Western Sydney University celebrates 30 years of the School of Law, driving social justice and opportunity
The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia; Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Dean of the School of Law, Professor Catherine Renshaw; The Hon. Virginia Bell AC, former Justice of the High Court of Australia; Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC; and His Honour Judge Imad Abdul-Karim
Western Sydney University is proudly celebrating 30 years of impact, excellence, and social justice through its School of Law, which is educating the next generation of legal professionals and advocates.
Students, alumni, staff, and special guests came together on Thursday, 24 July to mark the milestone and reflect on the School’s significant contribution to Western Sydney and beyond.
The event was attended by Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, with an inspiring keynote address delivered by the Hon. Virginia Bell AC, former Justice of the High Court of Australia.
The evening also welcomed special guests, including the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, and distinguished alumni, including His Honour Judge Imad Abdul-Karim, recently appointed to the District Court of New South Wales.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the future of the legal profession, with esteemed alumni, judges, and leading legal practitioners. Guests also enjoyed a special cultural performance by Indigenous law students from Western Sydney University.
Dean of the School of Law, Professor Catherine Renshaw, with Chief People Officer at Bartier Perry, Nadine Cooper; Bartier Perry, CEO, Riana Steyn; Sparke Helmore, Sydney Managing Partner, Renee Sadler; Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Solicitor, Gelareh Yousefi; Director of the Whitlam Institute, Professor John Juriansz; and His Honour Judge Imad Abdul-Karim
Professor Catherine Renshaw, Dean of the School of Law, said the anniversary is not only a time to celebrate, but a moment to recommit to the School’s values of social justice, opportunity, and equity.
“This year we celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the School of Law – a significant milestone. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to excellence in legal education. We are deepening our connections with the legal profession, creating more opportunities for students, and ensuring our graduates have the skills they need to succeed,” said Professor Renshaw.
In 2025, the School of Law is educating 2,000 students across its programs, including 51 Indigenous students and 16 students from humanitarian backgrounds. Many of our law students come from low socio-economic backgrounds, presenting unique challenges that the School, in partnership with its supporters, is focused on addressing.
In line with the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to making 2025 the ‘Year of the Student’, the School’s 30th anniversary celebrations will be dedicated to building new programs of support for students, including scholarships, awards, bursaries, internships, and mentoring opportunities.
To help create more opportunities for students, the University will launch the 30 Year Scholarship Appeal, a major initiative aimed at providing vital support for law students, to help them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
“Western law students are unique. They are diverse, open-minded, determined, ambitious, and driven by a desire to make a difference. But we know the path isn’t always easy – that’s why we are working hard to break down barriers and ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve their potential,” said Professor Renshaw.
“Two-thirds of Western Sydney University students are the first in their family to attend university. We have the largest number of students from low socio-economic backgrounds and the largest number of students from non-English speaking backgrounds in Australia.”
The School acknowledges the generosity of all its donors, with special recognition to Bartier Perry Lawyers, Brydens Lawyers and John Marsden Estate for their significant, long-term scholarship programs at the University.
For more information about Western Sydney University’s School of Law, visit the webpage (opens in a new window).
To support the 30th Anniversary Student Success Appeal, visit the appeal webpage (opens in a new window).
Chief People Officer at Bartier Perry, Nadine Cooper; Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC; His Honour Judge Imad Abdul-Karim; Bartier Perry, CEO, Riana Steyn; Sparke Helmore, Sydney Managing Partner, Renee Sadler; Dean of the School of Law, Professor Catherine Renshaw; Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Solicitor, Gelareh Yousefi; Director of the Whitlam Institute, Professor John Juriansz; Executive Director, Advancement, Christian Burden; and Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO
ENDS
28 July 2025
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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