Dedicated defender of the disadvantaged honoured
30 November 2024
A lawyer who vigorously represents his clients, even in the face of great personal sacrifice, was named the 2024 recipient of the President’s Award at last night’s Law Council of Australia Gala Dinner.
“The resume of NSW Solicitor, Mr Peter O’Brien shows a commitment to serving the community and ensuring those in need, but with the least facility to access justice, have somewhere to turn,” Law Council of Australia President, Mr Greg McIntyre said.
“Mr O’Brien’s commitment to justice is unwavering and through his efforts has achieved just outcomes for many vulnerable clients.”
Since being admitted in 1998, Mr O’Brien has worked as a solicitor for the Children’s Legal Service of NSW and the Katherine Regional Aboriginal Legal Aid Service in the Northern Territory, and as a senior criminal solicitor at NSW Legal Aid.
“While working in the Northern Territory and representing a young First Nations client, Mr O’Brien was imprisoned for contempt when he rightly argued that his client should not be made to enter a plea because a divisionary arrangement had already been agreed. The imprisonment of Mr O’Brien was later found to be unlawful.
“Peter also co-founded the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Community Law and Legal Research Centre and co-authored the text Intentional Torts Litigation in Australia,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Peter founded O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors, where he is still a Principal. He has appeared in all jurisdictions from Children’s Court to the High Court and appeared in numerous Royal Commissions.
“He has been involved in matters of national significance including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“Peter represented Dylan Voller and helped expose abuse at the Don Dale detention centre in the Northern Territory.
“He has also shared his experience and helped shape the future lawyers of Australia as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at UTS and is a regular presenter at continuing professional development events.
“Peter is a respected and fearless advocate in criminal and civil law and an exceptionally deserving recipient of the President’s Award, which it was my honour to present to him last night.”
Contact
Kristen Connell
P. 0400 054 227
E. kristen.connell@lawcouncil.au
Last Updated on 09/12/2024
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