Step Into the World of Law and Justice
Our Law School is proud to offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of law and justice. Through hands-on experiences, interactive workshops, and exposure to real legal issues, students gain insight into legal thinking, advocacy, and career pathways, building confidence, critical thinking, and a strong foundation for future study.
Griffith Law School is pleased to present the annual Legal Essay Competition
Do your senior students have a strong case to make about a current legal issue? Year 10 and above students interested in the role of law and law reform to effect positive social change are encouraged to submit an essay in our competition. With cash prizes up for grabs, this is the perfect opportunity for students to showcase their passion for law and social change in a fun, competitive environment.
About the competition
Submissions for 2026 are now open. Applications close 5pm Monday 17th August 2026.
- The competition is open to Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Northern NSW Year 10 and above students.
- Entries can be either assessment items that students have completed, or new essays written for this competition.
- The essays must be on a legal topic or on a topic that raises legal questions or issues – the choice of topic is up to the student.
- Word count must be between 1500 - 2000 words including footnotes or endnotes.
- Essays must have appropriate footnotes or endnotes.
- A reference list must be included with each essay.
- If you don’t receive a confirmation email of your entry, please contact stacey.milne@griffith.edu.au as soon as possible so we can confirm your entry has been received.
Prizes
Winner
$300 cash prize and a trophy
from both Gold Coast & Brisbane competitions
Winner's school
a perpetual trophy
Two runner-up winners
$100 cash prize each
Awards presentation
The Griffith Law Schoool holds the High School Legal Essay Competition in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The award presentation nights are held at Brisbane City (South Bank) in Brisbane and at SPG Lawyers on the Gold Coast. The awards presentation is an opportunity to meet Griffith Law School staff, Lawyers and other students. Eligible entrants will receive an invitation to the 2026 awards presentation after the competition has closed.
2026 Gold Coast event
Tuesday 15th September 2026 (SPG Offices Gold Coast)
5:30 to 7:30pm
2026 Brisbane event
Wednesday 16th September 2026 (Webb Centre South Bank)
5:30 to 7:30pm
Mooting Competition
Local High Schools from both Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales are invited to enter a team for a Criminal Moot Competition each year. The competition is suitable for current Year 11 and Year 12 High School students who are considering a career in Law. Students will gain first-hand experience in a moot competition and engage with current law students and academic staff.
A moot court competition simulates a court hearing, in which participants analyse a problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present oral argument.
Register early as numbers are limited for this event. Registrations close 5pm on Monday 16th March 2026. If you do not receive confirmation of your registration please contact Stacey Milne on stacey.milne@griffith.edu.au.
About your team
A moot competition sees teams participate in a mock hearing. Your school is invited to register a team of between two to three students - a senior and junior counsel, and an optional instructing solicitor to assist with research. The instructing solicitor will not have a speaking role in the event but will sit at the bar table with counsel and provide support. Competitors will be given the facts of a legal case and will be allocated to represent either the Plaintiff or the Defendant. They will need to prepare written submissions to hand to the Judge on the day of the moot, and will then present their oral arguments to the Judge who will ask questions and seek clarifications.
Please note: only one team per school can register to participate in this event. A waitlist will be enabled with additional teams from schools considered after the RSVP date. Should you wish to register for this wait list, please contact us on law-hsgc@griffith.edu.au
About the competition
This competition is suitable for current Year 11 and Year 12 High School students who are considering a career in law. Students will gain firsthand experience in a moot competition and engage with current law students and academic staff.
This is a perfect taste of university life for any students interested in studying law, with the competition giving them the opportunity to meet likeminded students from other schools while developing their skills in research, analysis and advocacy.
Why moot?
There are many reasons to moot. Mooting enables students to:
- engage with and think deeply about interesting and topical legal issues
- enhance their advocacy, legal research and writing skills
- work closely with and learn from their peers
- connect with other students and gain a taste for what studying law at university could be like
- demonstrate their interest in advocacy and competence as an advocate to prospective employers.
Added bonus – Innocence Project
‘You be the Jury’ activity!
The competition day is divided into two parts — the moot itself, and an Innocence Project ‘You be the Jury’ activity, hosted by Dr Robyn Blewer, Director & Convenor – Griffith University Innocence Project. During this activity, students will be divided into 'juries' and consider facts and evidence in a case, then asked to deliver a verdict.
This is an invaluable opportunity for high school students.
Event Schedule
9.30am - Arrive
9.45am - Dean's Welcome
10.10am - Mooting Session 1 and 'You be the Jury" activity
11.30am - Lunch - supplied by the Law School
12.40pm - Mooting Session 2 and 'You be the Jury' activity
2.00pm - Presentation to the Winners
Gold Coast event
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Time: 9:30am - 3pm
Location: Griffith University Gold Coast
Brisbane event
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Time: 9:30am - 3pm
Location: Griffith University South Brisbane (Nathan)
The Innocence Project Speaking Engagement Program
The Griffith University Innocence Project presents their Speaking Engagement program, created to inspire and educate higher education institutions, secondary schools, community groups and professional organisations through dynamic presentations and interactive activities. We welcome requests from groups interested in hearing about the work of the Griffith University Innocence Project. Our Director addresses a range of topics, including wrongful conviction, the criminal justice process, prosecutorial concerns, forensics issues, and more. Whether you seek to inspire, impart valuable insights, or share firsthand experiences, their program is dedicated to creating a positive and meaningful learning experience. Please register your request via the link below, and they will be in touch.
Head Start program for high school students
The Head Start program offers the opportunity for motivated senior high school students to sample university life by allowing them to study a single course at Griffith while still at school.
Uni-Reach for Year 12 students
The Uni-Reach program provides students at selected Brisbane and Gold Coast secondary schools assistance in improving academic performance in order to gain entry to Griffith. Students are selected with the support of principals, teachers and guidance officers.
Diploma of Legal Studies
Build your legal foundation and transition seamlessly into second-year law. Gain essential skills in legal research, writing, ethics and reasoning in a supportive environment.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Set yourself apart from the competition, armed with a degree from Australia's highest-ranking university for law. You'll learn the foundations through hands-on experience, explore crucial social justice issues and fuel your passion via a choice of elective courses.
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Contact the Griffith Law School
Enquiries
- Phone
- Brisbane South (Nathan): (07) 5552 8162
- Gold Coast: (07) 5552 7087
- asklaw@griffith.edu.au
Find us
- Location and postal address Brisbane South (Nathan)
- Griffith Law School
- Law (N61) -1.03A
- 170 Kessels Road
- Nathan, Qld 4111
Find us
- Location and postal address Gold Coast
- Griffith Law School
- Law (G36) 3.80
- Parklands Drive
- Southport, Qld 4125