Law firms, in-house legal teams, lawyers, individuals and negotiators from across the region were nominated in more than 30 categories and recognized for their achievements and outstanding work. These awards are an opportunity for the Law Society to recognize and celebrate our most outstanding members and their ongoing and tireless contribution to excellence in their field, community service and profession, as well as their commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. In recognition of Crowther`s ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of service to Legal Aid, the GSC has decided to honour Michelle Crowther MSP by sponsoring an annual award to celebrate government legal service. The highly anticipated gala, which sold out weeks in advance, rewarded the best and brightest in Australia`s legal industry last year – an event as eventful as the previous one for the country`s leading law firms, in-house legal teams and individual lawyers. The Australasian Law Awards are presented by Australasian Lawyer, the go-to resource for the country`s most forward-thinking lawyers. The John Hennessy Legal Fellowship is awarded to a public sector lawyer who wishes to conduct research on legal systems in another jurisdiction or conduct further studies. Jury comment: “Truly innovative and inspiring. This is an example of real attention and action in an industry that often thinks that “resilience” is the key to well-being issues. What a unique and caring initiative – a law firm where health and wellness are synonymous with legal determination. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of jurisprudence and recognizes jurists who excel in the field of legal research or the training of future lawyers. This individual has made a significant contribution to the future of politics, legal practice or legal education over the past year and is considered a shining light in their field.

Australasian Lawyer`s annual Australasian Law Awards returned in 2022 as a prestigious awards gala to celebrate the best and brightest in the legal profession. Jury comment: “The largest PPP in Australian history and Victoria`s largest unique transport infrastructure, this agreement will bring many first-of-its-kind innovations to the market in the PPP legal landscape. The Australian Corporate Lawyer Awards 2022 recognise the leadership, excellence in the delivery of legal services and the contribution of in-house counsel, whether in government, NFP or corporate law departments. This year, we are thrilled to be back in Brisbane and hosting our first in-person gala dinner since 2019. We look forward to experiencing the excitement and hearing you cheer on your colleagues and teams when they receive their awards. More than 1,000 people registered for four workshops on topics such as the study and practice of law and reading and understanding the law. The boot camp emphasized that law students graduate with multiple skills and encouraged lateral thinking on how to use their learning in all expressions of legal practice, including legal technology, politics, government and education. The 2021 Organization Award went to LIV Young Lawyers (YL). LIV YL was awarded for its “Young Lawyers Bootcamp 2021”. The Young Lawyers Training Camp was held for the first time this year and was designed to fill a gap in supporting law students to practice. It was delivered virtually with interactive technologies. The winners were announced and celebrated at the awards gala on May 19, 2022 at the Hilton Sydney.

Judges` comment: “Impressive in-house legal advice covering corporate law, trading (IP), etc. I also liked how team members give back to the community (legally and beyond). This award recognizes the great tradition of pro bono service in the legal profession. The award recognizes an individual or legal team that truly goes above and beyond providing pro bono legal services to the most vulnerable in our community. The award recognizes both the scope and effectiveness of pro bono, as well as the creation and promotion of a culture of service within the profession. Jury comment: “A cutting-edge offering that accelerates technology adoption and the benefits of innovation in the legal profession.” Jury comment: “A true disruptor in the legal industry, with an excellent online presence that contributes significantly to client education. Law firms, lawyers, in-house legal teams, arbitrators, mediators and service providers have been recognised in 32 categories defining the legal profession in Australia and New Zealand. Excellence recipients were also recognized in recognition of the strength and resilience of the profession over the past two years. The John Hennessy Legal Fellowship is awarded to a public sector lawyer who wishes to conduct research on legal systems in another jurisdiction or conduct further studies.

The scholarship, established by the Law Society`s Government Solicitors Committee, is an “occasional bursary” offered from time to time that covers travel, education and other approved expenses up to a maximum of $10,000. The fellowship recognizes great potential in the public sector and fosters continuous improvement and innovation in policy and practice. The Law Society of NSW presented two awards to outstanding lawyers at the Government Solicitors Conference in September 2021. Judges` comment: “Innovative approach to the internal delivery of legal services and development of a strategic approach to complex transactions.” These awards recognize our members, whose commitment to advocacy inspires and drives change for the better. Winners will be announced at our annual Members Dinner. Nominations were available in ten categories, covering a wide range of industries and levels of experience. The awards highlight the importance and commitment of in-house counsel in their role as leaders, ethical stewards, legal advisors and innovation partners in organisations across Australia. This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an individual, team of lawyers or law firm in the area of wellness.

The award recognizes innovation or promotion of wellness initiatives that improve well-being in the legal profession. Ed has written and produced two TV stories; Scumbus (Ten Network) and Border Protection Squad, which he also directed.