First Nations — Queensland Law Society

First Nations People

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the First Nations peoples as the original inhabitants and custodians of Australia. We recognise, respect and celebrate the cultural distinctions of First Nations Peoples and value their rich and positive contribution to not only Queensland but also to the broader Australian society. Our vision is to support and advance First Nations peoples to effect positive change.

Our First Nations Cultural Outreach Strategy 2020-25

On 19 June 2020 the QLS Council approved the First Nations Cultural Outreach Strategy 2020-25. The Strategy is divided into five goals:

We advocate for:

First Nations Community
First Nations Solicitors
First Nations Legal Students

We encourage growing First Nations Cultural Education for:

Queensland Solicitors
Queensland Legal Students
Supporting the District Law Association Cultural Program
Working with legal stakeholders

We work to promote:

First Nations Solicitors
First Nations Legal Students
The broader First Nations Legal Community

We support economic advancement of First Nations People and Businesses through:
Encouraging First Nations Procurement
Connecting and highlight First Nations Businesses
Supporting First Nations Charities and fundraising initiatives

Imbedding culture is at our forefront and we are committed to:

Cultural awareness training
Connecting with First Nations Elder and Community
Imbedding and celebrating Cultural events; and imbedding long-term operational structures for cultural safety and unconscious bias prejudices

Our aim is to effect positive legislative and policy change, increased engagement and education in cultural resources and initiatives and most importantly to quadruple the number of First Nations Solicitors in Queensland by 30 June 2025.

The Strategy is supported by QLS Council and QLS staff and is overseen by an external First Nations Consulting Committee.

Read about our strategy here.

If you would like to get involved and be a part of the winds of change, please email cos@qls.com.au

Events and Education

Gain a fundamental understanding of the oldest living cultures in the world and a shared Australian identity. This unique course provides insight into the diversity and complexity of First Nations cultures through an approach that informs an understanding of the past, present and future. Coming soon.

The Lawlink programme is a free initiative for First Nations Legal students for a unique glimpse into legal practice in Queensland. The Lawlink programme provides incredible opportunities for First Nations Legal students to meet members of the Queensland Legal profession and get a behind the scenes view of legal practice. The programme also hosted its inaugural 2020 Lawlink Art Competition, providing connection and support to First Nations Legal students. We are very proud of our programme, which has been running since 2003. Read more to learn and get involved, even if you are not a First Nations Legal Student and are keen to learn about the practice of law.

Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. We encourage staff and members of the Queensland Law Society to participate in this process, and provide resources and protocols to assist.

Is your firm interested in Reconciliation? Has your firm thought about developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, but does not know where to begin? Here is the top six QLS guide to assist you with some initial steps towards developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and links to Reconciliation Australia

Our awards shine a light on the exemplary efforts of Queensland’s legal professionals—highlighting good law, good lawyers, for the public good. They provide the opportunity for outstanding First Nations solicitors and students to showcase their ingenuity and contribution to both the legal profession and the broader community.

Recommended reading to continue your First Nations journey.