- Community Service Law Awards value legal work for the disadvantaged
- Nominations for lawyers and groups in four categories open until 10 July
- Two decades of honouring community minded law professionals
The Attorney General's Community Service Law Awards that celebrate pro bono and community legal work will mark their 20th anniversary this year.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Awards in four categories - Individual, Legal Aid Panel Member, Not-for-Profit Organisation, and Legal Firm.
The awards were first presented in 2006 by then-Attorney General Jim McGinty and have honoured outstanding contributions in assisting underprivileged people every year since.
Last year criminal injuries and workers compensation specialist Dr Rob Guthrie won the Individual award for his more than 40 years of community legal and reform work.
Community legal centre Redgum Justice took out the Not-for-Profit category for delivery of the successful Leave Safe, Stay Safe pilot program for women prisoners at risk of family and domestic violence.
Geraldton-based law practitioner Kate Fry received the Legal Aid Panel Member award for her representation of publicly assisted clients across the Mid West, Pilbara, and Kimberley. Lavan was victorious in the Legal Firm category for contributing thousands of hours in pro bono services through secondments of graduate lawyers to community legal groups.
This year's winners will be announced at the Law Society of Western Australia's 2026 Gala Awards Evening on Friday, 4 September.
Nominations close Friday, 10 July and can be made at www.justice.wa.gov.au/lawaward .
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"For 20 years, these awards have been a fitting tribute to people in the legal profession who donate their time and expertise to pro bono, public assistance, and community legal work.
"The Cook Labor Government is a strong supporter of efforts to balance the scales so all Western Australians have fair and equal access to the justice system.
"I urge lawyers and clients to nominate an individual or organisation deserving of consideration for these prestigious honours."
