2026 Excellence Awards Honor Top Queensland Lawyers

The 2026 Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards honored diverse legal practitioners at The Star Brisbane on August 22, recognizing outstanding work across 12 categories.

The awards, highlighting “good law, good lawyers, for the public good,” saw nominations close in June and finalists announced in July. Supporting organizations included The College of Law, Day One Recruitment, Bond University Faculty of Law, Pride in Law, Westpac, First Title, PEXA, ANZ, and Indigenous Lawyers Queensland Inc.

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Ishita Punj, an associate at Jones Day, took home Graduate Lawyer of the Year. She brings practical experience from prior roles in banking, real estate, and energy sectors, and is a founding member of the Australia India Business Council’s Youth Program.

Theresa Jennings, Senior Legal Advisor at Cancer Council Queensland, was named In-house Counsel of the Year. Indi McKeown, an Arts/Laws student at The University of Queensland, received the First Nations Student Award.

Simon (Sam) Tracy, Practice Director at Basic Rights Queensland, received the Access to Justice Award. With seven years’ experience, Tracy represents clients and oversees Centrelink appeals, appearing in parliamentary inquiries, and working on mental health justice initiatives.

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Lander & Rogers received the Pro Bono Team of the Year award for their longstanding practice focused on First Nations justice, climate and just transitions, and gender-based violence.

Julie Howes, Director and Principal Solicitor at LGBTI Legal Service Inc., won the Pride in Law Award. She led the service’s growth, doubling the number of LGBTQIA+ Queenslanders assisted annually, with a focus on regional Queensland.

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Chelsea Baker, Director of Baker Hastings Lawyers, was named QLD Solicitor of the Year – Sole Practitioner. A succession law specialist, Baker is appointed as an Independent Administrator by the Supreme Court of Queensland and recognised as a Rising Star in Doyle’s Guide.

George Sourris, Legal Practice Director at Empire Legal, won QLD Solicitor of the Year – Small Firm. He co-founded the property-focused firm, hosts a property podcast, sits on charity boards, and serves on the Queensland PEXA Practitioner Advisory Council.