2025 Law Council Gala Dinner
9 December 2025
Juliana Warner, Law Council President, speaking at the Law Council Gala Dinner in Canberra. Photo credit: Alexandra Bird.
This year the Law Council of Australia held its annual Gala Dinner at the Marion in Canberra on 5 December 2025 — bringing together members of the legal profession from across the nation to an evening of celebration and camaraderie.
The evening was a memorable occasion, highlighted by a series of insightful and engaging speeches. The annual presidential address by Law Council President, Juliana Warner, set the tone for the evening, offering a reflection on the year's accomplishments and acknowledged those who tirelessly strive to advance the public good and have served the Law Council over the years.
This was followed by a keynote speech from the Honourable Chief Justice Stephen Gageler AC, High Court of Australia, who captivated the audience with his inspiring words and reflected on the Law Council of Australia and the High Court of Australia’s relationship and shared history.
The Honourable Chief Justice Stephen Gageler AC, High Court of Australia.
President-elect, Tania Wolff also mentioned in her address some of her Presidential priorities for 2026. She also highlighted the exceptional leadership that Juliana has exhibited in her role as president and thanked her for her service.
The evening concluded with the opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions within the legal profession, with the presentation of the Law Council’s President’s Award presented to an individual for their exemplary service to law.
The Law Council was honoured to present the award to two worthy recipients this year — NSW-based lawyer Kirsty Evans and Western Australia’s Dr Robert Guthrie.
President Warner said, “The President’s Award is an opportunity to recognise those who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in people’s lives.”
“Lawyers make a substantial contribution to in a variety of ways, including to the social, economic and democratic health of our nation.
“Kirsty and Rob demonstrate the many ways in which this contribution is made.”
L-R: Dr Robert Guthrie, Tiarna Williams, and Juliana Warner.
The John Koowarta Scholarship — a national scholarship dedicated to helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students achieve their ambition of becoming a lawyer — was awarded to Tiarna Williams, a University of Wollongong law student.
Taking to the stage to accept the Scholarship, Ms Williams said: “I am deeply honoured to be named the recipient of the 2026 John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship. This scholarship will not only support my journey through law school, but it will also connect me to the powerful legacy of John Koowarta. I feel privileged to be able to share a connection with his courage, commitment to justice, and to our people’s rights.”
“Receiving this scholarship means more to me than financial support. It provides validation of my aspirations to practise law in a way that advances reconciliation, empowers my community, and honours those who have fought for change before me.”
The Gala Dinner was a fitting conclusion to the year, offering the time to reflect on what the Law Council and the legal profession has achieved, what we have learned from challenges, and what we can aspire to for the future.
The Law Council has donated floral arrangements from the Gala Dinner to Clare Holland House.
Last Updated on 11/12/2025