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The grant, now in its second year, follows the national firm’s support of a Melbourne-based community legal program in 2025.
Applications are now open for Biglaw firm Clayton Utz’s annual Access to Justice Award, which funds an innovative access to justice program or project.
This year, the Clayton Utz Foundation will award up to $150,000 to an organisation ready to scale an idea, test a new model or strengthen a service that is already making a difference, according to foundation chair Angie Freeman.
“This award is about backing ideas that challenge barriers in new ways and create lasting impact, whether through technology, service design, partnerships or community-led approaches,” she said.
“We’re proud to invest not only in funding, but the capability of our people, to help turn strong ideas into sustainable change.”
The winning project or program will also receive pro bono legal support from Clayton Utz.
Freeman said: “We know the legal assistance sector is rich with expertise, insight and creativity. By combining financial support with pro bono legal expertise, we hope to build long-term partnerships that strengthen the sector as a whole.”
Last year, the grant went towards Inner Melbourne Community Legal’s (IMCL) “Resolving Barriers to Recovery” program. The not-for-profit supports individuals experiencing mental ill health and distress.
Chief executive Nadia Morales highlighted how the grant helped grow the organisation’s services, explaining how IMCL was able to grow its targeted services “to people at really challenging periods of their lives, in a way that is flexible and responsive to their immediate needs.”
“It has meant we can offer urgent support to people in mental health inpatient units to reduce criminalisation through early intervention, prevent evictions from their homes, address family safety concerns, and ensure people can focus on their health and recovery, knowing their legal issues are being addressed.”
Morales said: “We know this model works and that working with this client cohort requires flexibility and responsiveness. The support of Clayton Utz makes this model possible, and gives us the chance to further demonstrate its success.”
Freeman said: “Access to justice is fundamental to a fair society, and it is an area where the legal profession has a particular responsibility. We encourage organisations with bold ideas and a clear plan for impact to put their proposals forward.”
Amelia is a Professional Services Journalist with Momentum Media, covering Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily and Accounting Times. She has a background in technical copy and arts and culture journalism, and enjoys screenwriting in her spare time.
