Outstanding Contribution Immigration Law Award

This award is conducted annually by the Federal Dispute Resolution Section's Migration Law Committee, it recognises individuals whose career contributions have significantly advanced the legal profession. This honour is reserved for those who exemplify exceptional dedication, impact, and integrity—championing the rule of law, promoting justice, and inspiring both peers and future generations of legal professionals.

2026 Call for nominations

Nominations are open for the 2026 round for the Outstanding Contribution Immigration Law Award. 

Nominations close 5pm on Sunday, 15 February 2026 and must be emailed to chelsea.desilva@lawcouncil.au.

Eligibility

The key criterion for the award is that the nominee has made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the field of migration law in Australia or internationally. To be eligible for the award, a nominee must:

• display outstanding leadership, professionalism and human qualities; and
• contribute to the field of immigration law at a local, national or international level in one of the following ways:
• engaging in research and positively contributing to immigration discourse;
• advocating for the rights of migrants, or legal reform; or
• participating in a professional or community organisation for the benefit of migrants or legal reform.

Nominations

The nominee may be nominated by the colleagues or self-nominated. The nominator must confirm that the nominee is aware of the nomination and is willing to be nominated.

A nomination should include:

• a 200 word profile on the nominee outlining why they should win the award;
• a resume or chronology of the nominee’s educational and professional history;
• details and examples of specific activities and/or contributions which align with the eligibility criteria;
• references and testimonials, which could be provided by colleagues, clients or office bearers of NGOs or government departments (maximum three).

Nomination process

The Migration Law Committee will review all applications. If the committee cannot agree on a winner the final decision shall be made by the Chair of the Migration Law Committee.

Presentation of award

The presentation of the award will be at the 2026 Immigration Law Conference dinner to be held in Brisbane on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

The award

The winner of the award will receive:

• complimentary membership to the Federal Dispute Resolution Section for one year;
• complimentary registration to the 2026 Immigration Law Conference and dinner; and
• flights to Brisbane (if required) and accommodation if located outside of QLD for the evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Contact

Chelsea De Silva
Executive Officer
Federal Dispute Resolution Section
E. chelsea.desilva@lawcouncil.au
T. 02 6246 3722

Last Updated on 28/11/2025

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