What started with an inaugural graduating class of 51 students has expanded to a global alumni network of more than 10,000, helping to drive change in courts, boardrooms, policy-making and advocacy.
The school has achieved a series of landmark milestones that reflect its leadership, innovation and real-world impact, from pioneering postgraduate programs and hands-on learning opportunities to advancing research and social justice initiatives.
Professor Lise Barry, Dean of Macquarie Law School, reflects on the school’s enduring mission and approach to legal education.
“Our goal has always been to help students look beyond the rule of law to understand its impact on the most vulnerable in our society,” she says.
“We don’t just teach the law but imagine what it could be. We encourage each student to discover their potential through the study of law, whether in pursuit of a career in legal practice or beyond.”
Macquarie Law School’s key achievements over the decades include:
- The world-class Michael Kirby Building. Named in honour of former Macquarie University Chancellor and High Court judge, The Honourable Dr Michael Kirby AC CMG, the school’s new home was unveiled last year with its ‘floating moot court’ the first of its kind in Australia. The building’s innovative design also features clever internal connections, cutting-edge details and collaborative spaces to encourage the free exchange of ideas.
- The Juris Doctor (JD) program. Launched in 2015, the school marked 10 years of the JD program this year with the launch of a new mentoring initiative connecting final-year students with alumni. Starting with an inaugural cohort of 52 students, the JD program has equipped hundreds of graduates with the skills and critical thinking needed to shape the future of the legal profession and is a leading program in postgraduate legal education.
- Wallumatta Legal, launched in 2022 in partnership with global law firm DLA Piper. The not-for-profit family law firm provides accessible and affordable legal services to the ‘missing middle’, those not eligible for Legal Aid or other free services but who cannot easily afford commercial lawyer fees.
- The Macquarie University Environmental Law Research Centre, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. As Australia’s oldest continuously functioning environmental law centre, it addresses the triple planetary crisis (environmental pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss) with experts across sustainable development, business and human rights, environmental law, climate change, ecocide, food systems, ocean governance and biodiversity law. The centre has achieved many milestones over the decades, including extensive research outputs, securing significant funding and establishing international partnerships, including with the government of Bangladesh, which resulted in the advancement of its Sustainable Development Goals.
Opened in 2024, the Michael Kirby Building stands as an architectural landmark and the new home of Macquarie Law School.
Across four decades, the school has fostered a comprehensive national and international alumni network, which includes notables such as:
- The Honourable Justice Brian J Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court NSW
- Lloyd Babb SC, Australian barrister and NSW Director of Public Prosecutions (2011-2021)
- Judge Kara Shead SC, Judge of the District Court of NSW
- The Honourable Justice Lindy Jenkins, former Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia
- Pauline Wright, Joanne van der Plaat and Jennifer Ball, all former Presidents of the Law Society of NSW)
- Ms Kathrina Lo, Public Service Commissioner, and
- Paul Jenkins - Global Chief Executive Officer for Ashurst LLP, multinational law firm.
Alongside institutional achievements, Macquarie Law School celebrates its enduring legacy of student success and engagement.
Says Professor Barry: “This year also marks 50 years of the Macquarie University Law Society (MULS), which has evolved from a small, student-run group to a vibrant society with more than 1200 student members in 2025.
“MULS supports law students academically, professionally and socially, and its contributions were recognised with the Australian Law Students’ Association Innovation Award earlier this year.”
Professor Lise Barry, Dean of Macquarie Law School, pictured in the floating moot court, one of the most impressive features of the University's Michael Kirby Building.
Macquarie Law School students have consistently excelled in mooting competitions at both national and international levels. This year, Macquarie Law School teams reached the grand final of the 2025 Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition for the third year in a row, and went on to compete in Washington DC.
They were also crowned National Champions at the Australian Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot for the first time and competed among 128 teams at the Nuremberg Moot Court Competition where they reached the round of 16. In 2023, Macquarie Law School were crowned second place in the global competition.
“This anniversary gives us the opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to look ahead to the next 50 years as we continue to innovate, inspire and empower the next generation of legal leaders.”