Following the announcement of this year’s 30 Under 30 finalists, Lawyers Weekly can reveal which Australian law schools produced the next generation of legal trailblazers for 2026.
Back for its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 Awards 2026 – hosted in partnership with principal partner LawUno – will celebrate the brightest up-and-coming Australian legal professionals and the exceptional work and results they’ve achieved.
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 287 finalists will compete across 30 categories for the prestigious awards, showcasing the talent and ambition shaping the future of the profession.
This year’s winners will be unveiled at a glamorous black-tie gala on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at The Star, Sydney. Secure your tickets now and be part of the celebration.
At 30 Under 30 in 2024, Macquarie University once again led the way with 23 finalists, claiming the top spot for the third consecutive year.
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. Griffith University, Queensland
Making its debut in the top 10, Griffith University claims the number 10 spot, having produced 11 finalists at the 2024 awards.
9. University of Sydney, Sydney
The University of Sydney slipped one spot to ninth place, down from eighth in 2024 when it produced 14 finalists. This year, the law school celebrated 11 finalists at the 30 Under 30 Award.
8. University of Wollongong, Wollongong
The University of Wollongong has produced 12 finalists this year, slightly down from 14 in the 30 Under 30 Awards 2024.
7. Bond University, Gold Coast
After missing the top 10 in 2024 despite ranking fifth in 2023 with 16 finalists, Bond University has bounced back, producing 12 finalists this year and reclaiming its spot among the nation’s leading legal schools.
6. Queensland University of Technology, Queensland
After holding second place in 2024, the Queensland University of Technology has slipped four spots to sixth, producing 17 finalists this year.
5. Monash University, Melbourne
Maintaining the same position as in the 2024 awards, Monash University holds firm at fifth place, producing 19 finalists this year.
4. University of NSW (UNSW), Sydney
Similarly, holding its position from the 2024 awards, UNSW remains at fourth place, producing 21 finalists this year – slightly up from 20 the previous year.
3. Deakin University, Victoria
Climbing the ranks, Deakin University has secured a spot in the top three podium. After producing 16 finalists in 2024, it added seven more this year, bringing the total to 23 finalists.
2. University of Technology (UTS), Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney rises in the rankings slightly, improving on its third-place finishes in 2023 and 2024, with 23 standout finalists this year pushing it to second place.
1. Macquarie University, Sydney
Rising steadily through the ranks in recent years, Macquarie University has once again claimed the top spot for producing the most 30 Under 30 finalists. For the fourth consecutive year, it leads the pack with 28 finalists this year – up from 23 in 2024.
