Ann-Maree David, the acting CEO of the College of Law, delineates the remarkable shift she is witnessing in law students’ mindsets, dynamics, and attitudes.

She also alludes to what she believes has contributed to the increased drive and clarity among current law students and discusses what these changes mean for the future of not only legal education but also the legal profession.

What is making them stand out?

David outlined the defining characteristics of this emerging generation of law students, making them stand out from previous cohorts.

She explained how current law students demonstrate a distinct combination of leadership attributes, setting them apart due to their enthusiastic surge, confidence, and bold willingness to innovate.

“We’ve always seen leaders emerging from the pack early, but there seems to be greater enthusiasm and confidence and an air of ‘let’s try something different’ emerging in this generation of students,” she said.

David suggested that the evolution of leadership skills among current law students may be linked to the challenges they faced while completing their degrees during the pandemic.

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“It may be a result of having come through a good portion of their high schooling and/or law degrees in physical isolation during the pandemic,” she said.

Through encountering this unique experience, she said, law students “appear to be embracing opportunities to be in each other’s company and to work collaboratively on projects”.

David also elaborated that this desire for connection among students has led to “many law student associations now hav[ing] formal roles for first years on their executive committees – a very inclusive gesture appreciated by all, I am sure”.

She further said: “It isn’t a long bow to draw between these displays of leadership at law school and what we are seeing in the legal profession across the country. The mean age of Australian solicitors is 42, and law society councils feature more ‘junior’ lawyers than ever before.”

Additionally, David said that the increasing diversity within law school cohorts is a commendable step, enabling current cohorts to stand out in terms of their energy and enthusiasm.

“Greater diversity within law school cohorts is encouraging, and law schools and PLT providers are to be applauded for the support they provide in that regard, particularly in terms of scholarships and other programs,” she said.

“But entering legal practice can be daunting for newly admitted lawyers who are yet to see people like them in positions of power. Supporting greater diversity from law school through to admission to legal practice is not something that can be left to chance.”

To address the apprehension experienced by some, David highlighted how proactive initiatives have been implemented to increase the presence of practising lawyers and professionals who share similar experiences on campus.

“Law students understand that and are ensuring they bring onto campus practising lawyers and other professionals who share familiar life experience and stories.

“Valuable connections are forged in these more informal settings and the sense of empowerment achieved through these initiatives should not be underestimated,” she said.

Contributing factors to increased drive

David detailed how the rising cost of living has transformed the experiences and ambitions of law students, contributing to the heightened drive and motivation among law students.

With many students being required to maintain full-time employment while balancing the demands of being a law student, David noted how this need for financial security not only cultivates resilience but also influences their career aspirations.

“The rising cost of living is a reality for everyone, including law students. I’m meeting more students and new graduates who are working at least part-time, but many full-time, while studying law or completing their practical legal training. These life experiences are shaping both their career aspirations and expectations,” she said.

David also underscored how exposure to various dynamic work environments equips students with the ability to cultivate practical and indispensable skills that can enhance their professional capabilities.

“Exposure to work in any environment, be it in retail, hospitality, or indeed legal, sets students up for success because of the opportunities it affords to hone invaluable skills and build self-confidence,” she said.

“I also get the sense that they see the value of ‘pursuits beyond work’ as a necessary contributor not only to their wellbeing but also to their ‘success at work’.”

How are law schools nurturing this new enthusiasm?

Law schools are responding to this wave of enthusiasm with innovative strategies designed to support and nurture their students.

A significant initiative being introduced by law schools, as outlined by David, involves providing “greater exposure to practising lawyers”.

David emphasised this importance by pointing out the increasing gap between students and the legal field.

“Learning in context is vital. When I address student groups, particularly those in their first years of law school, I ask how many of them know a lawyer. Fewer and fewer hands are being raised,” she said.

By offering students firsthand insights into the legal field, David expressed how universities enhance their education and inspire them to pursue their career aspirations with clarity and confidence.

“Opportunities to receive advice from practitioners (say when they are judging a student competition), or simply to hear from them directly about their own career paths, opens minds and hearts to what is possible and spurs many students on to achieve,” she said.

“At the college, our practitioner mentors tell us they get as much from student mentoring sessions as their mentees.”

Additionally, David mentioned that the College of Law has implemented a student reflection in each formal assessment, enabling law students to have their input recognized and valued regarding the work they complete during their studies.

“In the College of Law PLT program, as part of every formal assessment, we ask our students to reflect on what they have learned both through their application to our coursework but also in their broader experience (say though work experience in legal practice and other arenas). This is the perfect opportunity for students to bring their lived experience to the table and many discuss the “light bulb moments” this opportunity to reflect has served up," she stated.

What this means for the future of legal education and practice

Looking forward, David anticipates that the shifts in the enthusiasm and vision of law students will lead to considerable transformations in legal education and law practice.

David highlighted that organisations such as the Australian Law Students’ Association are playing a crucial role by actively participating in discussions to shape curriculum redesign. This ensures that legal education evolves to meet the needs and aspirations of the new generation of law students.

“Education and training in law and for legal practice is under the microscope. Organisations like Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) have a seat at the table in discussions around curriculum redesign.

“ALSA and the other leaders we see coming through law school are forging change for the better,” she said.

Additionally, David outlined a broader trend indicating that the increasing student leadership is not limited to the academic realm but also reflects the changes occurring within the legal profession.

“It isn’t a long bow to draw between these displays of leadership at law school and what we are seeing in the legal profession across the country.

“According to the Urbis 2022 National Profile of Solicitors, ‘there has been a steady increase in solicitors aged 34 years or younger entering the profession since 2014, with this age bracket representing 35 per cent of total solicitors’. And more ‘junior’ lawyers are being elected to leadership of law societies than ever before,” she said.