Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to Melbourne Law School - a vibrant and remarkable place to study law.

Melbourne Law School brings together leading local and international scholars, alumni, researchers and members of the legal profession to provide students with a range of transformative experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Melbourne law school staff and students commit to excellence and strive to make a difference to our local community and beyond. In the 2013 QS World Rankings of Universities by Discipline, we were ranked 5th best law school in the world and best in Australia and the Asia/Pacific region (read the full news item). We are also part of a University that is well respected internationally and ranked as the best university in Australia in all the major international rankings of universities.

We are dedicated to preparing students to be ethical, responsible and global in their outlook, equipping them to build dynamic careers in the public interest, business, government and private practice.  At Melbourne Law School, we have a remarkably talented, diverse and energetic community of staff and students, each of whom brings his or her own perspectives, experiences and ideas to the study and understanding of the law. This diversity allows for fascinating exchange and a rich learning environment. Our programs, and our 16 research centres, span the spectrum of legal endeavour and provide many opportunities for students to engage with experts and leaders in all areas of the law.

The international opportunities here are remarkable. Our international partnerships connect us to the leading law schools in the United Kingdom, Asia and North America and include our flagship dual program degrees with Oxford University, New York University and Chinese University of Hong Kong (learn more about our degree partnerships). We teach a number of subjects overseas (Global Lawyer and Institutions in International Law) and several of our students undertake international internships. JD students have the opportunity to participate in the Centre for Transnational Legal Studies (CTLS) which allows them to learn in the heart of London with students and be taught by professors from all around the world.

Underpinning and driving everything at Melbourne Law School is our enduring tradition and commitment to innovation. Since our inception in 1857 as Australia's first law school, we have always looked for new and better ways to teach and develop the law. It is this spirit of innovation that has resulted in Melbourne Law School's remarkable legacy of achievement built by generations of alumni. This legacy serves to motivate and inspire today's students, teachers and researchers, as they too strive to contribute to life, society and enterprise.

I invite you to explore all aspects of Melbourne Law School through the webpages or by coming in for one of our many public events or information sessions (Melbourne Law School events). We are always looking for the next generation of students to join our JD, Masters and Research programs.

Professor Carolyn Evans

Dean

Harrison Moore Professor of Law