As the classic It takes Two rang out in City Hall, joint winners were aptly named to share the Access to Justice Award for the first time at the Queensland Law Society’s 2025 Excellence in Law gala.
Amber Buckland, Senior Executive Director, Client and Partner Services at Legal Aid Queensland, and Nadia Bromley, CEO Women’s Legal Service Queensland, received the award as joint winners at Saturday night’s presentation in Brisbane.
Both speakers were passionate about the need for funding and renumeration for those working in community legal centres, women’s and Indigenous legal services, and firms taking on legal assistance work.
“I am deeply honoured to share this award with Nadia,” Amber said. “I also wanted to acknowledge the other finalists in the room tonight. Some of you I have had the privilege of working with, including Nadia, and I have admired you from afar and up close.
“Your commitment to access to justice, your tireless advocacy and the impact of your work are nothing short of inspiring. I have a deep respect for each of you and I share this award with you – literally.
“It is a collective recognition of passion and dedication that we all bring to this work.”
Amber urged practitioners in the room to help meet the rising demand for services.
“Tonight I am asking each of you whether you are a seasoned practitioner, a new graduate or somewhere in between to be part of the solution,” she said. “Think about taking on low bono or pro bono work, your experience can make a life-changing difference.
“This is not just a call to action, it’s a call for solidarity because access to justice is a fundamental component of the rule of law, that is every lawyer’s business, irrespective of which area of law you practise in.
“Every person plays a vital role at Legal Aid Queensland. Their commitment to justice, professionalism and care for our clients is extraordinary. I pinch every day that I am able to come to work – happy and full of joy because of the teams I work with, and the fulfilling work I am able to do.”
Nadia addressed the audience and joked she regretted going second.
“That’s actually not true. I think if you can’t handle following an incredible, talented, passionate woman when you speak then the law is probably not the profession for you,” Nadia said.
Nadia said the award category finalists had more in common than their skills and abilities, it was their choices and “those are the things that define us as lawyers and people”.
“We do this work not because it’s glamourous or – sigh from me – terribly lucrative, it isn’t. We do it because we think it’s important. I do it because I think justice, regrettably unlike too many legal concepts, is actually binary. Either we all have it or no one has it, and that’s why we do this work.”
Nadia thanked WLSQ clients for their “bravery and resilience” that gets her “out of bed every time with energy to burn”.
Emcee and lawyer Corinne Grant.
Emcee and comedian Corinne Grant, who is now a lawyer at The Working Women’s Centre SA Inc, said the speeches were a call to arms.
“Pro bono work is rewarding and incredibly important,” Corinne said. “It is not an exaggeration to say it will change someone’s life.”
Amber is a senior legal professional with over 25 years of experience dedicated to improving access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders. She has held senior leadership roles at Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) and has influenced state and national justice reforms, including contributions to domestic violence legislation and integrated service responses.
Nadia joined WLSQ in early 2022 as CEO. She holds qualifications in law and business. Admitted as a solicitor in 2005, Nadia works closely with a diverse network of organisations, supporters, and individuals who share a common belief in protecting women’s rights. Nadia is deeply committed to ensuring the sustainable provision of legal and social justice.
Tony Conaghan received his award from First
Title’s Gary Lee.
Queensland Solicitor of the Year (Large Firm) Tony Conaghan took the stage to the tune of Ain’t no mountain high enough, and he noted his original song choice of Eagle Rock would have “established his vintage” which would have been “beyond when many in the room were born”.
He thanked the audience for the “kind acclamation” and QLS for “gracious recognition and encouraging, kinds words”.
“At the same time I would to acknowledge the great work of my fellow nominees, congratulations to you all,” Tony said.
A Senior Consultant at Thomson Greer, Tony was the first in his family to attend university and started his legal career in 1976. He had family support on the night with his wife and one of their three sons in attendance.
“I don’t look at this award as one just for myself because I consider I owe such a debt of gratitude to many judges, counsellors, partners, lawyers and clients who helped and guided me through my professional career,” he said.
Tony has been with Thomson Greer since 2011 and is proud of the firm’s national pro-bono program.
Managing Partner and Head of IPT for Australia and New Zealand, Tony has been a mentor to many in his long career demonstrated by his nominate from an article clerk in 1994.
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