Laura Dunlop: Epiphany on practising law
50 Years / 50 Voices: Learning law and changing lives is a commemorative volume marking the 50th anniversary of the ongoing Monash Law Clinical Program, a pioneering initiative in clinical legal education undertaken by the Faculty of Law at Monash University. 50 alumni of the Monash Law Clinical Program shared their story with 50 current students of the same program. This is an excerpt from the book.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
‘Try it all, what’s the worst that could happen?’
That was what Laura Dunlop said when I asked what advice she had for current law students like me. Somewhat of a personal mantra for her: despite her relatively short career in the legal industry, Dunlop grabs opportunities with both hands.
Dunlop moved from the Northern Territory to Victoria to study at Monash in 2018. Dunlop studied a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Global Studies, specialising in human rights: which was exactly the education she needed to pursue her passion of helping and supporting others.
At 18, Dunlop had no dreams of becoming a legal practitioner. At the time, Dunlop believed that the best way to help others was a career in policy. She did not think that the practice of law would have the same impact on people’s lives.
Her time at Monash Law Clinics changed this perspective.
Dunlop had interned with the Northern Territory Government, in the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and the Territory Revenue Office. She worked directly on policy and drafting legislation and thought that was exactly where she wanted to be. She took electives tailored to a career in that field: human rights, policy and government law.
In 2022, Dunlop applied on a whim for a Professional Practice placement with Monash Law Clinics. She had already found her passion. She was not interested in the practice of the law anyway. But she tried it. What was the worst that could happen?
Her experience at the clinic shattered her reality. The practice of law was not what she expected. The clinic opened her eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career in law. The theory that was taught in class, while undeniably important, failed to capture the human aspect of the law: the impact that the law, and lawyers, have on people’s lives.
This was a turning point for Dunlop. Seeing the impact that a practising lawyer can have in improving people’s lives, she committed to becoming a lawyer.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
‘It was such an epiphany,’ she says.
After that first clinical placement, Dunlop wanted more. She was offered a placement with the cohealth clinic, a health justice partnership supporting victim survivors of family violence in dealing with legal issues.
When asked about what made the clinic so special, Dunlop says: ‘The biggest difference for me is being able to build those relationships [with clients] … and being a part of that support system.’ In fact, the whole Monash Law Clinics experience was so pivotal to Dunlop that she is still there. After graduating at the end of 2023, she started in a full-time administrative role with the cohealth clinic, and midway through last year took on a junior lawyer role.
‘[The clinics] changed my outlook completely [on becoming a lawyer]. I can make a difference in my community without having to sit behind a desk all day, not interact with anyone and read a bunch of legislation. You actually meet with people and are trusted to make decisions affecting their day-to-day life.’
Try it all. Because, really … what’s the worst that could happen?
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Get involved with Monash Law Clinics
Monash Law Clinics combine legal education with real-world impact, supporting access to justice while equipping students with practical, ethical and professional skills.
If you are a student interested in undertaking a clinical unit as part of your studies, explore the available clinical placements and elective options.
Whether you’re an alum, practitioner or organisation keen to support the clinics through hosting placements, partnerships, volunteering or funding, there’s a way to be involved. To learn more, contact Emily Collard, Industry & Alumni Engagement Manager, at emily.collard@monash.edu.