Building a career in law starts with real experience.
The WMD Law Work Integrated Learning Scholarship helps University of Wollongong (UOW) law students gain financial support and hands-on experience inside a real law firm.
Established in 2001, the scholarship reflects WMD Law’s long partnership with UOW and its commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals.
Overview
The scholarship supports one UOW law student each year. It combines financial assistance with real work experience at WMD Law. You receive:
- Financial support during your studies
- Practical legal experience inside a working law firm
- Mentorship from experienced lawyers
WMD Law works across multiple areas of law, including commercial, criminal, property, family and estate law. Students gain exposure to how legal teams operate across these areas, providing a well-rounded introduction to legal practice.
This program helps you move from university into real legal work with confidence.
Key Details
Scholarship Name: WMD Law Work Integrated Learning Scholarship
Duration: 1 year
Availability: 1 scholarship per year
Study Area: Law degree (on its own or combined with another degree)
Faculty: Business and Law (UOW)
Work Placement: Up to 12 weeks / 60 days (450 hours), scheduled around study commitments
Application Timeline:
-
- Applications open – July
- Applications close – September
- Awarded – September / October
Work Experience
A key part of the scholarship is hands-on legal experience at WMD Law. You will work alongside experienced lawyers and gain exposure to:
- Real client matters
- Legal research and drafting
- Property, commercial, and leasing work
- Day-to-day law firm operations
This experience helps you build practical skills before you graduate and gain a clear understanding of how a law firm operates.
Work placement is completed during the academic year or at the end of each year. Scheduling is agreed between the student and WMD Law at the time of offer and is designed to fit around study commitments without impacting academic requirements.
History
WMD Law launched this scholarship in 2001, making it one of the longest-running work integrated learning scholarships at the University of Wollongong. WMD Law was also the first law firm to provide sponsorship to the university, establishing a long-standing partnership that continues today. Over more than 25 years, WMD Law has invested significantly in supporting students and helping launch legal careers.
Why This Scholarship Exists
WMD Law created this scholarship to bridge the gap between university study and real legal practice.
It gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience early, build confidence, and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in a legal career.
The scholarship is designed to:
- Support the next generation of legal professionals
- Identify top talent early and build long-term relationships
- Help students with financial need
- Promote diversity in the legal profession
- Give back and foster goodwill within the legal community
The scholarship is a way for us to invest in the future of the profession and help students build the confidence, skills and practical experience they need to succeed in a real legal environment.
Kevin Dwyer, Principal, WMD Law.
Career Outcomes
This scholarship helps you move from study into real legal work. Outcomes may include:
- Practical legal experience
- Stronger workplace skills
- Mentoring from legal professionals
- Graduate or clerkship opportunities
- Long-term legal careers
Eligibility
You can apply if you are:
- In your penultimate year (second-last year) of a law degree at UOW
- Studying law on its own, or as part of a combined degree (for example, Law and Commerce)
- Enrolled in the Faculty of Law
- Available to complete the work placement
For full eligibility and application details, visit: Apply for the WMD Law Scholarship (UOW)
WMD Law and UOW Arrangements
WMD Law has a strong, long-standing relationship with UOW. This includes:
- The scholarship program
- Student work experience opportunities
- Employment pathways for graduates
- Ongoing ties with the Law Faculty
Many members of the WMD Law team are also UOW alumni, strengthening the connection between study and professional practice.
Learn more about the university here: University of Wollongong
Pathways into WMD Law
WMD Law also has strong ties with the University of Wollongong beyond the scholarship, with many students and graduates building long-term careers within the firm. Many graduates have built long-term careers within the firm, progressing into senior roles over time. These pathways show how the relationship between WMD Law and UOW creates real opportunities for long-term legal careers.
Examples include:
Apply Now
Applications are managed by the University of Wollongong. To apply and view full details, visit: WMD Law Work Integrated Learning Scholarship (UOW) or click the button below.
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