Deakin Law School alumni, academics and students feature amongst the finalists for the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2020.
The Australian Law Awards are a prestigious annual recognition of achievement and excellence “across the entire legal industry. They recognise "professional development and innovation, showcasing both the individuals and firms which are leading the way in the industry.”
In a strong showing for 2020, an alumna, three DLS staff and two students have made the list of finalists. Congratulations and good luck for the August 7 announcement of award winners.
Barrister of the year
Professor Felicity Gerry QC, faculty member of Deakin Law School and outstanding human rights lawyer whose 2019 achievements include "Being the only Australian international lawyer on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers List, one of only two women silks on the ICC List and one of the few women to lead for the defence in three terrorism trials."
In-House Lawyer of the year
This award recognises outstanding performance by an individual working in-house, including corporate and public sector lawyers.
DLS alumna Verity White, in-house counsel at Telstra, is dedicated to creating contracts that people can understand. She says, “if everyone worked that little bit harder to design contracts and advice people could understand, we could start to talk about more important relational issues and legal concepts”.
Academic of the year
This award is based on teaching initiatives, incorporating technology into learning and helping shape the legal capabilities of students in preparation for a career in law.
Dr Jane Kotzman – who innovated Deakin’s human rights law curriculum by incorporating consideration of the ways in which the law impacts animals, which has “encouraged students to think critically about the meaning and purpose of legal rights more broadly.”
Dr Tamsin Paige – whose pastoral care initiatives have been helping students find their path and make it through their studies.
Student of the year
This award is based on academic performance, extra-curricular activities and demonstrated passion for law and commitment to the cause of justice.
Emma Genovese – Current Law student and President of the Deakin Law Students’ Society Geelong , competed in the VIS moot.
Jessie Nygh – Graduated from the LLB with first class honours, competed in the VIS moot and completed study at the London School of Economics and Political Science.