The Law Society of Western Australia has announced the finalists for the 2026 Annual Awards, recognising outstanding achievement, leadership and service across the legal profession.
The annual awards celebrate lawyers who have demonstrated excellence in their practice, made significant contributions to the profession and community, and embraced innovation in the delivery of legal services.
The Law Society received a strong field of nominations across this year’s award categories.
Lawyer of the Year (more than five years’ experience)
- Elle de Koning, formerly of RUAH
- Karen Farley SC, Legal Aid WA
- Jenny Thornton, Clyde & Co
Emerging Lawyer of the Year (less than five years’ experience)
- Aidan Maximo, Baily Family Law
- Melanie Yarnall, RUAH
- Luella Zaltsman, Street Law Centre WA Inc
Government Lawyer of the Year
- Karen Farley SC, Legal Aid WA
- Peter Le, City of Swan
- Jon Stynes, VenuesWest
In-House Counsel of the Year
- Christina Araujo, Indigenous Desert Alliance
- Kitty Chen, Sandvik
- Sam Gillis, Gold Fields
Legal Innovation of the Year
- Aboriginal Family Legal Service – Corina Martin OAM
- Aimee Barton, Murdoch University
- Pilbara Community Legal Service & Karratha Legal Alliance – Nerys Lloyd
Regional Practitioner of the Year
- Lucy Howard, Legal Aid WA
- David Markovich, Markovich Legal
- Jasmine Pavan, Women’s Legal Service WA
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Gala Awards Evening on Friday, 4 September, at Crown Perth. Bookings are now open.
The finalists for the 2026 Law Access Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award have also been announced, recognising lawyers who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to providing pro bono legal services to the Western Australian community.
This year’s finalists are:
- Dr Steven Churches
- Gemma McGrath
- Ziya Zarifi
The winner will be announced alongside the Attorney General’s Community Service Law Awards at the Gala Awards Evening on 4 September.
The Law Society congratulates all finalists and thanks everyone who submitted nominations. Their achievements reflect the depth of talent, commitment and professionalism across Western Australia’s legal profession.
