2027 Federal Law Conference | 12 February 2027, Canberra
The Young Federal Litigation Lawyer
of the Year Award 2027
The Young Federal Litigation Lawyer of the Year award is given to a young lawyer who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of federal litigation and dispute resolution. Each recipient of the award is recognised for their contribution to the practice of federal litigation and dispute resolution and, where relevant, their contribution to the legal and wider community.
The award is given annually by the Federal Dispute Resolution Section of the Law Council of Australia.
2027 Call for nominations
Nominations for the 2027 round are now open. Nominations close 5:00 pm on Friday, 8 January 2027 and must be emailed to chelsea.desilva@lawcouncil.au.
Nomination process
The Federal Dispute Resolution Section Executive will review all applications. If the Executive cannot agree on a winner, the final decision shall be made by the Section Chair.
Presentation of award
The winner of the award will be announced and presented at the 2027 Federal Law Conference in Canberra on Friday,
12 February 2027.
The award
The winner of the award will receive:
- complimentary membership to the Federal Dispute Resolution Section for one year;
- complimentary registration to the 2027 Federal Law Conference; and
- return flights to Canberra and accommodation for the evening of 11 February 2027 (if required).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the award a nominee must be under 30 years of age or, if over 30, have equal to, or less, than five years post admission experience.
Any nomination must illustrate the contribution
made by the nominee over the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 or over a number of years by the Nominee, and contain a detailed summary of the nature of the continuous and outstanding contribution to federal litigation and dispute resolution made by the Nominee, including:
• full particulars of the contribution;
• the manner of implementation;
• the benefits derived by the profession and/or
the legal and wider community;
• the period of the contribution;
• proof of age of the nominee at the date of nomination;
• proof of date of admission of the nominee.
Nominations
The nominee can be either nominated by colleagues or self-nominated. The nominator should confirm that the nominee is aware of the nomination and willing to be nominated.
There is no set form for a nomination – a letter or document that describes how the nominee has made an outstanding contribution in the field of federal litigation and dispute resolution is sufficient.
Nominations should be accompanied by educational qualifications and material to confirm eligibility and must address the eligibility criteria.
Information regarding professional contributions should include employment history, publications, conferences attended, presentations and seminars.
The nomination can include up to three references and testimonials. Testimonials could be provided by colleagues, clients or office bearers of NGOs or government departments
