Outstanding contributions from Law Award finalists

Legal professionals providing pro bono support to those in need have been recognised as finalists in the 2015 Human Rights Awards.

The Law Award is awarded annually to an individual or an organisation with a track record in promoting and advancing human rights in Australia through the practice of law.

Australian Human Rights Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs said the five finalists for this year’s award have made outstanding contributions to the community through the provision of free legal services.

“One of the fundamental aspects of a democracy is access to justice and to legal advice,” Professor Triggs said.

“The five finalists for the 2015 Law Award have promoted these rights through their work, providing free legal services to refugees and asylum seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and others in the community in need.”

The Law Award is sponsored by the Law Council of Australia.

The finalists of the 2015 Law Award are:

• Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation
  Colin Biggers & Paisley is recognised for the establishment of its new Foundation comprised of an innovative mix of pro bono legal services, volunteering and charitable contributions. It aims to donate more than $5 million in pro bono legal services.

• Aboriginal Legal Service NSW / ACT Custody Notification Service
  Custody Notification Service is a 24 hour legal advice and RU OK phone line for Aboriginal people taken into police custody. The service has successfully prevented Aboriginal deaths in custody in NSW and the ACT.

• Genevieve Bolton
  Genevieve has dedicated her career to improving access to justice and is a powerful advocate for systemic change. Genevieve is currently the coordinator and principal solicitor at Canberra Community Law.

• Luke Geary
  Luke is the founder and managing partner of Salvos Legal and Salvos Legal Humanitarian. The social enterprise model is self-sustaining and allows for free legal advice to be offered, independent of government funding and donations.

• Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS)
  RACS is one of Australia’s leading refugee legal centres providing free, specialist legal advice to asylum seekers and refugees. RACS continues to provide a breadth of legal and case management services, while advocating for systemic reform.

The Human Rights Commission will present the annual Human Rights Awards on 10 December at a lunch at the Westin Hotel in Sydney. Commission president Professor Triggs will deliver a keynote speech on the future of Human Rights in Australia.

Tickets and further information are available online.