BigLaw firm awards inaugural Indigenous Law Scholarship
Holding Redlich has named a Cairns student as the inaugural recipient of the CQUniCares Indigenous Law Scholarship, which has been called “instrumental” in furthering First Nations law students.
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Sponsored by Holding Redlich, the CQUniCares Indigenous Law Scholarship provides recognition and financial support to one First Nations student studying a law-related undergraduate course in North Queensland. The annual scholarship provides the successful recipient with a $5,000 contribution to support the completion of their degree.
The inaugural recipient of the scholarship this year is Cairns bachelor of laws student Dionne Singleton, who has worked in the legal industry for 15 years and hopes to use the law to give back to the community.
Ms Singleton is a descendant of the Kalkadoon people of Mount Isa and Jirrbal people of the Tablelands, with strong connections to the Yirrganydji people of Cairns through marriage.
Holding Redlich national managing partner Ian Robertson AO congratulated Ms Singleton.
“Holding Redlich is committed to investing in clearer pathways for First Nations law students,” he said.
“Partnering with Central Queensland University to offer this scholarship is just one step we are taking to support and work alongside First Nations law students.”
CQUniversity head of course for law, Dr Lance Rundle, said the university is “very proud” to be collaborating with the firm to launch the new scholarship.
“This scholarship will greatly assist First Nations law students to have a more equitable pathway into the legal profession,” he said.
“I would like to thank Holding Redlich for their support with this and other professional initiatives the firm has undertaken.”
Holding Redlich pro bono lawyer and First Nations adviser Nareeta Davis added that the scholarship is “instrumental” in helping First Nations students enter the law profession.
“Australia’s legal profession is in need of more First Nations voices. In the years to come, it’s vital that universities, government and law firms invest in a clearer and well-supported pathway for First Nations law students,” she said.
“Beyond this scholarship’s financial contributions, we will continue to connect and engage with Dionne throughout her degree by checking in with her every term, welcoming her to the firm’s work and social events and providing study space at our offices.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.