The Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (WLAQ) recognised the achievements and contributions of women across the profession at its annual Awards Dinner on Saturday.
The event brought together 280 members of the profession at Water’s Edge Wedding & Events, to recognise this year’s award finalists and recipients, and to support organisations and initiatives that improve opportunities and outcomes for women.
The awards recognise professional excellence, as well as the contribution women make through leadership, mentoring, and service to their communities.
WLAQ President Kerala Drew said the quality of the 2026 finalists reflected the depth of talent across the Queensland profession.
The finalists came from private practice, the Bar, Legal Aid Queensland, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Queensland Police Service, and included lawyers working in Brisbane and regional Queensland.
They also represented a wide range of career stages, from emerging lawyers through to senior leaders with decades of service to the profession.
The Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by Griffith Law School, Griffith University, was awarded to Shelby Bennett, of Travis Schultz & Partners.
On social media, Travis Schultz & Partners Special Counsel Sarah Grace said the recognition was “incredibly well deserved”.
“Having had the privilege of working alongside Shelby in our Brisbane office, I have seen firsthand not only her intelligence, professionalism and genuine care for clients, but also her talent as a lawyer,” Ms Grace said.
“Shelby has an impressive ability to combine thoughtful legal analysis with practical problem-solving and compassionate client service, qualities that make her a trusted advisor and an exceptional advocate.
“Beyond her practice, Shelby continues to make a meaningful contribution to the profession through her leadership, advocacy and thought leadership, including her work on Lingo & the Law and her role in creating opportunities for emerging lawyers to have a voice in shaping the future of personal injury law.”
The Regional Woman Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by 31 Sturt Chambers, was awarded to Linda Adcock.
Ms Adcock is Senior Principal Lawyer at Legal Aid Queensland’s Bundaberg office.
“This latest honour adds to an exceptional year for Linda, who also recently won Regional Practitioner of the Year at the Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards,” Legal Aid Queensland said on social media.
“Linda is widely respected for her leadership, professionalism and deep commitment to supporting people in the Bundaberg region with their legal matters.”
The Leneen Forde AC Woman Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by the TC Beirne School of Law at The University of Queensland, was awarded to Kathryn McMillan KC.
Ms McMillan is Deputy Chair of the Crime and Corruption Commission and Deputy President of the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The Trailblazer of the Year Award was presented to Allison Langford, Managing Principal at McInnes Wilson Lawyers.
The Woman of Excellence Award was presented to former District Court judge, the Honourable Julie Dick SC.
The dinner also raised a record $9050 through its annual raffle, which supports the Beryl Donkin Memorial Scholarship Fund, RizeUp Australia and Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre.
The Beryl Donkin Memorial Scholarship Fund provides funding towards education and professional development for eligible recipients pursuing careers in law. The scholarship honours Beryl Killen Donkin, a pioneer of Queensland’s legal profession and the first female secretary of a law society in the Commonwealth.
RizeUp Australia supports individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence, including through practical assistance to help people establish safe homes and rebuild their lives.
Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre works with young women, trans and gender-diverse young people who have experienced sexual violence or housing instability, including through counselling, legal support, housing assistance and other practical services.
Ms Drew said the 48th annual dinner was made possible by the support of organisations across the Queensland legal profession and wider community.
“The continued support of sponsors, raffle donors, volunteers and members of the profession is integral to the success of the dinner and to WLAQ’s broader work,” she said.
“For 48 years, the annual Awards Dinner has provided an opportunity for the profession to recognise the contribution of women lawyers.
“That remains important, both in acknowledging what has been achieved and in maintaining a clear focus on improving opportunities for the women who will follow.”
Photos: Florido Weddings
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