On behalf of the Monash Law Students’ Society (‘LSS’), it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you (back) to Monash Law for 2026. Whether you are stepping onto campus for the first time as a first-year student or returning as a senior student, I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that await us all this year.
If you are beginning your journey in 2026, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations on your acceptance into Monash Law. This is a significant achievement. The path to law school is notoriously demanding, and your commencement here is a testament to your hard work and intellectual curiosity. You should be immensely proud of reaching this milestone. In joining us, you enter a tradition of excellence that began in 1964. Our founding Dean, David Derham, established this faculty with a radical vision for a progressive, rigorous, and socially conscious legal education.
To achieve this, Derham and luminaries like inaugural Monash Law Prof. Louis Waller pioneered the “Monash Model.” By synthesising the Oxford tradition of deep jurisprudential rigour with the Harvard Socratic method of case-based clinical analysis, they created a unique pedagogy. This model ensures that Monash students aren’t just learning what the law is, but are constantly questioning what the law ought to be. It is a framework that encourages you to be more than a student; it prepares you to be a critic, an advocate, and a leader.
As a Monash Law student, you join a community with a shared mission to use the law as a tool for positive change. You follow in the footsteps of esteemed alumni, including Supreme Court Justices, tireless social justice advocates, and influential leaders across global industry and politics. These individuals once sat exactly where you are sitting now, and it was their engagement with this community that propelled them toward greatness.
Whether you are a new or returning student, I strongly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone in 2026. While a law degree is an academic pursuit, your time at university is defined by the life you live outside the seminar room. Engaging with campus life by joining the LSS, participating in our world-class advocacy competitions, or simply striking up a conversation in the Law Library is essential. These moments are where you will build the foundations of your professional network and find the lifelong friendships that will sustain you throughout your career.
The LSS exists to be your partner in this journey. We are one of Australia’s largest student-run organisations, and our 2026 committee is dedicated to ensuring you feel supported academically, socially, and professionally. From our peer-run tutorials to our wellness initiatives and networking events, we are here to help you navigate the rigours of your degree while enjoying the vibrant social fabric of Melbourne.
I wish you all the very best for 2026. Make the most of every opportunity, embrace the challenges that come your way, and lean on the LSS community when you need a friendly face. I look forward to seeing you all on campus and walking alongside you through a rewarding year ahead.