We challenge the rules
Griffith Law School teaches law within its social context and offers a wide range of legal clinics, which give students hands-on experience in a structured environment. We were founded upon and remain committed to social justice and the law as an instrument of change.
When you study law with us, you are studying among the world's best. Griffith University ranks #1 in Australia for the area of Law in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020, and is also ranked in the top 150 globally for the study of Law in the 2020 QS World Ranking of Universities.
Ranked #1 for Law in Australia
We are the top ranked university for Law in Australia in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2020.
Meet Australia’s Young Lawyer of the Year
Griffith alumnus Dean Clifford-Jones has been named the country’s top young legal eagle.
Dean won the Law Council of Australia’s 2020 Australian Young Lawyer of the Year Award. The national award recognises his outstanding contribution to the profession through pro bono work and advocacy.
Explore
Griffith Legal Clinics
Experience law beyond the classroom
Legal clinics are work placements or internships with our industry partners in community legal centres, law firms and government.
Facilities
Perfect balance of legal theory and practice
Discover our moot courts and various learning and teaching facilities.
Research
Find a research supervisor
Griffith's reputation for interdisciplinary research in law is world-class.
Outstanding Alumni
Professor Cephas Lumina
Professor Cephas Lumina is an extraordinary Zambian lawyer and human rights expert who has dedicated his life to using the law as a tool to ensure social and economic justice for all, particularly for those who lack voice. His counsel has been sought at the highest level of global human rights advocacy – the United Nations (UN).
Professor Lumina divides his time between multiple roles as a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Lusaka, Zambia; Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and Principal Consultant of HURICON Ltd, a professional human rights and governance consulting services firm.
Cephas recently won the 2020 Arts, Education and Law Outstanding Alumnus Award
Jayde Geia
Jayde Geia has embarked on an impressive career pioneering a new way of approaching barriers in the legal industry; bridging the gap between consultants, business leaders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for sustainable outcomes. Jayde is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, her family are Bwgcolman, Gunggandji and Mualgal.
Outside of her corporate role, Jayde volunteers a significant portion of her time to working with young people and creating change through the industry boards she is a part of.
Jayde recently won the 2020 Arts, Education and Law Outstanding First Peoples Alumnus Award
Dr Jeff Thompson
Dr Jeff Thompson is a New York City law enforcement veteran, former crisis and hostage negotiator, and now a mental health specialist. He combines professional experience and academic rigour to save lives.
Today, while continuing to work as a detective, Dr Thompson is a mental health and wellness researcher, whose ongoing work – individually and in collaboration with peers across the world (including those at Griffith University) – is enhancing knowledge and strategies on issues such as terrorism, hostage negotiation, mental illness, crisis communication and suicide prevention.
Jeff recently won the the 2020 Arts, Education and Law Outstanding International Alumnus
News and insights
Human rights advocate inspires next generation
13 Jan 2021
Dr Shahram Dana is using the lessons he learnt at the United Nations to inspire the next generation...
Griffith law grads hope to reshape the profession
17 Dec 2020
Two Griffith University law graduates passionate about social justice are reshaping the profession.
Soccer star wins scholarship to study at Griffith
15 Dec 2020
Soccer star Clare Polkinghorne has won a scholarship to help her juggle elite sporting commitments...
Meet Australia’s Young Lawyer of the Year
08 Dec 2020
Griffith alumnus Dean Clifford-Jones has been named the country’s top young legal eagle.
We challenge the rules
Abiding by laws, regulations and rules is central to a lawyer's way of thinking. But Griffith thinks differently.
It could be our age: as a young law school, we break with tradition. Or it could be our unique commitment to social justice and global change.
Either way, at Griffith, we understand the power of law and know that sometimes you need to challenge the rules, to break them apart and put them back together.
WE ACHIEVE REMARKABLE THINGS
Lecturer Kate van Doore has changed the lives of vulnerable children globally through advocating for the legal recognition of orphanage trafficking as a form of modern day slavery.
In 2017, her incredible work was celebrated with the prestigious Freedom Award from Anti-Slavery Australia.
WE LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Griffith Law School has retained its progressive approach while accumulating international expertise
Celebrating 25 years of Griffith Law School
The Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC (pictured with Dean and Head of School Prof Pene Mathew) charts our history of teaching and research excellence and its impact on legal education in Australia. Address delivered at the 2017 Griffith Law School Gala.