Legal Aid NSW, UNSW Partner for Regional Law Student Internships

The program aims to provide law students with firsthand experience working with regional communities Legal Aid NSW has partnered with UNSW Law & Justice on an internship initiative that will see law students working with communities in Broken Hill, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. The program grants students firsthand experience in working with regional communities. Six three-week internships will be offered to LLB and JD students in their penultimate or final year as of 2027. Placements will take place in the summer starting 18 January. Participants will be given $4,000 each to support living expenses in this time, although they are expected to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. “This is a rare opportunity for students to upskill and learn from Legal Aid NSW while enjoying the benefits of life in regional NSW and the diverse and complex casework in the regions”, said Legal Aid NSW associate director Steven Wright in a media release. “Students will gain practical experience across a broad range of legal matters, work closely with experienced solicitors and see firsthand the important role Legal Aid NSW plays in supporting local communities”. UNSW Law & Justice dean Professor Andrew Lynch added that the program would introduce students to career opportunities beyond metropolitan areas. “Students will gain invaluable firsthand experience working alongside dedicated practitioners, deepen their understanding of the legal needs of regional communities and explore the rewarding career opportunities available outside metropolitan centres”, Lynch said. “We are pleased to partner with Legal Aid NSW on an initiative that both enriches student learning and supports the delivery of legal services where they are needed most”. Wright said he hoped the internship would inspire students to practise in regional areas. Interested applicants must provide their resumes, cover letters and academic transcripts. The letters must detail their interest in Legal Aid NSW and regional practice; moreover, they must indicate any location preferences. Applications may be submitted via InPlace beginning 21 September. Legal Aid NSW and the Law & Justice WIL team will conduct an in-person information session on 24 September at the UNSW Law Building. In May, Legal Aid NSW announced that it was limiting family law representation services due to iadequate federal funding under Budget 2026. Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer.