New initiative connects rural and regional NSW classrooms to a career in law
Top tier law firms Ashurst Perkins Coie, Clayton Utz and Gilbert + Tobin have jointly established Launchpad 2 Law, an initiative designed to broaden access to the legal profession for students from rural and regional New South Wales.
Launchpad 2 Law is built around direct, face-to-face engagement between legal professionals and rural and regional students. By sending lawyers from the firms, and representatives from universities and corporate partners, into rural and regional communities, the initiative gives students first-hand insight into a career in law and a clear, supported path into the legal profession.
Why it matters
Rural and regional students with strong academic results are less likely to move directly into university than their metropolitan peers. Launchpad 2 Law responds to a clear access gap in the pathway to law.
The initiative comprises five components, each addressing a separate barrier to entry into the legal profession: engagement with students in rural and regional classrooms, financial support through scholarships, the opportunity for mentoring, information and resources to support university applications, and an annual gathering of scholars in Sydney.
In a joint statement, Ashurst Perkins Coie, Clayton Utz and Gilbert + Tobin said:
“Many students in rural and regional New South Wales have limited opportunities to meet practising lawyers or see a clear path into the profession. Launchpad 2 Law aims to change this by sending our people directly into these communities, and by supporting that commitment with school visits, scholarships, and mentoring initiatives.”
Speaking about a recent Launchpad 2 Law visit, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Careers Advisor at Kooringal High School, said:
“Launchpad 2 Law’s visit to Wagga Wagga and Kooringal High School gave our students valuable first-hand insights into studying law and the range of careers a law degree can open up. The visit was impactful for students. They were able to hear directly from lawyers about pathways into the profession and the support available through the program.”
School visits
Lawyers and representatives from universities and corporate partners will visit rural and regional NSW high schools. Each of the three law firms has initially committed to at least five visits per year, and the first visits have already taken place in the Wagga Wagga, Hunter, Bathurst and South Coast regions.
Scholarships
Nine $10,000 scholarships will be awarded each year to rural and regional students enrolling in a New South Wales law degree, with continuing mentor support throughout their studies.
Information and resources
A free dedicated website and resource hub with information on university entry pathways, scholarship opportunities, and other materials to support students considering a career in law.
Scholars’ Day & Dinner
An annual gathering in Sydney featuring a panel session, a legal and career-skills workshop, mentor pairings, and a formal dinner. The inaugural Scholars’ Day & Dinner will be held in February 2027, with a keynote address by the Hon. Andrew Bell AC, Chief Justice of New South Wales.
Launchpad 2 Law is supported by corporate sponsors Ampol, SP Search & Consulting and Trilogy Hotels.
The sections below provide further information for students, teachers and parents.
For students
Rural and regional NSW students interested in studying law are encouraged to register their interest in the scholarships and mentoring program. Successful applicants will receive one of the $10,000 scholarships outlined above, and will be invited to attend the annual Scholars’ Day & Dinner in Sydney.
For teachers
Schools in rural and regional NSW are invited to host a Launchpad 2 Law school visit, giving students direct access to practising lawyers who can speak about legal careers, pathways into a law degree, and their own experiences of studying, working and growing up in rural or regional communities.
For parents
Launchpad 2 Law is designed to help address some of the key barriers rural and regional students may face in pursuing a legal career. The scholarships help meet the cost of studying away from home, while mentoring, the Scholars’ Day & Dinner, and practical guides and resources provide an ongoing support network throughout a scholar’s studies. For many students, particularly those who may be the first in their family to consider a career in law, access to clear and timely information can be as important as financial support in helping them decide whether a legal career is within reach.
