor program that creates long-term partnerships between your organisation and UWA Law School to ensure our continued success in producing remarkable graduates. Your organisation can become a member of the Foundation by making a financial contribution, and the Law School will work with you to determine how your contribution will be used. For more information, go to the Dean’s Foundation website.
Law School Advisory Board
The role of the Law School Advisory Board is to provide advice and an external perspective on the Law School’s strategic direction. This includes, for example, the direction and scope of the School’s teaching programs and research activities, its external engagement, and fundraising. We are fortunate to have a Board that consists of members of the legal profession from a diverse range of roles, experience and levels of seniority. For current members of our Advisory Board, please see here.
UWA Mediation Clinic

The UWA Mediation Clinic offers a tailored mediation service to help people to resolve University, workplace, family and community conflict.

Find out more

Visiting scholars

The UWA Law School’s Visiting Scholars Program hosts academics from around Australia and overseas to undertake research and to participate in the communal life of the Law School. Approved visiting scholars are provided with a workspace, IT access and a computer (where possible) and library access. They are encouraged to participate in the academic life of the Law School and University, including seminars and public lectures.

Application process

Prospective visitors should email the following to the visiting scholars coordinator at least three months prior to their intended visit:

  • a brief curriculum vitae that includes details of academic employment, qualifications and publications
  • a one- to two-page proposal outlining the research project, planned collaboration with UWA Law staff and any other activities intended during the visit
  • a copy of a letter from your home university confirming that you are an academic (not a student) and will be taking sabbatical leave for the duration of your visiting academic appointment, and confirming that you will be returning to full-time employment when the visiting appointment ceases
  • copy of biodata page (photograph page) of passport (if available). An appropriate visa must have been obtained to allow commencement of this appointment

Applications are considered in advance of the proposed visit and all applicants will be notified as soon as possible after a decision is reached. Any further information that is required to implement the decision will be sought at this point. The Visiting Scholars Program receives many applications from prospective visitors and unfortunately not all can be supported.

Legal internship and Clinical Legal Education

The Law School provides a Clinical Legal Education program through which our students can participate in local, national and international legal internships with law firms, courts, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the UWA Mediation Clinic. The focus is upon social justice and commercial placements. If your organisation is interested in offering an internship to a law student, to find out more please refer to our ‘Internship Expressions of Interest’ webpage.

Tutoring in the Law School
The Law School often needs sessional teachers (tutors) for law subjects in the Juris Doctor (JD) and in undergraduate units. If you are interested in tutoring, as a first step, please contact the unit coordinator of the unit you are interested in working in to see if they have availability.

Past events

John Toohey Oration
The John Toohey Oration is a biannual Oration organised by the UWA Law School. The Oration, which commenced in 1998, honours the career and contribution to public life of a distinguished graduate of The University of Western Australia, the Hon. John Leslie Toohey. After graduating in Arts and Law, the Honourable John Leslie Toohey AC QC went on to become an outstanding legal practitioner and, as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, one of the country's most eminent jurists. The Oration is given by distinguished speakers on a variety of topics.

The most recent Toohey Oration was given by the Hon. Virginia Bell AC in September 2023. 

For more details about the Hon. John Toohey AC QC and details of past Oration speakers, visit the John Toohey Oration Lecture Series
 
Launch of Guide and Research Report for Charities on Utilising Restricted Reserves
The WA charity sector plays a critical role in improving many aspects of the lives of Western Australians, particularly some of our most vulnerable. Recent crises such as COVID-19 and the Global Financial Crisis exposed the challenges charities can face in responding to changing circumstances, highlighting some of the legal barriers they can face in accessing their reserves in times of great need. Donor restrictions on gifts, which may no longer be appropriate in the changed circumstances of a crisis, can become a key problem.

Researchers from The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and Curtin University, with the help of a Research Advisory Group and funding support from Lotterywest, examined the difficulties caused by donor restrictions, their legal characterisation, and methods for seeking changes to restrictions that are no longer fit for purpose. The research included legal research, workshops and interviews with WA charities and their legal advisors and others.

Lucy Westcott (Senior Manager Grants Policy, Lotterywest), Miranda Elliot (Senior Assistant State Solicitor, State Solicitor's Office) and Natalie Skead (Dean, UWA Law School) helped launch the report and guide on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The Utilising Restricted Reserves Report and the Utilising Restricted Reserves Guide are freely available and you are welcome to circulate them to your networks. They provide information and advice on potential legal treatment and mechanisms to amend historic restrictions, as well as guidance on preventative steps that charities can take with future gifts to avoid unwanted or inappropriate restrictions.
Address by Justice James Edelman, High Court of Australia
On Wednesday 26 October, UWA Law School hosted an address by the Honourable Justice James Edelman, Justice of the High Court of Australia. Justice Edelman spoke on the topic ‘Aliens, Citizens, and Indigenous Australians’. The speech addressed 51(xix) of the Constitution and the view that people of the Commonwealth are either citizens or aliens. 

 
French Dialogues: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Humans: Should we unplug the machines? October 2022

UWA Law School and the Minderoo Tech & Policy Lab in the Law School held the inaugural French Dialogues on Thursday 6 October 2022 at 5.30pm. The French Dialogues is a panel of experts from various disciplines who discuss a contemporary and pressing issue.

The 2022 Dialogues addressed 'The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Humans: Should we unplug the machines?'. The panel consisted of experts from law, computer science, business and the humanities. The French Dialogues honours the Hon. Robert French AC, a UWA Law School alumnus (LLB ’71), former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and current Chancellor of UWA.

Address by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Sundaresh Menon, July 2022

UWA Law School and the Supreme Court of Western Australia hosted an address by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Singapore on Wednesday 27 July 2022 in the Supreme Court of WA, Stirling Gardens.

The topic of the Chief Justice’s address was 'The Law of Commerce in the 21st Century: Transnational Commercial Justice Amidst the Wax and Wane of Globalisation.'

A copy of the Chief Justice's paper is available here.

News

Obiter Dicta - our news

Read the last issues of Obiter Dicta, our newsletter for alumni, staff and community:

Alumni who would like to receive copies of the newsletter should update their details.

To read previous editions of Obiter Dicta, visit our archive

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Location

Find us on campus

Map
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Access

Opening hours: 8.30am – 4pm