Queensland Law Society 2026 Awards Winners: Conlon, Tracy Lead Honorees

• The Queensland Law Society announced the winners of its 2026 Excellence in Law Awards at a gala event in Brisbane on August 22.
• Kristan Conlon of McCullough Robertson received the Agnes McWhinney Award for her leadership in social and affordable housing, including a $1 million pro bono commitment.
• Sam Tracy of Basic Rights Queensland was honored with the Access to Justice Award for his work in discrimination and human rights, including a Supreme Court success reinforcing council obligations to homeless people.
• Kiarah Grace Kelly of Bloom Law earned the Emerging Leader Award for her diverse practice in family law and dispute resolution.
• Other awards recognized excellence in sole practice, small and large firms, regional practice, pro bono teams, graduate lawyers, in-house counsel, First Nations students, and LGBTQI+ legal services.

The QLS specifically noted that the awards aim to recognize work across crucial areas, including access to justice, pro bono service, regional practice, diversity, leadership, and overall professional achievement within Queensland's legal sector.

The Queensland Law Society (QLS) recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of legal professionals and teams at its 2026 Excellence in Law Awards. Held at the annual Awards Gala on August 22 at The Star Brisbane, the event honored individuals and firms across 12 distinct categories, acknowledging their dedication, innovation, and leadership within the state's vibrant legal community. These Queensland legal awards 2026 serve as a benchmark for exceptional practice and commitment to justice.

Among the evening's most distinguished honorees was Kristan Conlon, Chair of Partners at McCullough Robertson Lawyers, who was presented with the prestigious Agnes McWhinney Award. A seasoned property lawyer, Conlon co-leads her firm's Community Housing industry group, focusing on critical areas such as social and affordable housing, urban renewal initiatives, and large-scale development projects. Her influence extends beyond her firm, as she also chairs the Community Housing Industry Association Queensland, where she has been instrumental in sector advocacy and reform efforts, including the development of Queensland's Community Housing Master Agreement. Under her guidance, McCullough Robertson demonstrated a profound commitment to public service by pledging $1 million in pro bono legal services to the housing sector as part of its centenary initiative, showcasing significant McCullough Robertson pro bono housing support.

Further highlighting the commitment to societal impact, the Access to Justice Award was bestowed upon Sam Tracy, Practice Director at Basic Rights Queensland. With a decade of experience in civil and administrative law, Tracy's work primarily addresses discrimination and human rights issues. A notable achievement in 2025 saw his organization's Discrimination and Human Rights team, in collaboration with pro bono partner Hall & Wilcox, secure a significant judicial review success in the Supreme Court of Queensland. The QLS specifically noted that this landmark ruling reinforced local council obligations regarding the human rights of homeless individuals. Additionally, Kiarah Grace Kelly, Director and Principal Solicitor at Bloom Law, received the Emerging Leader Award for her impactful work as an Independent Children's Lawyer and qualified Collaborative Law Practitioner, specializing in complex parenting matters, property settlements, collaborative law, domestic and family violence litigation, and multidisciplinary dispute resolution.

The 2026 Queensland Law Society Awards recognized a broad spectrum of legal talent, extending beyond the headline categories to celebrate excellence in various specialized roles and firm structures. Chelsea Baker of Baker Hastings Lawyers was named Solicitor of the Year – Sole Practitioner, acknowledging the unique challenges and successes of independent practice. George Sourris from Empire Legal received the Solicitor of the Year – Small Firm award, while Andrew Shute, a Senior Legal Consultant at MinterEllison, was honored as Solicitor of the Year – Large Firm, reflecting outstanding contributions across different organizational scales.

Geographic reach and community service were also celebrated, with Linda Adcock, Senior Principal Lawyer at Legal Aid Queensland, earning the Regional Practitioner of the Year Award. The commitment to pro bono work was further recognized through the Pro Bono Team of the Year award, which went to Lander & Rogers. The QLS Excellence in Law Awards 2026 also highlighted the future of the profession and specialized areas of law.

Ishita Punj, an Associate at Jones Day, was awarded Graduate Lawyer of the Year, signaling promising new talent. Theresa Jennings, Senior Legal Advisor at Cancer Council Queensland, received the In-house Counsel of the Year award. The commitment to diversity and inclusion was underscored by two significant accolades: Indi McKeown, an Arts/Laws student at the University of Queensland, was presented with the First Nations Student Award, and Julie Howes, Director and Principal Solicitor of LGBTI Legal Service Inc, received the Pride in Law Award, acknowledging her vital work in supporting the LGBTI community.

The array of winners at the Queensland Law Society 2026 Awards underscores the legal community's dedication to foundational principles and evolving societal needs. From the Agnes McWhinney Award, recognizing leadership in community housing, to the Access to Justice Award, celebrating advocacy for vulnerable populations, the awards collectively highlight the multifaceted impact of legal professionals. The QLS specifically noted that the awards aim to recognize work across crucial areas, including access to justice, pro bono service, regional practice, diversity, leadership, and overall professional achievement within Queensland's legal sector.

These accolades not only celebrate individual and team accomplishments but also serve as an inspiration for the broader legal community. They showcase how legal expertise can be leveraged to drive social change, uphold human rights, and ensure equitable access to legal services across the state. The recognition of emerging leaders, specialized practitioners, and those dedicated to pro bono work reinforces the values that underpin a robust and ethical legal system.

Ultimately, the QLS Excellence in Law Awards 2026 provide a vital platform for acknowledging the tireless efforts of lawyers who are shaping the future of law in Queensland, fostering a culture of innovation and service that benefits clients and the community at large. The diverse categories and the caliber of the recipients demonstrate a legal sector that is both dynamic and deeply committed to its societal responsibilities.

This article highlights leading legal professionals and firms in Queensland, providing insights into areas of recognized excellence and potential networking opportunities. Lawyers can identify key players and successful approaches in fields like pro bono, access to justice, and specialized practice areas, which may inform strategic partnerships or professional development.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer