Community champions honoured with President’s Award
6 Decemeber 2025
Two lawyers committed to ensuring access to justice for people in need have been named as the 2025 recipients of the Law Council of Australia’s President’s Award.
Presenting the President’s Award at last night’s Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said NSW-based lawyer Kirsty Evans and Western Australia’s Dr Robert Guthrie exemplify the contribution lawyers make to our community.
“The President’s Award is an opportunity to recognise those who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in people’s lives,” Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said.
“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.
“The legal profession has a vital role to play in the recovery effort following natural disasters. Lawyers advise on matters such as insurance, tenancy and housing, estate administration and the replacement of lost documents. This work can ease some of the stress and hardship of those affected.
“In the wake of the terrible floods experienced across NSW in 2022, Kirsty helped local businesses in the central west of the state navigate the insurance process and begin to get back on their feet.
“Kirsty provided more than 250 pro bono hours to her community and went on to advocate for national reforms to improve outcomes for the victims of natural disasters in the future.
“Rob has championed access to justice for more than 40 years. He was a founding member of Sussex Street Community Law Service in 1978 and has been consistently involved in the community legal sector ever since.
“Currently he is a Board Member of Circle Green Community Legal. At Circle Green, Rob’s deep knowledge of workers’ compensation and workplace law provides critical support for vulnerable workers, including those suffering psychological injuries or workplace assaults.
“In addition, Rob volunteers as a senior criminal injuries compensation (CIC) consultant with Women’s Legal Service WA.
“Rob has demonstrated an outstanding and sustained commitment to providing pro bono legal work in Western Australia, with a career-long focus on access to justice for vulnerable clients”.
Contact
Kristen Connell
T. 0400 054 227
E. kristen.connell@lawcouncil.au
Last Updated on 11/12/2025