- Community Service Law Awards open for nominations
- Awards honour outstanding pro bono and community legal work
The Cook Government is seeking nominations from legal practitioners, law firms and not-for-profit organisations for the State's highest law awards.
The Attorney General's Community Service Law Awards put voluntary legal work in the spotlight, honouring exceptional pro bono contributions across Western Australia.
Now in their 19th year, the Awards recognise those who provide vital legal support to individuals and communities in need.
Each year the Awards attract high-calibre nominations across the four categories of Individual, Legal Firm, Not-for-profit Organisation and Legal Aid Private Practitioner Panel Member.
Aboriginal justice champion Peter Collins won the Individual Award last year for his decades of dedication and commitment to the legal rights of Aboriginal people.
Criminal defence barrister Jennifer Solliss was chosen for the Legal Aid Panel Member Award for the high volume of publicly funded representation undertaken across the State.
The Not-for-Profit Award went to the Curtin Tax Clinic, a provider of pro bono tax services to marginalised people, including prisoners and members of remote communities.
Norton Rose Fulbright took out the Legal Firm category for its pro bono case work and secondments of staff to community legal centres.
This year's award winners will be announced at the Law Society of Western Australia's Gala Dinner on Friday, 7 November.
Nominations close Monday, 1 September and can be made at justice.wa.gov.au/lawaward .
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"It will be a privilege to present these awards which honour legal practitioners and organisations who generously donate their time and expertise to support those in need.
"These awards highlight the vital role of pro bono and community legal services in ensuring greater access to justice for underprivileged and vulnerable people.
"I encourage the nomination of those individuals and organisations doing exceptional pro bono work so they receive the recognition they deserve.
"While we celebrate outstanding contributions, we also hope these awards inspire others in the profession to give back through pro bono service."
