Sutherland, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WMD Law, a New South Wales legal firm, today highlighted the impact of its 25-year Work Integrated Learning Scholarship partnership with the University of Wollongong, demonstrating how structured workplace experience is supporting the development of long-term legal careers.
Kevin Dwyer – Principal at WMD Law and University of Wollongong law graduate
Since 2001, the WMD Law Work Integrated Learning Scholarship has provided University of Wollongong law students with financial support and up to 12 weeks of practical experience within a professional legal environment. The program is one of the longest-running work-integrated learning scholarships at the university.
From Classroom to Career
The program is designed to provide students with early exposure to legal practice, supporting the transition from academic study into professional roles.
Kevin Dwyer, Principal at WMD Law and a University of Wollongong law alumnus, said the scholarship reflects the firm’s long-standing commitment to supporting the next generation of lawyers.
“I was among the first classes of graduates from Wollongong University Law School in the ‘90s and at that time they were ground-breaking in their approach to collaborative learning. They have continued their progressive approach to legal education in the decades since, so we were pleased to be the first provider of a legal scholarship to the Wollongong University Law School and to have continued each year since. The scholarship is a way for us to invest in the future of the profession,” said Kevin Dwyer, Principal, WMD Law.
Why Work Experience Matters
Many law graduates enter the workforce with strong academic knowledge but limited practical experience. Work-integrated learning programs are designed to address this gap.
The WMD Law scholarship provides students with:
- Financial support during their studies
- Structured placement in a professional legal environment
- Exposure to client work and legal practice
- Mentorship from experienced lawyers
- Pathways to future employment
Students also gain exposure across multiple areas of law, working within teams across different practice areas. This provides a broader understanding of legal practice and helps graduates identify their areas of interest early in their careers.
“At WMD Law, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful that early exposure can be. It allows us to identify talented individuals, mentor them and support their development,” said Kevin Dwyer, Principal, WMD Law.
“Being a good lawyer isn’t just about dealing with the law, it’s about dealing with people,” he said.
Career Pathways and Outcomes
The scholarship has contributed to strong career outcomes for participants and graduates.
“We have been enthusiastic supporters of the Work Integrated Learning Scholarship since it was first proposed by UOW 25 years ago,” said Greg Dickson, CEO of WMD Law. “It provides needed and valuable practical training and experience for law students and graduates. It also allows us to work with talented young lawyers, many of whom we have asked to join our team on a permanent basis.”
Several WMD Law team members, including Directors, are University of Wollongong alumni. Graduates who have joined the firm through the scholarship and internship pathways continue to build long-term careers within the business.
Typical career pathways include:
- Graduate roles and clerkships
- Admission to legal practice
- Long-term positions within firms
- Progression into senior roles
These outcomes highlight the value of combining academic study with structured workplace experience.
Supporting Long-Term Careers
One example is Anika Fleet, a Director at WMD Law, who began her career through the scholarship in 2007 as a University of Wollongong student.
She later joined the firm as a law clerk, was admitted to practice in 2009, and has built her career over more than 15 years, working across commercial law, litigation and estate matters.
Her journey demonstrates how early exposure to real legal work can lead to long-term career success within the profession.
Industry and University Collaboration
The partnership between WMD Law and the University of Wollongong reflects the growing importance of industry collaboration in legal education.
Such partnerships:
- Support student development
- Strengthen pathways into employment
- Help identify and develop future talent
- Contribute to a stronger legal profession
Application Information
The WMD Law Work Integrated Learning Scholarship is open to University of Wollongong law students in their second-last year of study.
Applications typically:
- Open: July
- Close: September
- Awarded: September / October
The scholarship includes financial support and up to 60 days (450 hours) of structured work experience, typically completed across standard working days.
About the University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong is a leading Australian university known for its strong focus on teaching, research, and industry collaboration. Its Faculty of Business and Law provides students with both academic and practical learning opportunities.
About WMD Law
WMD Law is a New South Wales legal firm providing professional advice and representation to individuals, families and businesses across family law, commercial law, property law, criminal law and estate law, with offices in Sutherland and Sydney CBD. The firm has maintained a long-standing partnership with the University of Wollongong since 2001, supporting the development of legal careers through its Work Integrated Learning Scholarship. WMD Law is focused on achieving strong client outcomes, with a strong commitment to its community.
Press Inquiries
Serena Lubrano – Rise Local
serena [at] riselocal.com.au
https://wmdlaw.com.au/
