Let’s be honest, a law degree can feel like a lot of theory and not much practice. You read the cases. You learn the statutes. But when do you actually do the work?
That’s the gap most law students worry about. You can graduate knowing the law inside out, and still feel unready for a real client, a real problem, a real deadline.
Here’s where Swinburne Online does things differently. Through our Work Integrated Learning program, you don’t just study law. You practice it.
What is Work Integrated Learning at Swinburne Online?
The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program at Swinburne Online offers you the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience while applying what you’ve learned in your chosen industry – in this case, law. To help you get the most out of your law degree, we partner with industry and community organisations to offer accredited placements, industry projects and internships.
Instead of finishing your degree and hoping someone gives you a chance, you build practical work experience while you study. You apply what you’re learning to genuine legal matters and develop industry knowledge that no textbook can teach.
The WIL program is built into your studies, so you gain accredited qualifications and hands-on experience at the same time.
Who is Anika Legal?
Anika Legal is a free, not-for-profit legal service for renters, supporting its clients in fighting for fair housing systems. Their aim is to help every renter access a safe, secure, and affordable home. Anika Legal works towards this goal through casework, innovation, and advocacy. For law students, that creates the opportunity to see how legal knowledge is applied in practice while gaining exposure to real issues affecting renters and communities.
For many renters, these challenges can feel impossible to tackle alone, which is why the service provides legal support to help them understand their rights and take action. They’ve helped thousands of Australians stay in safe, secure homes. And they do it with a team that genuinely cares about the outcome, not just the billable hour.
For law students, the placement offers valuable insight into community legal practice. It’s an opportunity to see how legal knowledge is applied in real-world situations while contributing to a service that helps people understand their rights and navigate housing issues.
What skills will you actually build?
A placement in tenancy law isn’t just about learning one area of legal practice. You’ll develop practical legal and professional skills that can be applied across a wide range of legal careers.
Throughout the placement, you’ll strengthen your legal research, drafting and analytical skills while building a deeper understanding of tenancy law and community legal practice. You’ll also develop your written and verbal communication skills, learn how to manage files and maintain accurate records, and gain experience in meeting critical deadlines.
Just as important, you’ll gain insight into how legal knowledge is applied in a professional setting. By working within a community legal service, you’ll see how the law intersects with real-life issues while building the skills and confidence needed to transition from study into legal practice.
Why Anika Legal partners with Swinburne Online
We spoke with Anika Legal CEO Dale Clough about what students bring to the table and why the partnership works.
What motivated your organisation to partner with the Swinburne Online WIL program?
Anika Legal is committed to championing a more socially responsible legal profession. One of the ways we do this is by offering internships to the next generation of lawyers, where they can gain legal experience working with clients in a community legal setting. We’d heard great things about Swinburne Online’s WIL program and thought this would be an opportunity to connect with some capable and socially minded law students.
What value has the WIL program brought to your organisation?
The program has given us access to motivated, capable students who bring fresh energy and perspectives to our casework and projects. It has allowed us to extend our impact, supporting more clients than we could with our core team alone.
How would you describe the skills, professionalism, or work ethic demonstrated by the students you’ve hosted?
The students we’ve hosted have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a high standard of professionalism. They’ve shown capability across the full range of skills our work demands: sound legal drafting, research and analysis, accurate record keeping, and effective written and verbal communication. They’ve managed files and critical deadlines with care and attention to detail and handled risk and conflict assessments with good judgment under pressure.
Can you share a specific example of a contribution where a student made a noticeable impact?
A Swinburne Online student was helping a public housing client get urgent repairs done in her rental property. The client struggled with mental illness and was continually frustrated with Housing’s failure to provide her a safe home. The client was very grateful for the student’s support, which helped her successfully transfer to a new and safe property.
In what ways has participating in the WIL program supported your organisation’s goals?
As a not-for-profit working to close the justice gap, our capacity is often limited by resourcing. The WIL program has helped us expand our service delivery and take on more client matters, directly supporting our mission of making legal help more accessible. It’s also aligned with our broader goal of fostering a strong, socially engaged legal profession.
Ready to learn law by doing law?
You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start your legal career. You can start now, with real cases and real clients.
Learn more about Work Integrated Learning opportunities by contacting the WIL team or exploring more student experiences on the Swinburne Online blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Work Integrated Learning at Swinburne Online?
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a program that allows law students to gain real-world work experience during their degree. At Swinburne Online, students complete placements with industry partners such as Anika Legal, working on genuine legal matters while they study.
Do I get a qualification through the Work Integrated Learning program?
Yes. The program is built into your studies, so the work you do counts toward accredited qualifications. You gain practical experience and formal credit at the same time.
What kind of law will I practice with Anika Legal?
You’ll work in tenancy law, helping renters with issues like unsafe housing, unfair evictions, and repairs. These placements build skills that transfer across most areas of legal practice.
Do I need prior legal experience to join?
No. The Work Integrated Learning program is designed to give you that experience. You’ll be supported throughout, so you can learn while working on actual cases during your placement.
Publish date: 12 Nov 2026
*Please note that fees and/or statistics are subject to change each year.
