Meet Your 2023 Finalists!
Winners will be announced at the 2023 Conference Closing Gala.
See below the finalists for this year's award categories.
Individual Awards
Outstanding Advocacy Award - presented by The College of Law
Amy Danek
Bachelor of Laws | University of New England
Amy is a third-year law student at the University of New England and is the 2023 Social Justice and Equity and Social Media Officer for the UNE Law Students’ Society. She is passionate about research and writing on issues pertaining to mental health, science and technology and social justice initiatives such as inclusivity and diversity as they relate to law. Amy is committed to advancing inclusivity and diversity within the legal profession. She actively participates in the development of the Rightful platform, which provides a collaborative work-from-home environment for teams to collaborate on legal documents.
Imogen Ryan Kerr
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Humanities (Honours) | University of Queensland
Imogen is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Humanities / Laws (Honours) at the University of Queensland, a degree which encourages her to think critically about socio-legal issues and justice. Imogen as a sincere advocate for gender equality - founding the first United Nations ‘Girl Up Club’ in Queensland after graduating high school. Imogen is dedicated to making the most of university, volunteering for the UQ Pro Bono Centre and holding research positions within the Law School. After graduating, Imogen hopes to engage in international strategic litigation, to raise the voices of victims of human rights abuses.
Phoebe Winter & Sarah Adkins
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Psychology; Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts | University of Tasmania
If you look in the dictionary for the definition of advocate you will find a photo of Phoebe and Sarah. These two have gone above and beyond this year being the voice for the fourth- and third-year cohorts respectively. Phoebe and Sarah have been chief liaisons, ensuring that all issues their cohorts have faced have been dealt with, with their professional and in a timely manner. We would like to thank Phoebe and Sarah for their ongoing commitment to the student body and for being a voice for students when times have changed.
Individual Awards
Female Law Student of the Year
Claire Bousfield
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science in Psychology | University of Canberra
I have recently completed a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I have an interest in collaborative family law, and child inclusive practice. I am currently employed as a paralegal at Balance Family Law, a position that allows me to draw on my law and psychology studies to work towards legal and human solutions in family law matters. I am the current President of the Canberra Law Students’ society. In this role I have led several initiatives focused on social justice and equity for Canberra Law Students. In 2022 I was a recipient of the University of Canberra Ambassador of Change Award in recognition of my successful initiatives and projects in this area.
Ella Davidson
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics | University of New South Wales
Ella is a fourth year B Laws/B Politics, Philosophy and Economics student. She is currently a paralegal for a financial services firm, and the coordinator of a community legal advice service. Ella is passionate about alternative dispute resolution, running the UNSW Law Society’s legal skills competitions and frequently participating in domestic and international mediation and negotiation competitions. Ella is also the Co-President of the UNSW PPE Society. In her spare time, and when she isn’t editing her upcoming issue for the UNSW Law Journal, you can find Ella going on scenic runs along Sydney’s beaches and harbour foreshore.
Lara Glasson
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) | University of New England
Lara Glasson, a DV survivor and a single mother of two, defied expectations by entering the legal profession later in life. With a diverse background in education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Lara's resilience and survivorship of domestic violence have shaped her dedication to supporting others. As a Student Advocate and President of UNELSS, she empowers her fellow law students, and contributes to DV organisations, assisting women and children affected by family violence. Lara's inspiring commitment to making a positive impact drives her ambitions to become a family law mediator and barrister, where her entrepreneurial spirit can shine once again.
Individual Awards
LGBTQI+ Law Student of the Year
Jesse James
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts | University of Tasmania
This year Jesse has overcome so much adversity in his personal life while continuing with his studies and commitment to the Tasmania University Law Society (TULS). Since his time on TULS, through his many roles, Jesse has consistently been a voice for his peers and gone above and beyond to advocate for student empowerment. Jesse has made the rebranding of TULS his mission and has successfully grown the TULS social media presence and influence. In addition to this, this year Jesse has been working on establishing a Queer Beer program within the law school.
Lachlan Platten
Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Bachelor of Behavioural Science | Flinders University
My name is Lachlan Platten, I am a 24 year old final year law student, and I am passionate about serving as both an LGBTQI+ role model as well as working diligently to remove the barriers that disadvantage the LGBTQI+ community. In my spare time, I enjoy going for long-hikes, volunteering for community events and keeping up to date with political developments. As a child of a single mother and the first in my family to go to University, I intend on working for community legal centres upon the completion of my degree, to provide a voice for the voiceless.
Saxon McGregor
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of International Relations | Bond University
Saxon McGregor is a vehement voice and passionate advocate for the LGBTQI+ community and other marginalised groups. A pre-penultimate year Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Relations student at Bond University, Saxon contributes actively to the enfranchising of all people in the university experience as Vice President (Representation) of the Bond University Student Association, and through his works with the University’s ally network, pride alliance, and advisory committees. Growing up as gay in rural communities, Saxon hopes to expand his efforts beyond the Gold Coast to the whole country as the Australian LGBTQI+ Law Student of the Year.
LSS/A Awards
LSS/A Advocacy Award
University of Newcastle Law Students' Association
UNLSA International Women's Day Breakfast & Panel;
UNLSA International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Panel & Networking Event
The UNLSA's Vice President of Equity strives to provide events that are fun, accessible, informative, and relatable to students of different backgrounds. As the UNLSA engages with the law school, student community, local community, and legal professionals during events, the organisation hopes to encourage kindness, equality, and a bravery to speak up for what is right. With the VP (Equity) being a brand-new position on the committee, they seek to leave a legacy of acceptance, advocacy, and equality.
University of New South Wales Law Society
UNSW Law Society Equity Journal, 'The Court of Conscience'
UNSW Law Society is delighted to submit its annual premier equity journal, Court of Conscience: Issue 16, ‘People, Power and Perspectives: A Pandora’s Crisis,’ for the LSS/A Advocacy Award. This publication is a culmination of the dedicated and hardworking collaboration between a group of students as well as academics across the globe who are committed towards bringing social justice issues and their impact on different global communities to light. Issue 16 provides a platform for exploring the relationship between people and institutions, and how governments provide for the needs of their citizens during an era of significant sociopolitical upheaval.
University of Technology Sydney Law Students' Society
UTS LSS Women's Collective
The UTS LSS Women's Collective has revolutionised the way women and gender diverse UTS Law students connect, network and build community through shared experience. The group is advocacy focussed and highly active with its discussion around gender-based issues and sexism as well as intersectionality and ways the legal profession can advance. Beyond this, the Women's Collective has been highly involved in external led advocacy initiatives, including being a top fundraiser in the Walk for WAGEC fundraiser and the What were you Wearing petition. The Collective is a thriving autonomous space that has invaluably empowered women in law at UTS.
LSS/A Awards
Best Careers Initiative
Adelaide University Law Students' Society
AULSS Careers & Clerkships Guide
The Adelaide University Law Students' Society published a comprehensive 138-page Careers & Clerkship Guide which provides students with detailed information on developing their career skills, applying for clerkships and finding a pathway that suits them be that legal or non-legal. The Guide includes 30 new professional testimonies, profiles on legal networking associations, a guide to effectively using LinkedIn, and crucial information for students wishing to practise law regionally.
University of New South Wales Law Society
UNSW Private Law Careers Guide
The 2023 Private Law Careers Guide aims to ensure all students are fully equipped with the necessary information to explore and engage with a career in the private law sphere. From personable student testimonials to extensive firm information, the Guide offers substantial guidance regarding how to access and achieve available opportunities at every stage in a law student’s degree. The professional aesthetic, clear structure and digestible content serves to inspire our readers to begin their exciting career journey ahead. The 2023 Private Law Careers Guide will certainly open doors for every student who’s hands they fall into.
University of Technology Sydney Law Students' Society
UTS LSS Beyond Corporate Careers Fair
The UTS LSS Beyond Corporate Careers Fair reimagined the delivery of careers initiatives and provided an opportunity to explore the diverse range of legal roles outside of private practice. This filled a missing space in the UTS LSS' careers calendar and, in tandem with the Careers Guide, gave students the invaluable chance to network with industry leaders they would otherwise not have had access to. Refocussing legal careers away from only the clerkship programs available at large firms has been inspirational and insightful for members of the UTS LSS, and reflects our commitment to developing well rounded, aspirational students.
LSS/A Awards
Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative - presented by legalsuper
Adelaide University Law Students' Society
AULSS Period Product Program
The AULSS Period Product Program, run by the Social Justice and Equity portfolio is a program designed to promote equitable access to period products in our law school. This program has been a raging success with similar measures being implemented and funded by the University of Adelaide because of lobbying by the Social Justice and Equity portfolio. This initiative promotes equity and inclusion, allowing menstruating students to be just as successful in their studies, by knowing the AULSS has their back all throughout the month.
Curtin Student Law Society
CSLS Wellbeing & Equity Podcast
The Curtin Student Law Society’s (CSLS) Wellbeing and Equity portfolio introduced the very first CSLS podcast earlier this year. The podcast considers the intersection between the law and wellbeing, through a holistic lens – with each host introducing guests and topics aligned with their own legal journey. This format of the podcast is aimed at providing different perspectives on the journey through law school and beyond, in order to resonate with listeners.
Griffith University Law Students' Association (Gold Coast)
GULSA Diversity & Wellbeing Portfolio
The Griffith University Law Students' Association (GULSA) promote, support, and continuously aim to understand the health and wellbeing needs of all persons. As a student led association, we are not blind to the challenges university presents in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing. For this reason, we strive to create resources and initiatives which support our students and assist in alleviating those stressors where possible. Health and wellbeing is one of our top priorities, and this year, we have implemented new initiatives such as our student mentoring program, free textbook hire program and more to reach our goals.
LSS/A Awards
Best Student Engagement Initiative
Deakin Law Students' Society (Burwood)
DLSS Engagement Portfolio
To combat low student attendance, the DLSS has created the new Engagement portfolio. The team attends lectures and classes in person and on Zoom to promote our events. They also focus on creating connections with and amongst students to help improve the standing of the DLSS within the cohort and to make law students more connected. The work the team has done has resulted in attendance increases of 200-300% across our events, as well as significant increases in social media engagement.
University of Newcastle Law Students' Association
UNLSA First Year Law Camp
The University of Newcastle Law Students' Association's inaugural 'First Year Law Camp' (LAW-VE ISLAND) delivered significant engagement from University of Newcastle Law Students and worked as the cornerstone of the UNLSA's First Year Strategy. The Camp facilitated friendships between first year students and delivered tangible skill development for the attending students. With the introduction of this camp into the UNLSA event calendar, we expect significant increase in student engagement - year-on-year - as we reintroduce the culture of participation and sense of community between Newcastle Law Students.
University of New England Law Students' Society
UNE LSS Expansion of Careers, Education & Competitions Portfolios
The UNE Law Students’ Society provides opportunities for UNE law students, a majority of which are mature-age students, studying online and spread all across Australia, to connect with each other and with academics beyond the lectures and tutorials, and to enjoy their time as law students. UNELSS organises social, networking, and educational events and develops educational resources for the law students of UNE. Their key activities for 2023 include Lecturer v Student Online Trivia Nights, Law Ball, educational seminars, a careers publication, legal skills competitions, a first year guide, and trimester Guides to support UNE Law Students.
LSS/A Awards
Spirit of Leadership Award
University of New England Law Students' Society
The UNE Law Students’ Society provides opportunities for UNE law students, a majority of which are mature-age students, studying online and spread all across Australia, to connect with each other and with academics beyond the lectures and tutorials, and to enjoy their time as law students. UNELSS organises social, networking, and educational events and develops educational resources for the law students of UNE. Their key activities for 2023 include Lecturer v Student Online Trivia Nights, Law Ball, educational seminars, a careers publication, legal skills competitions, a first year guide, and trimester guides to support UNE Law Students.
University of Technology Sydney Law Students' Society
The UTS Law Students’ Society, as the largest student run organisation at UTS, has shown a deep commitment to the values of learning, growth and development over its history. Through running 100 events committed to the inclusion of a diverse range of law student members, the UTS LSS is passionate about continually developing its processes to ensure all students feel safe and accommodated at the Society’s events and initiatives. Through governance improvements, increased transparency through publications, and better representation of minority groups within the Society’s activities, the UTS LSS is consistently working to respond to feedback and expand its operations.
ALSA’s long-standing awards program celebrates exceptional achievements in legal education, showcasing the dedication, innovation, and passion that define our future legal professionals. We invite you to apply and join us in recognising individual accomplishments of deserving students and outstanding student-led initiatives. Seize this chance to highlight your hard work, commitment to excellence, and contributions to the legal community.
Nominate an individual
Individual Awards
Outstanding Advocacy Award
Female Law Student of the Year
LGBTQI+ Law Student of the Year
Nominate your LSS/A
