The winners of the 2026 Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards were announced at the annual Awards Gala held at The Star Brisbane on Saturday 22 August 2026.
The event recognised excellence across 12 award categories, shining a spotlight on practitioners who exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in Queensland’s legal community.
Congratulations to the 2026 Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards winners:
Graduate Lawyer of the Year
Ishita Punj, Associate, Jones Day
Award Partner: The College of Law
In-house Counsel of the Year
Theresa Jennings, Senior Legal Advisor, Cancer Council Queensland
Award Partner: Day One Recruitment
First Nations Student Award
Indi McKeown, Arts/Laws Student, The University of Queensland
Award Partner: Indigenous Lawyers Queensland Inc.
Access to Justice Award
Simon (Sam) Tracy, Practice Director, Basic Rights Queensland
Award Partner: Bond University Faculty of Law
Pro Bono Team of the Year
Lander & Rogers
Pride in Law Award
Julie Howes, Director/Principal Solicitor, LGBTI Legal Service Inc
Award Partner: Pride in Law
QLD Solicitor of the Year – Sole Practitioner
Chelsea Baker, Director, Baker Hastings Lawyers
QLD Solicitor of the Year – Small Firm
George Sourris, Legal Practice Director, Empire Legal
Award Partner: Westpac
QLD Solicitor of the Year – Large Firm
Andrew Shute, Senior Legal Consultant, MinterEllison
Award Partner: First Title
Regional Practitioner of the Year Award
Linda Adcock, Senior Principal Solicitor, Legal Aid Queensland
Award Partner: PEXA
Emerging Leader Award
Kiarah Grace Kelly, Director and Principal Solicitor, Bloom Law
Award Partner: ANZ
Agnes McWhinney Award
Kristan Conlon, Chair of Partners, McCullough Robertson
