Basic Rights Queensland Practice Director Sam Tracy was not just celebrating an award at Saturday night but the transformational change access to justice can make to vulnerable people.
With a decade of experience and leadership in civil and administrative law focusing on discrimination and human rights, Mr Tracy received the 2026 Access to Justice Award at the Queensland Law Society’s Excellence in Law gala.
He has presented at Economic Justice Australia, Community Legal Centres Australia, and the National Access to Justice and Pro Bono Conferences.
“Access to justice is worth celebrating, and when it’s done well, the impact can be transformative,” Mr Tracy said.
“Our free legal clinics to First Nations communities on country across this state, they transform economic insecurity and they help all of our responsibility to close the gap.
“Our advocacy for the rights of victims, survivors of sexual harassment and assault, it transforms the outcomes so that women are not silenced but have their voice.”
In 2025, with pro bono partners Hall & Wilcox, the Discrimination and Human Rights Team that Mr Tracy leads achieved important judicial review success in the Supreme Court of Queensland which reinforced local council obligations to the human rights of the homeless.
“And our recent success in the Supreme Court in upholding the human rights of the homeless, it’s led to councils designating supported free camping sites,” he said to rousing applause from the 400-strong audience in Brisbane.
“That has transformed the approach from moving people on to providing somewhere to go.
“I’m incredibly proud of this work and this recognition tonight and I sincerely dedicate this award to my team at Basic Rights.”
Following on from a joke by gala emcee Julian Morrow, Jamie-Lee Duckworth spoke first on behalf of Lander & Rogers, who received the Pro Bono Team of the Year award.
“I apologise if I sound exceptionally nervous,” the Pro Bono Lead (Brisbane) said.
“I was actually going to let the partner swoop in and take all the credit, but I thought it would be worthwhile saying a couple words.
“Thank you to the Queensland Law Society and also thank you to the wonderful community organisations that we get to work with every single day.
“A special shout-out to the Human Rights Law Centre Whistleblower Project, Women’s Legal Service Queensland, Orange Sky, so many of you, very grateful to work for you.”
Ms Duckworth also spoke from a personal point of view.
“I’m also very, very fortunate to work at a firm who really prioritises pro bono work,” she said.
“And it reminds me every day why I chose the law.
“As someone who came from a very disadvantaged background, I’m very grateful to be giving back to the various communities.”
Partner Vince Rogers the stepped forward saying, “Well said, Jamie-Lee.”
“And I just want to congratulate the other finalists, both in this category and also the access to justice. Well done.”
Thanking a fellow finalist had extra meaning for In-house Counsel of the Year Award winner Theresa Jennings, as another co-finalist was her long-time Cancer Council Queensland colleague Samantha Lennox.
“This is an absolute honour,” said Ms Jennings, who started at CCQ as a student volunteer.
“Thank you to the QLS for putting on this beautiful night. It was absolutely amazing.
“So first of all I’d like to thank Samantha Lennox who was also a finalist with me tonight.
“Samantha said yes to me volunteering with her 11 years ago now.
“So Samantha and I have worked together for a very long time.”
Ms Jennings provides advice across contracts, intellectual property, deceased estates and privacy compliance.
Outside of the office, she is a founding member of the Queensland Law Society’s Disability and Accessibility Network and is current Co-Chair of the QLS Equity and Diversity Committee. She was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at 11.
“Thank you to Julie and Karen at the QLS for supporting and encouraging me with my disability and accessibility network,” she said.
Ms Jennings has contributed to law reform discussions, including a submission to the Chief Justice of Queensland on court accessibility. CCQ also hosts law graduates as part of pro bono secondment schemes.
Proctor will feature all QLS Excellence in Law Award winners this week
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