MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN George Williams UNSW Law has always prepared graduates for work
in the public sector – it is part of our commitment to
serving the whole of society, not just law’s traditional constituents. This public interest guide provides an
excellent introduction to the many opportunities available for graduates. Too often, law schools have
been flooded with publicity from the private sector
and students have been insufficiently aware of all
the opportunities that are available. This guide, along with the other efforts of Law Soc and the Law School’s
Career Service Manager, Siobhan Ryan, aims to rectify this and 2019 saw an increased number of public interest engagement initiatives to enlighten students to possible career paths.
The public sector includes some areas of law which have been expanding rapidly and which provide excellent opportunities. I will note just three, very
different, examples: first, the growth of regulation and
compliance requirements; second, the continuing expansion of security services in many forms; and
third, the use by governments of extended royal commissions and other inquiries. All these provide expanding areas of work for lawyers.
UNSW Law has always had a foundational, defining commitment to social justice. This guide introduces you
to many opportunities in community legal centres and NGOs. Our alumni lead major institutions such as the Australian Council of Social Service and Redfern Legal
Centre, and we are proud to have the Kingsford Legal Centre on campus providing legal advice to our local
community and students. Increasingly, our graduates
are working in international organisations and NGOs. In 2020, UNSW established a mentoring network to provide advice and mentoring opportunities for
students keen to better understand their career options and progression pathways, including in public advocacy, both overseas and at home.
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UNSW Law prides itself on integrating an academic environment
with
experiential
learning
and
opportunities for professional development. We offer
more clinics and internships than any other Australian law school and because of this, our students are more
aware of the social issues and injustices that exist
around them. Wherever they look for opportunities, UNSW graduates have a real advantage through the emphasis in our teaching on the social, political, and
economic contexts of the law and the connection
between academic work and practice. Our curriculum
and emphasis on experiential learning were informed by extensive consultation with employers:
they
want graduates with the breadth of knowledge and experience that our experiential and classroom teaching provides.
I am keen to encourage all students to be active in searching for roles that express their talents and beliefs and where they will do something that makes
them feel worthwhile. I hope you use the 2020 Public Interest Careers Guide to help guide you on the right career path for you and make the best of the wealth of opportunities available.
George Williams Dean of UNSW Law Faculty
