Dylan Voller’s Lawyer Recognised

The lawyer representing Dylan Voller and Jake Roper in their high-profile civil suit against the Northern Territory’s corrective services is among five finalists in the legal category of the 2016 Human Rights Awards.

Also shortlisted is an independent service providing free legal advice to those considering telling their story to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Sponsored by the Law Council of Australia, the Law Award is presented annually to an individual or organisation with a track record in promoting and advancing human rights in Australia through the practice of law.

It is one of eight awards that will be presented at the 30th annual Human Rights Awards on Friday 9 December.

Australian Human Rights Commission president Professor Gillian Triggs acknowledged the five finalists for this year’s Law Award for their contribution to the legal profession and community.

“The Law Award shines a light on the efforts of lawyers and organisations who are committed to assisting some of the most disadvantaged members of our community as they navigate the legal system,” Triggs said.

“This year’s finalists have each shown exceptional leadership within the legal profession, not only through their pro bono work, but also by advocating for social justice and human rights issues.

“Through their work they embody one of the highest principles in the legal profession: that justice should not be denied to people because of their means.”

The 2016 Law Award finalists are:

• Anna Cody from Kingsford Legal Centre. As director of the centre, Cody has provided high quality case work to thousands of disadvantaged people, as well as advocating for law reform to address systemic human rights breaches.

• Knowmore Legal Service, an independent service that gives free legal advice to people considering telling their story to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers which has led litigation in the public interest for many years, including on behalf of refugees and workers who have been underpaid.

• Peter O’Brien who has spent many years working as a lawyer and human rights advocate, most recently representing Voller and Roper in their civil suit against the Northern Territory’s corrective services.

• Steven Glass from Gilbert + Tobin who is a commercial litigator and solicitor of 25 years experience. Glass has shown a long-standing commitment to pro bono work and has led the development of Gilbert + Tobin’s pro bono refugee practice.

Finalists in the remaining seven categories, including the top award for the Human Rights Medal, are expected in coming days.

The 2015 Human Rights Medal was won by journalist Peter Greste who was detained in Egypt for almost two years for allegedly spreading false news. Greste has since campaigned tirelessly for the release of his colleagues, and campaigned for freedom of speech as a cornerstone of democratic societies.