For over a decade, Lawyers Weekly has shone a light on the rising stars aged 30 and under who have worked hard to establish their careers and demonstrated a passion for the law and dedication to propelling the industry forward.

A total of 284 finalists have been chosen out of 625 submissions to battle it out for awards across 30 individual submissions-based categories. Click here to view the full list of finalists.

The winners will be announced in a black-tie gala ceremony on Thursday, 7 March 2024, at The Star in Sydney. Click here to buy tickets.

Last year, Macquarie University Law School led the charge with 29 finalists. Find out this year’s top 10 universities with the greatest number of 30 Under 30 finalists, whether they be current students or alumni, below.

10. Western Sydney University

9. University of Wollongong

“These results demonstrate the strength of UOW Law’s academic program. The University of Wollongong draws in highly talented and ambitious students, particularly in law. Our law graduates are academically accomplished and very practical,” he said.

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8. Australian National University

ANU law school dean Professor Tony Connolly commented: “We’re immensely proud of our alumni’s outstanding achievements and the diverse areas of law in which they practice. Their success is not only testament to their aptitude and dedication but also reflects the high quality of teaching and the practical learning opportunities we provide at the ANU College of Law,” he said.

“Our commitment to fostering a dynamic and enriching educational environment empowers our students to excel not only academically but also in real-world legal practice.”

7. Queensland University of Technology

However, Professor Sharon Christensen, head of the QUT School of Law, said this was still a significant number and represented the law school’s commitment to education.

“QUT Law’s impressive representation among the nominees for the Lawyers Weekly 30u30 Awards is recognition of the Law School’s commitment to shaping forward-thinking, agile legal professionals who are future leaders of the legal profession and broader industry,” she said.

“The significant representation of our graduates in the field of nominees reflects the exceptional calibre of past and current law students, underscoring the enduring impact of QUT alumni in the legal profession. As these individuals continue to excel, QUT Law solidifies its reputation as a law school for legal professionals of the future.”

6. University of Sydney

5. Bond University

The executive dean of the faculty of law at Bond University, Professor Nick James, commented that he was “delighted that Bond University’s practical and personalised approach to educating future lawyers is being recognised in this way”.

“We are a relatively small law school, and we work hard to transform our law students into tomorrow’s legal professionals, leaders and innovators. This recognition is evidence of the efficacy of our approach as well as of the impact and success of our graduates,” he said.

4. University of NSW

“These nominations mean so much to staff at UNSW Law & Justice. While they speak to the achievements of the individuals nominated, we also like to think that they evidence the importance of providing a legal education that focuses not only on academic excellence but also on contributing meaningfully to the legal community and society at large,” dean of UNSW Law & Justice Professor Andrew Lynch said.

“The success of our alumni reinforces our commitment to a teaching tradition that nurtures intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of social responsibility. We’re so proud of each of them and wish our nominees the best of luck with this outstanding industry recognition.”

3. University of Technology

“The high representation of UTS faculty of law alumni among the finalists speaks to the quality of legal education and training that the faculty provides. It confirms what we know to be true of the UTS law degree – that it is of high quality, intellectually rigorous with an emphasis upon skills, including the application and ethics surrounding technology. This announcement that UTS has come in the top 10 for law schools in the 30 Under 30 Awards confirms the very positive feedback UTS regularly receives from law firms, judges, NGOs, government and alumni that our UTS law graduates are articulate, collegiate, work ready, industry-focused and good team players,” a spokesperson from the university said.

“It’s always gratifying to see our UTS law graduates go on to achieve great things in their respective fields. These nominations speak to the high calibre of UTS students, both past and present. It’s a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent that so many of them have been recognised as finalists in this competition. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their educational journey and look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the future. Whatever the outcome, we are proud of their achievements and the contributions they are making to their respective industries.”

2. Monash University

Professor Bryan Horrigan, executive dean of the faculty of law, said that to have so many alumni in the finalists list was “the realisation of this law school’s goal to be a leading international, clinical and digital law school in the Asia-Pacific region”.

“When I talk to potential students about which law school to go to, I encourage them to think about their new friends and peers, some of whom will become friends and peers for life. The Monash Law alumni network grows in number and strength every year,” he said.

“We have prominent alumni who are leaders of the legal profession and also leaders in other fields. The last two chief justices in the Supreme Court of Victoria have been Monash Law alumni, as is the new Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia. We currently have two alumni on Rhodes Scholarships studying at Oxford. And we’re celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2024 – after 60 years, we have a number of older and younger alumni who are changing the world.”

1. Macquarie University

“Macquarie Law School is thrilled to see our recent graduates making such a strong contribution to the legal profession in a wide range of practice areas,” Professor Cathy Sherry, acting dean of Macquarie Law School, said.

“This is a reflection of the calibre of our students, as well as the expertise and dedication of our teaching staff. Macquarie Law School is committed to producing talented lawyers through a holistic education, combining academic rigour with real-world skills.”

For more information about the 30 Under 30 Awards 2024, click here.