The Australian Academy of Law comprises elected individuals of exceptional distinction in the discipline of law who are committed to the advancement of that discipline and to justice according to law in Australia.  

Membership is by invitation by the Board of Directors following nomination by an existing Fellow, together with a Seconder, and consideration and recommendation by the Membership Committee. Fellows are invited from the practising profession, from legal academia and from the judiciary to facilitate collaboration and constructive debate amongst all sections of the legal community. The Academy thereby provides a bridge between all sections of the legal community.   

The objects of the Academy are to:

• Advance the discipline of law;
• Establish scholarships and research grants;
• Promote excellence in legal scholarship, research, education, and the administration of justice;
• Promote law reform;
• Promote ethical conduct and professional responsibility;
• Enhance the understanding and observance of the rule of law;
• Provide a forum for collaboration and constructive debate amongst all branches of the legal community.

It is important that Fellows consider from time to time other distinguished lawyers who are suitable for nomination as a Fellow. The eligibility criteria are that the person is of exceptional distinction in the discipline of law and demonstrably committed to the objects of the Academy. All Fellows are encouraged to look broadly to nominate candidates and to consider candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Nominations should be forwarded to the AAL Secretariat by 31 August each year.

The AAL expects to elect new Fellows by the end of each calendar year.

The AAL's 2023 annual report has now been published and is to be found here.

LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS 

Australian Academy of Law
First Nations Scholarship 2024

The Australian Academy of Law again offered the AAL First Nations Scholarship tenable in 2024 for a First Nations final year law student.

The successful applicant was UNSW student Mr Kyle Fox, a proud Wiradjuri man currently in his final year at UNSW studying for a Bachelor of Law and Criminology and Criminal Justice.

The amount of the award is A$5000.

The AAL will also offer him a Fellow as a mentor.

Congratulations to Kyle Fox.

The selection panel was Justice Tony Besanko, Federal Court of Australia (Chair); Justice Louise Taylor, Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory; and the Hon Kevin Bell AM KC, former judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, former Commissioner, Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, Victoria.

A small ceremony took place on
28 May at UNSW to congratulate Kyle Fox formally and to hand him his certificate. 

See media release here.