2024 awards categories

Academic of the Year

The development of the next generation of lawyers is fundamental to the growth of the legal profession – and academics have a major responsibility for cultivating this talent.

This award recognises the academic who is most effectively shaping legal undergraduate and postgraduate students, instilling a passion for the law, professional excellence and expertise.

Barrister of the Year

As independent advocates and advisers, members of the bar influence the evolution of law in Australia.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual practising at the bar.

Company Secretary of the Year

Company secretaries play a vital role within the legal profession.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual working in a company secretary role in-house, private practice or government department during FY23–24.

Dealmaker of the Year

Dealmakers are intrinsically linked to their firms’ fortunes.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual who has acted on one or more transactions over FY23–24 while employed by an Australian company.

General Counsel of the Year

General counsel occupy important management roles within companies and government departments, acting as both legal and commercial advisers to business leaders.

This award recognises superior in-house performance and leadership.

In-House Lawyer of the Year

In-house lawyers are essential within their respective companies, influencing both legal and business decisions.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual working in-house, including corporate, not-for-profit and public sector lawyers.

Indigenous Leader of the Year

This award recognises lawyers of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage who have demonstrated excellence in the business of law and supported Indigenous communities and employment opportunities.

It is open to all Indigenous lawyers who identify as of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Innovator of the Year (Individual)

In today’s competitive legal market, innovation is essential in standing out from the crowd.

This award recognises the individual who has successfully implemented innovative projects and/or strategic initiatives in FY23–24.

Law Student of the Year

In a highly competitive job market, law students are performing beyond expectations to guarantee their entry into the legal profession.

This award recognises the academic, community and legal achievements of undergraduates.

Litigator of the Year

Litigators are an integral cog in the machine of society. Representing clients (big and small) in federal, state and local courts, as well as in tribunals, arbitrations and mediations, litigators are and will continue to be influential players if — as predicted — we are entering a more litigious environment post-pandemic.

This award recognises outstanding performance by a litigator at any level.

Managing Partner of the Year

The marks of an effective managing partner are a thriving business and an engaged workforce.

This award recognises superior law firm performance and leadership.

Mediator/Arbitrator of the Year

Mediators and arbitrators play an important role in prioritising dispute resolution pathways over litigation, particularly in an increasingly litigious environment post-pandemic, thereby keeping costs down for clients, both big and small.

This award recognises outstanding performance by a mediator/arbitrator, either in a law firm or sole practice (including at the bar).

Mentor of the Year

Mentors play a vital role in fostering the next generation of talent within Australia’s legal profession.

This award recognises the lawyer who has maintained a consistent mentor-mentee relationship with a lawyer moving through the ranks.

Partner of the Year

Successful partners are not only profitable, they also foster a positive work culture within their practice group.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual at partner level within a private practice law firm.

Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year

Regional lawyers are integral to their communities, whether they are sole practitioners or partners in the country office of a major firm.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual practising in suburban, regional or remote Australia.

Rising Star of the Year (In-House)

The first few years of legal practice are critical to the future success of a lawyer. Those who demonstrate potential can fast-track their rise through the ranks.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual who has recently commenced their legal career and is currently working in-house.

Rising Star of the Year (Private Practice)

The first few years of legal practice are critical to the future success of a lawyer. Those who demonstrate potential can fast-track their rise through the ranks.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual who has recently commenced their legal career and currently operates within the private practice market.

Senior Associate of the Year

Making partner is the holy grail for senior associates, but only strong performers are offered the coveted position.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual at senior associate level within a private practice law firm.

Sole Practitioner of the Year

Lawyers working in Australia’s sole practices often have a profound impact on the lives of their clients.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual who has chosen to roll out their own practice.

Special Counsel of the Year

Special counsel are integral, providing valuable contribution to deals key to their firms.

This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual at special counsel level within a private practice law firm.

Banking and Finance Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of banking and finance teams.

Boutique Law Firm of the Year

Boutique firms are pioneering innovative practices that are challenging the structure and culture of traditional firms.

This award recognises outstanding performance by a boutique firm.

Commercial Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of commercial teams working in both large and small firms.

Dispute Resolution and/or Litigation Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of dispute resolution and/or litigation teams.

Employer of Choice

A focus on care, trust and transparency is at the heart of what many employees look for in their respective organisations.

This award recognises the law firm or business that has gone above and beyond for their legal employees, ensuring staff attraction and retention remain high by placing importance on the quality care of their people.

Government Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of government teams.

In-House Team of the Year

In-house teams are often the source of innovative ideas that deliver enormous value to their organisation.

This award recognises the achievements of in-house teams. It is open to any team working as a dedicated in-house team, embedded on full-time secondment. The team must be fully integrated into the entity and not conduct any work on any private practice matters.

Innovator of the Year (Company)

In today’s competitive legal market, innovation is essential in standing out from the crowd.

This award recognises firms and legal departments that have successfully implemented innovative projects and/or strategic initiatives in FY23–24.

Insurance Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of insurance teams.

Law Firm of the Year

One of the highlights of the Australian Law Awards, this award recognises outstanding performance by a law firm in Australia.

Legal Operations Professional of the Year

Legal operations professionals are becoming increasingly integral to the efficiency and success of teams, both in-house and in private practice.

This award recognises outstanding performance by legal operations professionals at any level, either in-house or in a law firm.

Legal Support Professional of the Year

The outstanding results produced by legal teams are only possible due to the efforts of support staff.

This award recognises the team members who provide invaluable contributions to their firms, whether that be in a legal secretary, personal assistant or paralegal role.

NewLaw Firm of the Year

NewLaw firms are becoming game changers in the legal profession, challenging the traditional law firm model in numerous ways.

This award recognises outstanding performance by a NewLaw firm in FY23–24.

Pro Bono Program of the Year

The legal profession has long supported the wider community through pro bono work, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring all members of society have access to legal representation.

This award recognises firms and legal departments that have demonstrated a commitment to the community over FY23–24 via at least one significant pro bono initiative.

Property Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of property teams.

Regional/Suburban Law Firm of the Year

Regional and suburban firms play a vital role for clients who are often overlooked by the big end of town.

This award recognises outstanding performance by a law firm operating in regional, remote or suburban Australia.

Transaction Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of transaction-based teams.

Wellness Initiative of the Year

Fostering wellness in the workplace is a clear objective for many lawyers, law firms and legal teams.

This award recognises individuals, law firms and legal departments that have demonstrated a commitment to their workforce over FY23–24 via at least one significant wellness initiative.

Workplace Relations and Employment Team of the Year

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet the urgent needs of their clients but are also more likely to be thought leaders in their fields of practice.

This award recognises the achievements of workplace relations and employment teams.