By Henry Ea -
The Law Society of NSW hosted its prestigious Annual Members Dinner and Awards night on Friday 6 December at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, celebrating the exceptional achievements of legal professionals across the state.
Over 300 members of the state’s legal profession stepped into a scene of vintage Hollywood glamour at the Law Society of NSW’s Annual Members Dinner and Awards Night. The Four Seasons Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was transformed into a dazzling spectacle reminiscent of the 1940s, with guests arriving in shimmering gowns and sharp tuxedos, reconnecting with colleagues, and reminiscing on the year that was.
A beautifully lit archway beckoned them into a world of opulence, where the soft glow of chandeliers cast a warm light upon the scene. The vibrant sounds of big-band classics filled the room with vibrant energy and excitement, setting the stage for an evening of celebration.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, and President of the Court of Appeal of NSW, The Honourable Justice Julie Ward, were in attendance. Representatives of Federal and NSW Courts, the NSW Government, the Law Council of Australia, the Bar Association, the Judicial Commission of NSW, and former Law Society of NSW presidents joined them.
Law Society President Brett McGrath took to the stage for his final address in the role. McGrath highlighted the significance of the past year, marking milestones like the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of NSW and the centenary of Marie Byles’ admission as the state’s first female solicitor. He also noted key appointments, including the first female Chief Judge of the District Court and a new Chief Magistrate of the Local Court, as well as the re-establishment of the Industrial Court of NSW and the direct appointment of several solicitors as Magistrates, or Judges as they will become known.
McGrath expressed gratitude for the Chief Justice’s engagement with solicitors, particularly in regional areas, emphasising the importance of supporting rural, regional, and remote practices.
“I valued this because regional law societies were my entry point into the Law Society of NSW,” McGrath said.
He also acknowledged the Specialist Accreditation Board for establishing a new accreditation in Elder Law before ending with deep admiration for the remarkable service that the state’s profession provides for their communities.
“It takes dedication; one matter at a time—and for a moment, we represent a person’s life; and hopefully, change it, for the better,” McGrath said.
“It has been the most rewarding privilege of my career to be able to represent the solicitors of NSW as your President for 2024.”
But this was more than just a wrap-up for the year or a glamorous black-tie affair. Beyond the sparkle and shine, the night held a deeper significance: to honour the legal profession’s remarkable achievements and how remarkable they were, with this year’s award nominees setting a new benchmark for excellence.
“All of tonight’s nominees, every day, are advocating and fighting for a client,” McGrath said.
“This is the genesis of great events: people who are motivated with a deeply held conviction to drive change.”
President’s Medal honours flood hero
Kirsty Evans, Director Solicitor at Cheney Suthers Lawyers, received the esteemed President’s Medal, awarded to a solicitor who has made significant contributions to the advancement of law and justice. Evans was recognised for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her community, particularly during the November 2022 floods in Molong and Eugowra. She dedicated over 250 hours of pro bono work to assist flood victims, securing more than $1 million in insurance payouts and grants.
Law Society President Brett McGrath commended Evans’ advocacy for reform within the insurance industry, specifically her efforts to ban the practice of “averaging,” which disadvantages underinsured businesses. “Ms Evans displays an exceptionally high level of integrity, courage, and responsibility through commitment to continual improvement of the profession and of themselves,” McGrath said.
Evans leads an all-female team at her firm in regional NSW. Her commitment to justice extends beyond disaster relief, with a proven track record of securing increased compensation for infrastructure projects and improving access to legal services for her community.
Rural and regional practitioners share spotlight
Dannielle Ford of Cheney Suthers and Anneka Frayne of Stacks Law Firm, Tamworth, were jointly honoured as Rural and Regional Practitioners of the Year. Both women were recognised for their exceptional commitment to serving their communities and improving access to justice in rural NSW.
Dannielle Ford: Champion for community wellbeing and legal innovation
Judges praised Ford’s tireless community engagement, including her support for LGBTQI+ youth, active participation in charity events, and leadership as president of the Central West Regional Law Society. A strong advocate for mental health, Ford has championed mental health first aid training within her firm and collaborated with the Law Society of NSW to deliver a seminar on the impact of AI on lawyer wellbeing.
Anneka Frayne: Bridging the justice gap with technology and compassion
Frayne was recognised for her unwavering dedication to providing access to justice in underserved rural communities. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that individuals facing challenges such as isolation and financial constraints receive crucial legal support. The judges commended Frayne’s commitment to pro bono service and her innovative use of technology to overcome barriers of distance and limited resources.
Pro Bono Service award highlights firm’s commitment to justice
O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors received the Pro Bono Service award for their exceptional dedication to providing fair access to legal services. The firm contributes over 1,300 pro bono hours annually to causes like civil rights, police accountability, and criminal defence.
Judges noted O’Brien’s proactive approach to pro bono work, including partnerships with legal centres and schemes. The firm’s initiative with Redfern Legal Centre and its support for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency exemplify its deep commitment to vulnerable communities. The firm directly addressed a critical legal crisis by sending solicitors to the Northern Territory for three months, providing training and stability for Indigenous legal services.
O’Brien’s influence extends beyond individual cases, with the firm successfully representing groups in landmark cases, such as the Black Lives Matter protest and ongoing advocacy for clients like ‘Shorty’ Jamieson. Judges recognised the firm’s pro bono work at coronial inquests and their push for systemic legal reforms, further cementing their role as champions for justice.
The evening culminated in a night of dancing, with guests taking to the floor to show off their best moves. As this legal night of nights drew to a close, attendees were left with the memories of a truly unforgettable celebration of achievement in classic style.
The President and councillors of the Law Society of NSW congratulate all the 2024 Award recipients. Their commitment to justice, community service, and innovation sets a new benchmark for lawyers in NSW and serves as an inspiration to all.
2024 award recipients
- President’s Medal: Kirsty Evans, Director Solicitor, Cheney Suthers Lawyers
- Committee Member of the Year Award: Richard Snowden, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons
- Early Career Lawyer of the Year Award: Claudia Robinson, Lawyer, Financial Rights Legal Centre
- Rural or Regional Practitioner of the Year: Dannielle Ford, Director Solicitor, Cheney Suthers and Anneka Frayne, Principal Solicitor, Stacks Law Firm, Tamworth
- Government Solicitor of the Year Award: Anna Baltins, Director Domestic and Family Violence, LegalAid
- In-house Corporate Counsel of the Year: Lisa Cheng, Vice President, Legal, AirTrunk
- Sole or Small Firm Practitioner of the Year award: Catherine Stevenson, Sole Principal Solicitor, Cathy Stevenson & Associates
- Pro Bono Service Award: O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors
- Wellbeing Champion or Project of the Year: Michael Seton, Solicitor Director, Seton Family Lawyers
