Your work is already making an impact. It’s time the profession knew your name.
Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 Awards program recognises Australia’s most outstanding legal professionals aged 30 and under, and celebrates the young lawyers already shaping the profession through exceptional client outcomes, technical excellence, leadership, and innovation.
Whether you’re building your reputation in private practice, in-house, government or at the bar, this is your opportunity to be recognised among Australia’s brightest emerging legal talent.
About the Awards
Recognising the individuals shaping the future of Australian law
Celebrating Australia's most accomplished legal professionals aged 30 and under
The future of the legal profession isn't waiting for tomorrow.
It's already appearing in courtrooms, boardrooms, negotiations, tribunals, and law firms across Australia.
Every day, young lawyers are leading significant matters, advising major clients, driving innovation, mentoring colleagues, and delivering outcomes that rival the profession's most experienced practitioners.
Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 Awards program exists to recognise those achievements.
These awards celebrate the exceptional lawyers aged 30 and under who are making a measurable impact across every corner of the Australian legal profession.
This isn't recognition for years served.It's recognition for excellence delivered.
Being named a finalist or winner places your achievements before partners, general counsel, barristers, firm leaders, employers, clients, and the broader legal profession through Lawyers Weekly's national platform.
Whether you're submitting your own achievements or nominating an exceptional colleague, this is your opportunity to celebrate the next generation of Australia's legal leaders.
30+award categories recognising excellence across Australia's legal profession.
700+lawyers, partners, general counsel, and legal leaders celebrating the profession's rising stars.
National recognitionvia Lawyers Weekly and Australia's largest legal audience.
One defining career momentan accolade that can elevate your professional profile for years to come.
Why enter?
Build a reputation that opens doors
01
Build a reputation that opens doors
Recognition as a Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 finalist or winner tells the profession something important.
It says your work is already standing out.
Whether you're working towards senior associate, special counsel, partnership, an in-house leadership role, or building your long-term career, independent recognition strengthens your professional reputation and differentiates you in an increasingly competitive profession.
It tells employers, clients and peers that your success isn't based on potential alone – it's based on proven performance.
02
Turn your achievements into national recognition
The legal profession is filled with outstanding young lawyers whose achievements often remain known only within their firm or organisation.
Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 Awards provide a national platform to showcase your impact.
Finalists and winners receive extensive recognition in Lawyers Weekly, along with promotional assets that can be shared across LinkedIn, firm websites, media releases, business development materials, and professional networks.
The recognition doesn't finish on awards night.
It continues to strengthen your professional brand long after the trophies are presented.
03
Benchmark yourself against Australia's best
Preparing your submission is an opportunity to reflect on everything you've already achieved.
You'll showcase the matters you've worked on, the clients you've supported, the leadership you've demonstrated and the impact you've made on your firm, organisation or community.
Your achievements will then be assessed by an independent panel of respected leaders and experts in the profession.
There are few opportunities to benchmark yourself against the very best young lawyers in Australia. This is one of them.
Nominations
Know a young lawyer who deserves national recognition?
The lawyers making the biggest impact are often the least likely to promote themselves.
They're focused on delivering exceptional client outcomes, preparing for hearings, meeting impossible deadlines, mentoring junior colleagues, and taking on the next challenge.
A nomination ensures their contribution doesn't go unnoticed.
Nominate an outstanding colleague, employee or industry peer and encourage them to showcase the work that's helping shape the future of Australia's legal profession.
A nomination could become the defining moment in their career.
Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 Awards recognise excellence across the full breadth of the Australian legal profession.
Whether your expertise lies in commercial law, litigation, family law, criminal law, employment, property, tax, in-house practice, government or another specialist discipline, there's a category that reflects your contribution.
Explore the categories and choose the one that best showcases your achievements.
Entries officially open across all Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards categories.
Friday, 23 October 2026
Nominations close
Final opportunity to nominate an outstanding young lawyer for national recognition.
Friday, 23 October 2026
Submissions close
All entries must be completed and submitted through the awards portal. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
Thursday, 19 November 2026
Finalists announced
The 2027 finalists will be revealed exclusively via Lawyers Weekly.
Friday, 26 February 2027
Awards gala
Australia’s brightest young legal professionals come together for a black-tie celebration as Lawyers Weekly’s 30 Under 30 2027 winners are announced.
Your career is already making an impact. Now let the profession recognise it.
You've earned the trust of clients, delivered results under pressure, built expertise, taken on responsibility, and proven yourself well beyond your years.
Now’s your opportunity to stand alongside Australia's most exceptional young lawyers.
And if you know someone whose work deserves recognition, make sure their achievements don't go unnoticed.
