Big Sis Briefing: Your Law School Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think: A Guide for Aspiring Australian Lawyers
For the strategic dreamers who want to build a real legal career, not just win the Hunger Games.
There’s a myth that your law school determines your entire future. That if your student card doesn’t have a certain crest on it, you’re already behind. I get why that myth exists. It makes things feel black and white. It gives the illusion of certainty. But it’s just that… a myth.
Yes, some firms recruit heavily from a small group of unis. That’s real. But it’s also more about branding, perception and pipelines than teaching quality.
Most of those universities have higher ATAR cut-offs, so naturally they’re filled with typically “high-performing” students. Those students would probably do well wherever they went. It’s not about the magic inside the lecture halls. It’s the brand power on the outside.
The law itself doesn’t really change. Every accredited law school in Australia teaches the same eleven core subjects. That’s the Priestley 11. Same foundations, different postcode.
Some universities have reputations in particular areas. Maybe they’re known for criminal law. Maybe they’re a breeding ground for barristers or academics. That’s useful context, but it’s not the whole story. The key variable isn’t the school. It’s what you do with the opportunities you find and how strategic you are in shaping your path.
Why I Chose Bond University for Law
I chose Bond University because I was offered a scholarship that was too good to ignore. I was also impatient. Bond had trimesters and promised I could finish faster than anywhere else. That was all I needed to hear. The sandstone campus didn’t hurt either. It looked like a movie set.
To a wide-eyed 18-year-old from the country, it was magnetic.
The tagline at the time “Bring your ambition to life” sealed the deal. Was I a sucker? Maybe. But I also loved it. I made it work for me. I also saved a lot of money in student load debt.
That’s the part people forget. A law degree doesn’t do the work for you. You make the experience valuable by showing up, saying yes to things and staying clear on what you want.
Universities Are Businesses. You Are the Customer.
Let’s talk straight. Universities are not just places of learning. They are commercial operations. They compete for students and rely on tuition fees and enrolments to keep the lights on. They invest heavily in branding, advertising, rankings, career stats and high-gloss content strategies. They are selling a product, and you are the buyer.
There’s nothing wrong with this. But it’s important to see it clearly.
When you’re 17 or 18, it’s easy to get swept up in the sales pitch. The dream. The sandstone buildings. The lifestyle. The slogans about changing the world or becoming a future leader. I get it. That messaging works. But if you’re not aware that you’re being sold something, it’s easier to make decisions based on emotion instead of strategy.
This is an industry.
There are prestige pecking orders, employer pipelines, partner firms and internal politics. Some schools have a stronger reputation in certain markets. Others do better in regional employment or niche areas of law. It’s your job to interrogate the offering like you would any big purchase.
Ask:
What is the graduate employment rate in law-specific roles?
Are there practical experiences, placements or clerkships built in?
What employers regularly recruit from this law school?
What electives are available?
What type of law is this school strong in?
Don’t just take the brochure at face value. Speak to current students. Stalk alumni on LinkedIn. Do the work to understand what you’re buying. Education is powerful, but it’s also expensive and intense. You deserve to make this decision with eyes wide open.
Decision Tree: Choosing a Law School
Here’s a simple way to break it down:
Why are you studying law?
➡️ To get a degree as a credential?
Choose the most affordable and flexible option. Prioritise cost, convenience, and lifestyle alignment.
➡️ To become job-ready and work in the legal industry?
Look for strong graduate outcomes, placements, and work-integrated learning programs. Speak to alumni about real-world experience.
➡️ To compete for Big Law or top-tier commercial roles?
Research the firms and their recruitment pipelines. Understand where they hire from and what they value. Prestige may play a bigger role, so be strategic with clerkships and extracurriculars.
➡️ Not sure yet?
That’s completely fine. Just don’t rush in. Consider starting with a broader degree or researching different legal careers. Stay open to pivoting as your clarity grows. Maybe take a gap year and see the world!
Your decision should be led by the type of career and life you’re trying to create. Not just by rankings or what your high school career counsellor said.
Big Sis Pep Talk
Studying law in Australia is an incredible privilege. You’re learning to think critically, communicate persuasively, and understand the frameworks that govern our society. That’s powerful. But the job market is competitive. The system isn’t always fair. And the path isn’t always clear (enter: me).
That’s why I want you to remember this:
You don’t need a sandstone degree to be a brilliant lawyer
Prestige is real, but it isn’t everything
Strategy will always beat status
You are the customer, not just the student
Your clarity will protect you from shiny distractions
You can change your mind and pivot as you grow
A law degree isn’t a golden ticket. It’s a tool. It opens doors, but you still have to walk through them. Know what you’re signing up for. Ask better questions. Make choices that support your long-term vision, not just your short-term ego.
Bring your ambition to life. Not because a brand told you to. But because you built a path that’s actually yours.
💖
