A look back on 65 years of excellence in law education

Source: https://law.anu.edu.au/news-and-events/news/look-back-65-years-excellence-law-education Parent: https://law.anu.edu.au/

A look back on 65 years of excellence in law education

03 October 2025

1. 1930-1960, Canberra University College

Housed in huts on Childers Street, Acton, Law was one of the four faculties of the College and was incorporated into The Australian National University in 1960.

1. 1949, Emeritus Professor Herbert ('Joe') Burton

As Principal and first Professor of Canberra University College from January 1949, Burton guided the College through its development and growth in the 1950s, and its transition to become the University’s School of General Studies, before his retirement in 1965.

1. 1960, Law faculty amalgamated into ANU

The final architectural plans for the Law building were designed by O’Mahoney Neville & Morgan. The layout for the Faculty of Law was overlaid on the site of the original Old Administration Area. (Source: ANU Drawing Office)

1. 1969, Law School Building under construction

The ANU Law School building, as we know it today, under construction.

1. 1971, ANU Legal Workshop established

Students of the first Legal Workshop of the Faculty of Law were grouped into simulated 'legal firms' to work on 'cases' set up like real life situations. Due to high demand, the six-month full-time Legal Workshop course was offered twice in 1973, providing an alternative to the traditional articles-of-clerkship pathway to legal practice for law graduates.

1. 1982, students during the exams

Second-year law students sitting an exam in Melville Hall.

1. 1983, the opening of the Law Library extension

Professor Ian Ross and Professor Dennis Pearce at the opening of the Law Library extention. (Photographer: Neal McCracken)

1. 1984, Law students at Orientation Week

New Law students at O-Week. (Photographer: Marlee Maxwell)

1. 1985, Community formation

Douglas Smith, Mrs Alexandra Zubrzycki, Professor George Zubrzycki AO, and Emeritus Professor Jack Richardson AO at the retirement dinner for Ms Molly Bouquet.

1. 1990, Law debate\

Students participating and watching a Law debate. (Photographer: Darren Boyd)

1. 1998, Faculty of Law Moot team

The Faculty of Law Moot Team represented the ANU Law School in mooting competitions.

1. 1999, Faculty of Law Orientation Week function

Students gathering outside of the Law building for Orientation Week. (Photographer: Neal McCracken)

1. 2003, ANU College of Law reception

Lauren Kish and Dinah Rigg at the ANU College of Law reception counter for student enquiries.

1. 2022, the mid-year graduation reception after the COVID-19 pandemic

Associate Professor Matthew Zagor with a student at the graduation reception.

The ANU Law School staff members behind the graduation reception ensured the event ran smoothly.

Class of 2022, graduated!

1. 2023, Academic Prizes and Scholarships \

At the 2023 Academic Prizes and Scholarships Ceremony, where outstanding students were recognised for their achievements and dedication.

The proud Student Administration team behind the event.

1. 2024, explore the possibility of the future of legal services

Academics from the ANU Law School and beyond coming together for Industry 4.0 – Navigating the Future of Legal Services.

1. 2025, graduated students reunited

During the 2025 graduations, past students were reunited in front of the Law Lawns.

Read ANU Law School 65th Anniversary alumni spotlights, Jennifer Robinson, Paul Dziatkowiec, and Heidi Yates >>