AWARDS
Past Winners
of the ALA Queensland Civil Justice Award
2026: Richard Douglas KC for his extraordinary body of work for the ALA, the legal profession more broadly, and the community.
or workplace injuries.
2025: Sean Sweeney for his courtroom victories which have created legal precedents that empower victims to pursue justice for workplace injuries.
2024: Manuela Whitford, founder of Friends with Dignity, for her work to assist survivors of domestic violence.
or workplace injuries.
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Civil Justice Award
The ALA Queensland Civil Justice Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to advancing civil justice in Queensland.
The award celebrates those who have championed individual rights, enhanced public safety, raised awareness of important civil justice issues, or made a lasting impact on the community through their commitment to justice.
The award will be presented at the ALA Queensland Conference on Friday, 12 February 2027 at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.
Nominations close Friday, 11 December 2026.
Assessment Criteria
1. Subject matter consistent with objectives of the Australian Lawyers Alliance:
o Preservation and/or promotion of individual rights
o Enhancing public safety
o Raising awareness of other important civil justice issues
o Enhancing other matters falling within the objectives of the Australian Lawyers Alliance
2. Degree of personal commitment by nominee:
o Element of personal risk
o Element of personal sacrifice
o Some element of altruistic motivation
o Demonstrates a strong commitment to underlying public interest
3. Significance to the community of the outcome attained:
o Increases public awareness in the subject matter
o Provides an object lesson to the community
4. Enduring nature of the nominee’s contribution
o Contribution itself creates ground-breaking change
o Contribution brings about environment for future changes