Top Law Schools in Western Australia (WA): Your Guide to Studying Law in WA

Western Australia (WA) is home to several prestigious law schools that offer high-quality legal education, preparing students for a variety of legal careers. Whether you’re interested in becoming a barrister, solicitor, or corporate lawyer, or wish to explore fields such as environmental law, international law, or human rights, WA has top-tier institutions that provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal profession. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best law schools in WA, the programs they offer, career prospects, scholarships, and more.

Why Study Law in Western Australia?

Western Australia offers a dynamic and diverse legal environment. As the largest state in Australia, it is home to a mix of government agencies, multinational corporations, law firms, and Indigenous communities, providing an enriching context for legal studies. The state’s law schools are known for their robust programs, practical training opportunities, and connections with the legal industry. Studying law in WA offers students access to top legal professionals and the chance to engage with important legal issues facing both the state and the world.

Top Law Schools in Western Australia

Best Law Schools in Western Australia

1. University of Western Australia (UWA)

Location: Perth
Programs: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), PhD in Law
Why Choose UWA: The University of Western Australia is one of the most prestigious law schools in the state and consistently ranks among the top law schools in Australia. UWA’s law school offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional law, criminal law, international law, and environmental law. The university’s strong connections with the legal community ensure students gain valuable practical experience through internships and placements with top law firms, government agencies, and international organizations.
Key Strengths:
- Excellent academic reputation and a well-established law program
- Access to world-class legal professionals and networking opportunities
- Strong focus on research and legal theory
Career Pathways: Graduates can work as solicitors, barristers, in-house legal counsel, government lawyers, or legal advisors in various industries.
Website: UWA Law Programs
Scholarships: UWA Scholarships

2. Murdoch University

Location: South Street Campus, Perth
Programs: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Diploma in Law
Why Choose Murdoch: Murdoch University offers one of the most innovative and practical law programs in WA. Murdoch’s law school is known for its hands-on approach to legal education, offering students opportunities for internships, clinical placements, and practical legal training. The university’s courses focus on both traditional and emerging legal fields, including technology law, human rights, and social justice. Murdoch’s strong links with the legal industry ensure that students are well-equipped to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Key Strengths:
- Emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through internships and clinical placements
- A wide range of specializations, including human rights and environmental law
- Access to state-of-the-art legal research and practice facilities
Career Pathways: Graduates can pursue careers as solicitors, barristers, corporate lawyers, public defenders, or work in government and non-profit sectors.
Website: Murdoch Law Programs
Scholarships: Murdoch Scholarships

3. Curtin University

Location: Bentley, Perth
Programs: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Doctor (JD), Graduate Certificate in Law
Why Choose Curtin: Curtin University is another leading institution for law studies in WA, offering a comprehensive range of programs aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for a successful career in law. The university’s law school is known for its cutting-edge approach to legal education, including a focus on emerging fields like commercial law, environmental law, and international business law. Curtin’s law programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to pursue their studies full-time or part-time.
Key Strengths:
- Strong focus on commercial, corporate, and international law
- Opportunities for internships and industry placements with legal professionals
- Close industry ties for networking and career opportunities
Career Pathways: Graduates are well-prepared to become lawyers, legal consultants, corporate advisers, or public sector lawyers.
Website: Curtin Law Programs
Scholarships: Curtin Scholarships

4. Edith Cowan University (ECU)

Location: Joondalup, Perth
Programs: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Certificate in Law
Why Choose ECU: Edith Cowan University offers a range of law programs that focus on both practical legal skills and theoretical understanding of the law. ECU’s law school is well-known for its commitment to preparing students for the legal profession through a combination of academic learning and hands-on experience. Students at ECU can benefit from the university’s legal advice center, which provides practical experience and pro bono work for students.
Key Strengths:
- Focus on professional development and real-world legal practice
- Practical legal training opportunities through the ECU Legal Advice Centre
- Strong industry links and work-integrated learning options
Career Pathways: Graduates can pursue careers in law firms, public sector agencies, government legal departments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Website: ECU Law Programs
Scholarships: ECU Scholarships

Why Pursue a Law Degree in WA?

Studying law in Western Australia offers several advantages:

Practical Experience: WA’s law schools emphasize real-world experience through internships, clinical placements, and practical legal training, ensuring that students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.
Industry Connections: WA law schools have strong ties with law firms, government agencies, and other legal professionals, offering students valuable networking opportunities and job placements after graduation.
Diverse Legal Fields: Whether you’re interested in criminal law, commercial law, environmental law, or international law, WA’s law programs offer a wide range of specializations and areas of expertise.
Research Opportunities: WA’s top law schools are known for their focus on legal research, which allows students to engage with cutting-edge issues in the law and contribute to significant legal scholarship.

Career Opportunities for Law Graduates in WA

Graduates from WA’s top law schools are equipped to pursue a wide range of legal careers:

Solicitor: Providing legal advice and representing clients in legal matters.
Barrister: Representing clients in court and providing legal advocacy.
Corporate Lawyer: Advising businesses on legal matters, including contracts, mergers, and acquisitions.
Public Sector Lawyer: Working for government agencies in a variety of legal capacities.
In-House Counsel: Providing legal services within a company or corporation.
Legal Consultant: Offering specialized advice in areas such as intellectual property, family law, or environmental law.

Begin Your Legal Journey in WA

Western Australia’s law schools provide world-class education, hands-on learning experiences, and industry connections to ensure that graduates are prepared for successful careers in the legal profession. Whether you choose UWA, Murdoch, Curtin, or ECU, you’ll have access to a range of legal programs and specializations to suit your interests. By studying law in WA, you will not only gain the academic knowledge but also the practical experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in the legal field.

Explore the programs at these top universities and take the first step toward a rewarding career in law today.

Colleges and Universities – Western Australia (WA), Australia

If you know of a college or university in WA that should be listed here then tell us about it so that we can add it to our growing directory!

Graduating?

Ready to start your career?

Are you a new graduate looking for work?

How a New Grad Should Approach Recruiters to Start Their Job Search in Western Australia (WA)

Graduating is an exciting milestone, but entering the job market can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to kickstart your job search is by working with recruiters. Recruiters have insider knowledge, access to hidden job opportunities, and connections with top employers. Here’s how you should approach them effectively:

1. Identify the Right Recruiters

Not all recruiters specialize in the same industries. Research and connect with recruiters who focus on your field. Websites like HeadhuntersDirectory.com can help you find the right professionals.

2. Craft a Strong Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Before reaching out, ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile highlight your education, internships, skills, and accomplishments. Recruiters need to see what makes you a strong candidate.

3. Reach Out with a Professional Message

When contacting recruiters via LinkedIn or email, be direct and professional. Here’s a sample message:

Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m a recent [Your Degree] graduate from [Your University] with a strong interest in [Your Industry]. I’d love to connect and explore any opportunities that align with my skills. Looking forward to hearing your insights!

4. Be Clear About Your Goals

Recruiters work best when they understand what you’re looking for. Be specific about your preferred roles, industries, locations, and salary expectations.

5. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

If a recruiter doesn’t respond immediately, follow up after a week. Once you establish a connection, maintain regular communication without being overly persistent.

6. Be Open to Feedback and Opportunities

Recruiters may suggest jobs slightly outside your expectations. Stay open-minded and consider roles that can help build your experience.

7. Treat It Like a Professional Relationship

Even if a recruiter doesn’t place you in a job immediately, stay in touch. They might have the perfect opportunity in the future.

Final Thoughts

Working with recruiters can accelerate your job search, but your approach matters. Be proactive, professional, and open to opportunities.

Connect with local recruiters and headhunters to explore current job opportunities!

Are you a new graduate looking for work? Headhunters Directory is an online directory of headhunters, recruiters, and employment agencies.

Connect with the top Australian recruiters and headhunters when you are in active job search mode.

Contact the top headhunters and recruiters in WA to connect with current job opportunities!