Awards

2025 Service Awards finalists

The ACT Law Society Service Awards recognise significant contributions to the legal profession and the community.

The ACT Law Society is proud to announce this year's finalists for the Law Week Service Awards.

These individuals and organisations have made significant contributions across a broad range of areas, including improvements to legal policy and access to justice, support for the ACT Law Society and legal community, pro bono advocacy, and efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing. They have also demonstrated innovation in legal service delivery, leadership in their roles, and a strong commitment to community education and early-career excellence in the legal profession.

Stacey Bell
DDCS Lawyers

Stacey is a new lawyer demonstrating innovation in legal practice, driving improvements in client care, access to justice, and legal education. Advocating for disadvantaged groups through pro bono work and community workshops,  including for carers, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers, Stacey champions inclusive, trauma-informed, and mentally healthy workplaces.

Georgia Briggs
Briggs Law

Georgia has a strong focus on mentoring, youth legal education, and community engagement. She has supervised over 20 student placements and developed the Fundamental Understanding of Law for Youth (FULY) program to educate high school students on their legal rights. She provides pro bono legal support and advocates for vulnerable young clients. Georgia demonstrates a deep commitment to access to justice, community engagement and supporting disadvantaged groups.

Matthew Carmody
OX Rooms

Matthew Carmody is the founder of OX Rooms, an innovative legal tech platform transforming conveyancing by replacing fragmented communication with a secure, all-in-one workspace. Matthew left private practice to solve industry-wide inefficiencies -improving client experience, reducing risk, and increasing practitioner confidence. OX Rooms is a home-grown ACT solution now rolling out nationally—delivering smarter, safer property transactions and redefining legal service delivery through technology.

Timothy Morton
Glass Goodwin

Tim is a long-standing contributor to the ACT legal community, known for his generosity, leadership, and commitment to professional development in wills and estates law. A driving force behind the ACT Wills & Estates Conference, Tim has championed legal education, law reform, and peer support. He has consistently shared his knowledge through CPD presentations, mentoring, and facilitating the local estate planning group, helping elevate the standard of practice in the ACT and beyond.

Emily Hallt
 

Emily Hallt is a dedicated legal professional and academic whose work bridges legal practice, education, and social justice. Through her leadership in Legal Aid ACT’s College Program, she helped deliver over 500 services to ACT students and reached more than 10,000 Canberrans through community legal education. Emily continues this advocacy as a tutor at the University of Canberra, demonstrating a lasting commitment to access to justice, legal education, and the rights of young people.

Debra Parker
Parker Coles Curtis

Debra Parker is a dual-accredited Family Law and Dispute Resolution Specialist and a founding Partner of Parker Coles Curtis. With over 110 family law matters resolved in the past year alone, Debra is renowned for her strategic, compassionate approach to complex cases, including international child custody and domestic violence matters. Her career spans over three decades, including roles as Judicial Registrar and Law Society committee member. Debra is a leader in client advocacy, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive workplace culture. Her work delivers life-changing outcomes and exemplifies excellence in family law and dispute resolution.

 Parker Coles Curtis

Parker Coles Curtis focuses on legal services with innovative, client-centric solutions. In 2024, the firm launched AI-driven client support via the AI assistant "Beth," providing 24/7 guidance, especially for vulnerable clients such as those experiencing family violence.  The AI assistant is also designed to be sensitive to the potential needs of people identifying as neurodivergent. The firm’s commitment to pro bono services, contributing over $130,000 annually, further supports community initiatives. The firm prioritises mental health, flexibility, and trauma-informed practices, offering wellness strategies and work-life balance policies.

 

2025 Law Week Awards Dinner

The winners of the 2025 Service Awards will be unveiled at the 2025 Law Week Awards Dinner and recognised for their contributions to the legal profession and community. 

To book your tickets to the Dinner, click here.

 

2007-2023 Awards

An annual award recognising significant personal and professional contributions of local legal practitioners to the improvement of law and justice in the community.

Past recipients:

2023 - Perpetua Kish 

2022 - Claudia MacLean

2021 - Margie Rowe

2019 - Michael Kukulies-Smith

2018 - Julie Dobinson

2017 - Liz Huang Hughes-Brown

2016 - Michael Phelps

2015 - Janean Richards

2014 - Richard Faulks 

An annual award recognising outstanding efforts of local firms in contributing to access to justice, and to a diverse and healthy legal profession.

Past recipients:

2023 - Parker Curtis Coles

2022 - Griffin Legal

2021 - Ken Cush & Associates

An annual award recognising the vital work done by individual practitioners in the ACT who volunteer their time and legal expertise to assist others within the community. Pro bono work is largely unacknowledged, but provides an invaluable service to many disadvantaged members of our community, ensuring that access to justice is available to all.

Past recipients:

2023 - Jeanine Lloyd

2022 - Pierre Johannessen

2021 - Professor Maree Sainsbury

2019 - Vanessa Parkins

2018 - Jennifer Wyborn

 

An annual award recognising outstanding achievements of practitioners working in government, and raising awareness of the activities of government law practitioners. The award encouraged government law practitioners to remain active participants in the legal profession in activities beyond their core employment duties.

Past recipients: 

2022 - Patrick Hornby

2021 - Gregory Burn

2019 - Michael Deasey

2017 - Chris Behrens

2016 - Elizabeth Carroll

2015 - John Henry

 

An annual award recognising outstanding achievements of early career lawyers in the ACT. The Award encouraged new lawyers to be active participants in the legal profession beyond their core employment duties, and to raise awareness of these activities. Until 2022, the award was known as the 'ACT Young Lawyer of the Year Award'.

Past recipients:

2023 - Angelique Nelis and Vanessa Graf

2022 - Liana Tomassini

2021 - Caroline Beasley and Keiran Pender

2019 - Farzana Choudhury

2018 - Georgina McKay and Kellin Kristofferson

2017 - Belinda Miller

2016 - Katrina Marson

2015 - Kavina Mistry

2014 - Dr Jessica Kennedy

2012 - Nithya Sambasivam

2010 - Anthony Williamson

2009 - Nicholas Tebbey

2008 - Heidi Yates

2007 - Elizabeth Lee

 

Each year, young lawyers tested their public speaking skills and comedic genius at Golden Gavel competitions across the country. The winners of each State and Territory competition then faced off at the National Golden Gavel.

An opportunity for new lawyers to showcase their advocacy and comedy skills, with each given five minutes to argue their case on a usually far-fetched topic — revealed only 24 hours beforehand.

Past recipients:

2024 - Claudia Weatherall

2023 - Grant Robert

2022 - Daniella Fiocco

2021 - Daniel Magnusson

2019 - Maclaren Wall

2018 - Liv Ronan

2017 - Adam Moynihan

2016 - Josie Dempster

2015 - Hassan Ehsan

2014 - Soraya Saikal

2013 - Emilija Beljic

2012 - Hamish McNair

2011 - Max Petro

2010 - Sarah Avery

2009 - Rouslun Churches

2008 - Theresa Miskle

2007 - Brooke Horne

2006 - Brooke Horne

2005 - Emma Herde

2004 - Andrew Jory

2003 - Andrew Jory

2002 - Peter Woulfe

From time to time, Honorary Membership is conferred on persons who have contributed significantly to the ACT Law Society or to the ACT legal profession.

According to the Constitution of the ACT Law Society: “The Council may confer the status of Honorary Member on a Member, former Member or person eligible for Membership who is considered by the Council to have rendered outstanding service to the Society or to the legal profession.”

The award is presented at the discretion of the Council of the ACT Law Society.

Honorary members

Sir Clarrie Harders OBE was appointed an honorary member in August 1979, on his retirement as Secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

The Hon Kevin O'Leary QC was appointed in November 1987 on his retirement as Chief Justice of the Northern Territory Supreme Court. He had been President of the Society for three years at the time when the first Legal Practitioners Act was being drafted. He was also intimately involved in the establishment of the practical legal training course at the ANU.

David Crossin AM OBE was appointed in October 1988 following his chairmanship of the committee which organised the 1988 Australian Bicentennial Legal Convention. Mr Crossin had held many positions of responsibility in the Law Society and in the Canberra community generally. He was President of the Law Society from 1980 to 1983, had been an ACT practitioner for almost 50 years, and was a member and Chairman of the Professional Conduct Board.

The Hon David Harper OAM was appointed in August 2003 following his appointment to the Bench of the ACT Supreme Court as Master. He had been a member of the Society for 33 years and a member of Council for 29 years and President from 1978-80.

The Hon Terry Higgins AO KC was appointed an honorary member in June 2012. In addition to a distinguished career on the Bench and as an advocate, he made a noteworthy contribution to the affairs of the Society as a member, committee member, Councillor, and Vice-President. 

Christopher Chenoweth OAM was appointed an honorary member in June 2012. He gave selflessly of his time, knowledge and considerable skill to the affairs of the Society over many years as a member of many of our committees, a long serving Councillor, a Vice-President and as our President from 1999 to 2001.  He contributed substantially to the profession as a member of the Admissions Board, the Sentence Administration Board, a presiding member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal and as Special Magistrate.

Louise Vardanega PSM was appointed an honorary member in August 2014 for her immense contribution to the Law Society over a long period beginning in 1976. She was a member of the Council continuously since October 1991, including 25 years as Secretary.

Larry King was appointed an honorary member in August 2016 in recognition of his 17 years of service to the ACT Law Society as Executive Director and CEO.

Martin Hockridge was appointed an honorary member in August 2018, in recognition of his many years of service to the ACT Law Society. He was President of the Law Society for three years, and on Council of the Law Society for 13 years, including serving as Vice President for four years and Immediate Past President for two years. 

The Law Society recognises and congratulates members who have completed forty years in service since their admission to the legal profession. The Society believes that forty years within the legal profession is a significant achievement, and we acknowledge this service with a commemorative lapel pin. Pins are given out at the Society's Annual Dinner in late August each year.

2019 -

Mr Wayne Arthur
Mr Uwe Boettcher
Mr Richard Calver
Magistrate Beth Campbell
Ms Barbara Deegan
Ms Mary Toohey


2018

Mr Brian Tetlow
Mr Jim Dunn
Mr Keith Bradley
Mr John Harris
Ms Margaret Reid
Mr Ron Travers
Mr Richard Davies
Mr Chris Donohue
Mrs Jeanine Lloyd

2017

Mr Stephen Mason
Mr Mark Cunliffe PSM
Mr James Millea
Mr David Briggs
Ms Eunice Ryan
Mr Brian Kildea
Mr Richard Lewis
Mr Ian Stevens

2016

Mr Denis O'Brien
Mr Nicholas Symons
Ms Louise Vardanega PSM
Ms Christine Harvey
Mr Eric Lucas
Mr Frank Tallarita
Mr Gary Robb
Ms Susanne Tongue

2015

Mr Allen “Tex” Alcock
Mr Rod Badgery
Mr Kenneth Batterham
Mr Allan Bedford
Mr John Buxton
Mr William Conley
Mr Denis Farrar
Mrs Elizabeth Fleming
Mr Charles Filgate Giles
Mr Ian Govey AM
Mr Owen Jones
Ms Jillian McSpedden
Mr Ivan Potas
Mr John Reid
Dr Gary Rumble
Mr Stephen Skehill
Mr Mark Tiirikainen

2014

Mr Robert Alexander
Mr William Andrews
Mr Trevor Barker
Mr Rodney Barnett
Mr Colin Blain
Mr Dale Boucher
Mr John Bradley
Mr George Brzostowski SC

 

The ACT Law Society funds prizes for law students studying at the University of Canberra and the Australian National University.

At the University of Canberra

  • ACT Law Society Prize for the Highest Achieving Student in Contract Law
  • ACT Law Society Prize for the Highest Achieving Student in Equity Law

For more information, contact the UC Scholarships Office on scholarships@canberra.edu.au

At the Australian National University

  • Law Society of the Australian Capital Territory Prize for Contracts

The Law Society runs a range of sporting events for its members, encouraging collegiality, fitness, and mental health. 

Law Week Six-A-Side Soccer

2005 - Mallesons/KGB Law
2006 - Colquhoun Murphy
2007 - Office

Winter Netball Competition

2015 — Top four teams: DLA Piper, Farrar Gesini Dunn, Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, and Slater & Gordon / pappas, j. – attorney
2016 — 1st: Farrar Gesini Dunn, 2nd: Legal Aid ACT
2017 — 1st: Moray & Agnew, 2nd: Henry Davis York
2018 — 1st: Farrar Gesini Dunn, 2nd: ACT Director of Public Prosecutions "Regina"
2019 — 1st: Clayton Utz, 2nd: Legal Aid ACT "Canberra Aiders"

Touch Football Afternoon

2016 — Moray & Agnew
2018 — Sparke Helmore / Comcare
2019 — 1st: Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers, 2nd Chamberlains Law Firm

Perpetual Golf Trophy

 

1982 — Peter G Martin
1983 — Hugh Marshall
1984 — Phil Moon
1985 — Peter G Martin
1986 — Phil Moon
1987 — Norm Headland
1989 — David Lardner
1990 — Mun Ng
1991 — Norm Headland
1992 — Andrew Roberts
1993 — Ian Bradfield
1994 — Toby Selby
1995 — Russell Patrick
1996 — Michael Eley
1997 — Jim Dunn
1998 — Rod MacDonald
1999 — Joint winners, Brian Tetlow and Bill Coombs
2000 — Ian L Julien
2001 — Michael Eley
2002 — Les Klekner
2003 — Jim Dunn
2004 — Peter Kaye
2005 — Les Klekner
2006 — Bruce Howes
2007 — John Buxton
2008 — Chris Behrens
2009 — Bruce Howes
2010 — John Buxton
2011 — Cancelled
2012 — John Buxton
2013 — Mark Poretti

ACT Professions Shotgun Challenge

2002 — Bill Coombs, Higgins Solicitors
2003 — Phillips Fox
2004 — Colquhoun Murphy Solicitors
2005 — Mun Ng, Les Klekner, K Chen, A Ong
2006 — Peter Kaye, Bruce Howes, Margie Reid, C Widicrow
2007 — Maurice Falcetta, Craig Lynch, Graeme Blank, Michael Slaven
2008 — Peter Bugden, Ian Cheetham, Eddy Howard, Phil Sykes
2009 — Theresa Miskle, Greg Robson, Rick Edwards
2012 — David Greentree, John MacCulloch, Carol Mitchell, Philip Sykes
2013 — Henry Kazar, Tony Lane, Graeme Blank, Harry Kay