About Us
The Adelaide Law School’s activities continue its century-long record of excellence in globally-focused research and teaching.
We are committed to the rule of Law and the promotion of the highest standards of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and community service. With the aim of contributing to the social good, we examine and critique the law from diverse perspectives, discovering new knowledge and advocating for change. Student wellbeing is a priority to which we devote energy and innovation.
Our impact
Adelaide Law School founded its reputation on being bold and breaking new ground. We were the first to admit women to study law in Australia and continue to break ground through world-leading research. We build on our strong history of success, through significant international collaborations and research that has far reaching impact. Our significant role in the development of international law for military uses of outer space is expected to impact space law for decades and centuries to come. Our contribution to legal reform through the South Australian Law Reform Institute has become a critical part of South Australia’s law reform process. We are also national leaders in insolvency, taxation, labour and constitutional law.
Pioneers of legal education in Australia
The University of Adelaide Law School was one of the pioneers of the teaching of law as a university discipline in the nineteenth century. Established in 1883 the Adelaide Law School became one of the earliest established Law Schools in the country. The Adelaide Law School’s Ligertwood Building was opened in 1967 and to this day provides some of the best library facilities for law students in Australia, along with a special purpose-built Moot Court.
Collaboration with the legal community
The Law School has a long established history of collaboration with the legal profession. This included legal education being maintained for many years as a co-operative enterprise between teaching staff and practising members of the legal profession. Today the Adelaide Law School maintains its established close ties with the legal profession and industry. An industry advisory board ensures teaching relevance, while students also benefit from networking opportunities including professional work placements.
Law library and legal research
Much of the legal research carried out in South Australia in the past 100 years has been done in our outstanding Law Library which has grown to be the most significant body of legal materials in the State. A special collection of books, publications, articles and periodicals in the Law Library evidences the considerable body of wide-ranging contributions made to legal writing by members of staff and graduates, in addition to judgments they have delivered in superior courts.
Contribution to legal reform
The Adelaide Law School’s staff and graduates have also contributed to law reform activities dating back at least to the beginning of the twentieth century. Since then, and notably in recent times, members of the full-time teaching staff and graduates have been active members of bodies such as the Australian Law Reform Commission and the South Australian Law Reform Committee.
Collaborate with us
The Adelaide Law School welcomes visiting scholars to contribute to the academic life of the school through the exchange of ideas and research, and the creation of research collaborations with Adelaide Law School staff.