Young Lawyers' Committee

16/02/2026

Introducing the 2026 Young Lawyers Committee (SA)

We’re delighted to introduce the 2026 Young Lawyers Committee for South Australia, a passionate and diverse group of practitioners committed to supporting, representing, and connecting young lawyers across the profession.
Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Committee members:

🔸Alex Beal — HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
🔸 Samuel Beltrame — Shine Lawyers
🔸 Emily Bosco — Hume Taylor & Co
🔸Sumati Chakravarti-Cook — Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
🔸Shannon Collins — Richard Solomon Commercial Lawyers
🔸 Murtaza Dostdar — Uniting Communities Law Centre
🔸 Cameron Henderson — Devonish, Harris & Henderson (Co-Chair)
🔸 Olivia Hibberd — HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
🔸 Sophie Hilditch — Barry Nilsson
🔸 Molly Shanahan — Snow Legal (Co-Chair)
🔸Julia Weltner — Stanley & Co Lawyers
🔸Chloe Winter — HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

We look forward to the energy, ideas, and leadership this Committee will bring in 2026 as they advocate for and support South Australia’s young lawyers. 👏⚖️

12/02/2026

Join us for the annual Young Lawyers Long Lunch in beautiful McLaren Vale, hosted by the Young Lawyers Committee. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy a full day of wine, food, and great company in one of South Australia’s most iconic wine regions.

Your ticket includes:
🚌 Return bus transport
🍇 Wine tasting & nibbles at Coriole Vineyards
🍷 First drink at Mitolo
🍽️ Long lunch at Joe’s at Sabella

Event Schedule
🕙 10:00am — Shuttle pick-up from Parkside Hotel (142 Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide)
🕚 11:00am–12:30pm — Wine tasting at Coriole Vineyards
🕐 12:45pm–2:00pm — Casual visit & drinks at Mitolo
🕑 2:15pm–5:00pm — Long lunch at Joe’s at Sabella
🕔 5:00pm — Return shuttle to Parkside Hotel

Members: $95 | Non-members: $120

Registrations close COB Wednesday, 25 February, places are limited to finalise venue bookings, so secure your spot here: https://ow.ly/WNPF50Ye9ls

Thank you to our sponsors, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment and Caldicott + Isaacs Lawyers

27/01/2026

📅 2026 is shaping up nicely…

Long lunches, premium events, the Gala, plus we are hosting the National Golden Gavel Competition this year!

Mark your diaries now and keep an eye out for registrations opening throughout the year. We can’t wait to see you there.👀

16/12/2025

The Honourable Chief Justice Chris Kourakis SC has publicly announced his resignation, to come into effect on 19 February 2026.

We congratulate His Honour on his exceptional 13-year tenure as Chief Justice of South Australia and his distinguished legal career spanning more than 40 years.

As the only former South Australian Law Society President to become Chief Justice, His Honour has led with integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Under his leadership, the courts have become more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community.

His Honour has been a champion of innovation, overseeing the implementation of one of Australia’s most advanced electronic court management systems, and has actively guided the profession through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings.

Chief Justice Kourakis has also been a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and respectful workplaces within the legal profession. From supporting the first appointments of First Nations Australians to the Magistrates Court, to establishing programs bridging the gender divide at the Bar, his efforts have strengthened the profession and the justice system for all.

We thank Chief Justice Kourakis for his visionary leadership, dedication to justice, and profound contribution to the legal community. His legacy will leave a lasting impact on courts, practitioners, and the broader South Australian community.

21/11/2025

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership

The Law Society of South Australia proudly acknowledges and thanks Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment for an incredible 20 years of sponsorship and support of the Young Lawyers’ Committee (SA).

As Australia’s leading specialist in legal recruitment, Burgess Paluch has been a steadfast supporter of young lawyers and the broader legal community in South Australia. Their very first sponsored event was the 2005 New Lawyers’ Ball, held on Friday, 12 August 2005 at the National Wine Centre marking the beginning of a special and enduring partnership.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Paul Burgess, Director of Burgess Paluch, who has been placing lawyers in Adelaide firms and in-house teams for 25 years — and sponsoring the Young Lawyers’ Committee for 20 of those!

Thank you, Paul and the team at Burgess Paluch, for your long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and for being such a valued partner in the Law Society’s history.

12/11/2025

Hosted by the Young Lawyers’ Committee, join us for a fun and relaxed evening of lawn bowls, networking, and festive cheer to celebrate the end of the year.

Connect with colleagues and peers, unwind after a busy 2025, and enjoy a great night of friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome!

Registration includes three hours of lawn bowls and canapés.
Members: $50.00 |Non-Members: $70.00

Register now via the Education & Events link in our bio 🔗
https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/site/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=MCS271125Y

A big thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support. Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment

19/06/2025

19/05/2025

It's that time of year again! Time to nominate yourself or your funniest colleague to compete in the 2025 Golden Gavel Competition! 📣

If you think you’ve got what it takes to make a room full of fellow young lawyers break into fits of laughter, we want to hear from you! Apply today for your chance at being crowned the 2025 Golden Gavel South Australian Champion.

📆Thursday 14 August | 6:00pm | Rhino Room, Adelaide

Competitors will have five minutes to display their comedic skills in front of a panel of judges. Each competitor will receive their topic 24-hours before the competition.
The winner will represent South Australia at the 2025 National Golden Gavel Competition later this year (flights & accommodation provided).
To register your interest, please email [email protected]

Thank you again to our event sponsor, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment

01/05/2025

Thank you to all who attended yesterday morning’s Young Lawyers Breakfast event hosted by our Young Lawyers' Committee

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Her Honour Judge Emily Telfer of the District Court of South Australia, for her insightful presentation on courtroom etiquette, the value of politeness, and the courage it takes to own our mistakes. Her most powerful message reminded us all that kindness is not a weakness, but a strength we should strive to uphold.

We hope everyone enjoyed breakfast with colleagues and peers before starting the working day and look forward to seeing everyone at another young lawyers event soon.

Thank you to our event sponsors,
Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment FinSec Partners legalsuper

28/04/2025

Get ready for a night of celebration and dancing at the annual Young Lawyers’ Gala, hosted by the Law Society’s Young Lawyers’ Committee.

Enjoy delicious canapés, a 5-hour drinks package, beats by DJ Tommy, and capture the fun with our interactive photobooth—all set in the Conservatory at Ayers House. This is the biggest night of the year for young legal professionals—don’t miss your chance to mix, mingle, and make memories.

🎟 Early Bird Pricing is available until 13 May 2025 unless sold out. The 2024 Young Lawyers' Gala sold out very quickly, so get your tickets as soon possible!

Members & Guests: $100 | Non-Members: $130

Register here 👉
https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/site/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=MCS130625

Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment

30/01/2025

Yesterday, the Young Lawyers' Committee and Wallmans Lawyers hosted the sold-out panel discussion titled "CPD on CPDs"
It was a great opportunity to hear from experienced lawyers, Adriana Mainas from the Law Society of South Australia; Chris Wellington from Wallmans Lawyers and Brittany Duregon from Mellor Olssons who all shared many great practical tips and advice on CPD requirements, the CPD process, unit system, tips for recording units, and the auditing process.
Thank you to those who attended, we hope you find it valuable when submitting your compliance for the MCPD year ending 31 March.
For more information on the MCPD Scheme and Rules, including how lodge compliance, please click here https://ow.ly/KYKR50UPYWI

Thank you to our sponsors, Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment FinSec Partners legalsuper

30/09/2024

Only 6 tickets left for the Young Lawyers Long Lunch!
Grab yours now 🔽🔽🔽

Join us for the annual Young Lawyers Long Lunch in the beautiful McLaren Vale, hosted by the Young Lawyers Committee. Relax and connect with your peers while enjoying a day filled with wine tasting and a long lunch in one of South Australia's most renowned wine regions.

Registration includes all bus transport, Coriole Vineyards wine tasing and nibbles, first drink at Beresford Estate and long lunch at Pizzateca. Any extra drinks including those at lunch must be purchased from the venues.

🚌 10:30am: Bus departs from The Crown and Sceptre Hotel
🍷11:30am - 1:15pm: Wine tasting at Coriole Vineyards
🍷1:30pm - 2:30pm: Casual visit and drinks at Beresford Estate
🍕 2:45pm - 5:15pm: Long Lunch at Pizzateca
🚌 5:30pm: Bus departs from Pizzateca and drops guests back to The Crown and Sceptre Hotel in the city.

Seats are strictly limited to 40 guests. Registration closes COB Wednesday, 9 October to finalise venue bookings, so please register early here : https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/Public/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=MCS191024


Members: $95.00
Non-Members: $120.00

Thank you to our sponsors:

Major Sponsor of the Young Lawyers Committee : Burgess Paluch Legal Recruitment
Supporting Sponsors of the Young Lawyers Committee: Finsec Partners legalsuper
Sponsor of the Young Lawyers Long Lunch: Caldicott + Isaacs Lawyers