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YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF CULTIVATING CHANGEMAKERS, INNOVATORS, AND FUTURE LEADERS.

After 50 years, we look back at the College that’s forever looking forward. Since opening our doors, we’ve been perpetually posing the question: ‘Where's Next?’. Today, with over 400 staff across Australia and New Zealand, and more than 100,000 of our graduates working across all facets of the industry, we’re still asking the same question.

Where’s next for the College? Where’s next for the industry? But most importantly, Where’s next for our students and alumni?

Because our success is not defined by the age of our walls, it’s measured by the limitless potential of our students within them, and the incredible achievements of our alumni beyond them. Amongst the thousands of individuals that walk through our doors each year, no two are alike. And with this understanding we continue our commitment to provide innovative, flexible, practice-focused education and training for everybody, and every journey.

College of Law - 50 Anniversary

Students at table with teacher

WHY WE'RE HERE

The College of Law New South Wales started in the early 1970s, with a mission to replace the outdated education system at the time, and break down the barriers of entry.

Amongst a post-WWII push for reform, economic growth and demographic shifts, the initiative was led by a group of forward-thinking leaders, and supported by funds from solicitors’ trust accounts.

The project involved careful planning, including curriculum development, legal changes, staffing and logistics.

Its 24-week, full-time Practical Legal Training opened up a new pathway for law graduates to become solicitors, along with a comprehensive and continued legal education program for practicing professionals. To this day, the College of Law NSW is a successful and important player for Australia’s legal education system, welcoming new generations of students with a broad range of backgrounds, and fortifying the skills of those already in the field.

 

HERE FOR THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER

Since opening our doors, the College of Law has seen some incredible changes in legal history, and society. In the 70s we saw The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 take a step in the right direction for all Australians. In the 80s we saw strengthened environmental regulations and economic reforms. In the 90s we saw the gun laws and the implementation of GST. And in the last 20 years we’ve seen new digital privacy laws, multiple royal commissions, and the 2023 referendum. Today, we aim our sights at the future, championing our newest students and our brightest alumni to set the stage for change in Australia, and around the world.

 

NOT JUST THE PLACE, BUT THE PEOPLE

When it comes measuring our success, the students and alumni that pass through these doors are our barometer. By cultivating a passion for the craft, we watch our alumni breathe new life into the industry, and society.

That’s why we constantly revise and revolutionise. What we do, how we do it, what we teach and how people learn. To create a place where potential thrives in practice. Inspiring a diverse range of people determined to improve our world. Or those who simply want to improve themselves, one day at a time.

 

Damon Laffin

Damon Laffin

Litigation Lawyer with Stonegate Legal
(PLT, LLM, LPMC)

"It’s real-world tasks, not old-school theory."

Damon Laffin
Callum Lee

Callum Lee

Practice Leader & Collaborative Family Lawyer at Brisbane Family Law Centre
(PLT, LLM, LPMC)

"Many of my friends recommended The College of Law for my PLT. I found the course content engaging and relevant – just as they promised it would be. I learnt many practical skills, and I also regularly refer to the practice papers."

Callum Lee  
Kiarah Grace Kelly

Kiarah Grace Kelly

Practice Leader & Collaborative Family Lawyer at Brisbane Family Law Centre
(PLT, LLM, LPMC)

"I worked full time during my PLT, but the juggle wasn’t hard. Tasks were assigned ahead of time, so I knew what I needed to do months in advance. I also received continual feedback on my work to bring it to the highest standard. This gave me a head start at work whenever I was faced with tricky tasks."

Kiarah Grace Kelly