UNSW Law & Justice encourages students to gain practical experience to complement the theory in their programs by offering a range of outstanding internships.
Law Internships
The internship program provides formal and informal training, as well as supervised practical legal experience, in planning and implementing key aspects of research, writing, advocacy and related activities, as well as client engagement and legal representation. Internship placements provide students with the opportunity to work with an organisation which undertakes advocacy or research on aspects of policy and practice relating to an area of law.
Students can have the opportunity to intern at an organisation focused on legal practice, strategic litigation or advocacy work, policy areas, research and/or law reform; including at law firms, government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs), social justice organisations, law reform and public interest groups, or at UNSW Law & Justice research centres. There are also opportunities for students to gain valuable experience as student editors of law publications and journals. Students will gain training and practical legal experience as well as a unique insight into future career paths.
The Law internship courses offer students the opportunity to critically analyse the law, the legal profession and the legal system. Students are supported by experts in the field as well as UNSW academics to ensure they come away with new knowledge and experiences to help guide their career paths.
UNSW Law & Justice manages internship opportunities offered by law organisations. Students can apply for these placements or students may negotiate an internship with another organisation of their choosing. These internships will need to be approved by the Director of Experiential Learning. Internships may be undertaken in Australia or overseas.
Many students say their internship is the highlight of their program. In recent years, our students have undertaken internships with a range of organisations.
Law internships are available to eligible students enrolled in UNSW Bachelor of Laws (Double degree), Juris Doctor and Master of Laws programs. Enrolment is by course authority and is subject to a selection process.
Criminology Work Integrated Learning Placement
Criminology Work Integrated Learning Placements provide students with the unique opportunity to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of criminal justice and related agencies. Aligned with UNSW’s emphasis on work-integrated learning, this course is a structured and supported work placement designed to give students practical experience in tackling criminal justice challenges through working with a criminal justice related government or non-government organisation. This will be a one-of a kind experience to help students understand how criminal justice works in practice.
Criminology placements are only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Program (BCCJ) single or double degree and students enrolled in the Criminology Major in the Bachelor of Arts (BA). Enrolment is by course authority and is subject to a selection process.
Note: UNSW Law & Justice regularly revises and enhances our internship offerings. Opportunities for each term are subject to change. Current students should check on InPlace for the listed opportunities for each term
I completed an internship at The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. My internship exposed me to some of the harsh realities of our justice system. It reinforced my reason for studying law: to help those in society who don’t have the means to defend themselves. It was an eye-opening and life-changing experience. My internship clarified that criminal law is my passion and it even opened my mind to the possibility of going to the Bar – an avenue I had never considered before
”I completed an internship at the Cancer Council, as I wanted to gain experience in the pro bono legal environment. It was an opportunity to use the skills I was learning in class to help cancer patients and carers access legal and financial advice. It was an extremely rewarding and sometimes challenging experience, speaking with clients in incredibly stressful and emotional situations as a result of cancer.
I have also been actively involved in mooting throughout my degree. Preparing submissions and answering difficult legal questions on the spot is an adrenalin rush and puts your legal knowledge to the test. This year I will travel to The Hague in the Netherlands to represent UNSW Law at the International Criminal Court Moot, competing against 60 other teams from around the world. The opportunities to put theory into practice at UNSW Law have been invaluable.
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