Five remarkable women in law were honoured at the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland’s (WLAQ) 39th Annual Awards Dinner, sponsored by The University of Queensland’s TC Beirne School of Law.
The annual dinner recognises Queensland women at the top of their game in the legal profession.
Dean of Law and Head of School, Professor Sarah Derrington, presented Kerri Mellifont QC with the School-sponsored Woman Lawyer of the Year award, and announced Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC as the Woman in Excellence for 2017.
Professor Derrington said the School was delighted to support Ms Mellifont’s award and celebrate her fellow honourees, including Chief Justice Kiefel.
“The Law School is extremely honoured to be associated with the recognition of the Chief Justice’s outstanding contribution to the legal profession through her acceptance of the award,” Professor Derrington said.
President of WLAQ, Cassandra Heilbronn, said she was thrilled to have the School’s support.
“Each year we have seen the WLAQ Annual Awards Dinner gain momentum, and the current level of support and sponsorship is overwhelming,” Ms Heilbronn said.
“The TC Beirne School of Law has been a long-term sponsor and supporter of WLAQ, and I was honoured that Professor Sarah Derrington was there to announce Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC of the High Court of Australia as the Woman in Excellence for 2017, and then to present the Woman Lawyer of the Year Award to Kerri Mellifont QC.
“In 2018, we have the 80th anniversary of the graduation of Una Prentice from the TC Beirne School of Law which we will celebrate at our Annual Una Prentice Awards. We will also be releasing our inaugural Top 15 Women Lawyers in Queensland list.
“It is an exciting time for WLAQ. In 10 years’ time I hope that we all look back at 2016 and 2017 and say that was when it all changed for women in Queensland’s legal profession.
“Let it be said that this is the beginning of the way it should be.”
Woman Lawyer of the Year
Sponsored by TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland
Kerri Mellifont QC | Barrister-at-Law
Woman in Excellence
Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC | Chief Justice of Australia
Regional Woman Lawyer of the Year
Sponsored by the College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University
Catherine Cheek | Clewett Lawyers
Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year
Sponsored by Griffith Law School, Griffith University
Tanya Diessel | Gold Coast Community Legal Centre and Advice Bureau
Trailblazer of the Year
Clarissa Rayward | Brisbane Family Law Centre
