Welcome to the Australian Academy of Law

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. Further information can be accessed here and the Nomination form can be found here.

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.

The AAL has now, with the excellent work of Dr Trischa Mann, edited the papers for publication in book form.

View ordering details

BOOK LAUNCH

The book was launched by The Hon Tom Bathurst AC KC, the former Chief Justice of New South Wales, and The Hon Chief Justice Alan Blow AO, the Chief Justice of Tasmania on Tuesday 16 July 2024 at 5.15 pm (AEST) in Court 13A and then the gallery area outside the Banco Court on Level 13, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Queens Square, Sydney.

LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS 

Australian Academy of Law
First Nations Scholarship 2025

The amount of the award is A$6000.

Closing date for applications is 28 March 2025.

Australian Academy of Law
Research Grant Scheme 2025

Applications are open for an Australian Academy of Law (AAL) Research Grant and may be made by anyone, whether a student (undergraduate or postgraduate), a professional academic, a practitioner or a judicial officer and in each case whether still “in practice” or not. 

The amount available for this financial year is A$25,000.

Applications must be made by 30 April 2025.

Details and Application Form are available here