Making the shortlist this year is Perth barrister Gregory Malcolm McIntyre SC, the Human Rights Law Resource Centre, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, the Mental Health Legal Centre and the Women's Legal Services NSW.

The winner of the Law Award, as well as the recipients of the 2009 Human Rights Medal, the Young People's Human Rights Medal, and awards in six other categories, will be announced at a gala luncheon to be held at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney on 10 December.

Announcing the nominees, AHRC president Cathy Branson explained that the awards have been established to recognise those working in the legal system who promote equality and assist vulnerable members of the community whose rights may have been overridden or are at risk.

"All those individuals or organisations who nominated for this year's Law Award should be commended for their efforts to promote and advance the human rights in Australia through the practice of law," she said.

To book for the gala luncheon phone (02) 9284 9618 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here for the full shortlist of Human Rights award entries in all seven categories.