National Access to Justice and Pro Bono Conference 2025
by Law Council of Australia, Law Institute of Victoria, Australian Pro Bono Centre
The National Access to Justice and Pro Bono Conference 2025 is a premier event dedicated to addressing Australia's escalating justice crisis. Organized collaboratively by the Law Council of Australia, the Law Institute of Victoria, and the Australian Pro Bono Centre, the conference aims to unite legal professionals in advocating for systemic reform and empowering communities.
The conference will cover a range of critical topics, including transforming the justice system, truth-telling for transformational justice, ending gender-based violence, and the future of access to justice lawyering. Sessions will feature esteemed speakers such as Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, and Dr. Tessa Boyd-Caine, CEO of ANROWS, who will share their insights and strategies for advancing access to justice.
Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, including a welcome reception supported by King & Wood Mallesons. The event will also feature panel discussions and keynote addresses from notable figures in the legal and human rights sectors, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals, including private practitioners, representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, Community Legal Centres, Legal Aid Commissions, and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services. Participants will gain valuable insights, strategies, and collaborative networks to amplify their impact in advocating for meaningful change in the justice system.
Categories
Speakers(17)
Antoinette Braybrook AM
CEO at Djirra
Antoinette Braybrook AM is the CEO of Djirra, advocating for the rights and safety of Aboriginal women.
Bill Nicholson
Wurundjeri Elder
Bill Nicholson is a respected Wurundjeri Elder, contributing to cultural education and community leadership.
Camilla Pandolfini
CEO at Redfern Legal Centre
Camilla Pandolfini is the CEO of Redfern Legal Centre, dedicated to providing free legal services to disadvantaged communities.
Chris Owen
Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
Chris Owen is a legal professional at Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, focusing on climate change, disaster response, and access to justice.
Chris Povey
CEO at Justice Connect
Chris Povey is the CEO of Justice Connect, with over 20 years of experience in legal practice and a focus on the future of access to justice lawyering.
Cindy Penrose
Non-Executive Director at WEstjustice; Former Chief Executive Officer, Yoorrook Justice Commission
Cindy Penrose is a Non-Executive Director at WEstjustice and former CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, focusing on legal assistance and justice reform.
Dominic Woolrych
CEO at LawPath
Dominic Woolrych is the CEO of LawPath, leading innovations in legal services and access to justice.
Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine
CEO at ANROWS
Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine is the CEO of ANROWS, leading efforts to end gender-based violence through research and policy advocacy.
Hugh de Kretser
President at Australian Human Rights Commission
Hugh de Kretser is the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, with over two decades of experience in human rights, community law, and law reform.
Jon Faine AM
Lawyer, Broadcaster & Writer
Jon Faine AM is a lawyer, broadcaster, and writer known for his insightful commentary on social and legal issues.
Karly Warner
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
Karly Warner is associated with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, working towards improving legal assistance for Indigenous communities.
Lynne Haultain
Executive Director at Victoria Law Foundation
Lynne Haultain is the Executive Director of the Victoria Law Foundation and a former ABC journalist, offering perspectives on social contracts and civic engagement.
Matthew Hibbins
President at Law Institute of Victoria
Matthew Hibbins is the President of the Law Institute of Victoria, leading initiatives to support the legal profession.
Rona Glynn-McDonald
Director & Strategic Advisor at Common Ground First Nations
Rona Glynn-McDonald is a Kaytetye woman and Director & Strategic Advisor at Common Ground First Nations, focusing on storytelling as a tool for justice.
Rueben Berg
CEO at First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria
Rueben Berg is the CEO of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, advocating for the rights and recognition of First Nations people.
Tania Wolff AccS(Crim)
Tribunal Member, VCAT; Director, First Step Legal; and President Elect at Law Council of Australia
Tania Wolff AccS(Crim) is a Tribunal Member at VCAT, Director at First Step Legal, and President Elect of the Law Council of Australia.
Travis Lovett
Deputy Chair and Commissioner at Yoorrook Justice Commission
Travis Lovett is the Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, involved in truth-telling and justice initiatives.
Event Details
- Date
- October 30, 2025
- Location
- 🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia
- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal professionals, including private practitioners, representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, Community Legal Centres, Legal Aid Commissions, and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- Over 300 attendees