National Indigenous Law Awards

Arrangements for the next round of the National Indigenous Law Awards are currently under consideration. This page will be the source of any updates regarding the NILA.

The National Indigenous Law Awards aim to highlight and recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who demonstrate a passion and commitment to improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year Award

The professional award is open to any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian who is currently admitted and practicing as a solicitor or barrister in Australia and has at least five years of professional legal experience. The professional award recipient receives $5000 for the purpose of professional development or further study related to law or Indigenous studies.

You may self-nominate or nominate another person. Legal professionals will be assessed using the following criteria:

• championing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons in a legal environment
• dedicated contribution to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the provision of legal services (for example, access to justice, community legal education or pro bono work)
• demonstrated commitment to professional development.

Applicants must also provide:

• a brief curriculum vitae
• a letter of support from their employer if nominated for the professional award by the employer
• name and contact details of two referees
• proof of admission as a barrister or solicitor
• a personal statement by the nominee of no more than 1000 words addressing the assessment criteria to demonstrate a passion and commitment to improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This statement cannot be written on behalf of the nominee.

Recipients of the National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year Award

2019—Merinda Dutton
2018—Timothy Goodwin
2017—Joshua Creamer
2016—Leah Cameron
2015—Eddie Cubillo
2014—Cheryl Orr
2013—David Woodroffe
2012—Terri Janke
2011—Nigel Browne
2010—Tony McAvoy

National Indigenous Law Student of the Year Prize

The student prize is open to any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian who is studying law at an Australian tertiary institution and:

• has completed at least four semesters of an Australian tertiary law qualification
• is maintaining an ongoing full-time or part-time study load
• has maintained a Credit (or equivalent) grade average.

The student prize recipient receives $2500 for the purpose of professional development or further study related to law or Indigenous studies.

The application must be submitted by the applicant and not on someone else's behalf. Applications will be assessed using the following criteria:

• strong academic achievements in legal study
• relevant extra-curricular activities
• involvement in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that actively contributes to improved justice outcomes (for example, pro bono paralegal experience or volunteering).

Applicants must also provide:

• a brief curriculum vitae
• name and contact details of two referees
• evidence of enrolment at their relevant tertiary institution
• an academic transcript
• a personal statement of no more than 1000 words addressing the assessment criteria, to demonstrate a passion and commitment to improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Recipients of the National Indigenous Law Student of the Year Prize

2019—Audrey Packer Cook
2018—Noah Bedford
2017—Michelle Rabbidge
2016—Johanna Byrne
2015—Alison Whittaker
2014—Sara Wood
2013—Jill Guljas
2012—Peter Dawson
2011—April Long​​​​​