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The Australian Disputes Centre has recognised five outstanding members of the ���������¼� Law & Justice community in its 2025 Australian Alternative Dispute Resolution Awards. 

The prestigious awards honour excellence in dispute resolution and the vital contributions of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners to civil society.

“These awards reflect the strength and influence of the ���������¼� community across legal practice, academia, and professional development,” said Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean of ���������¼� Law & Justice. “We are proud to see our colleagues, alumni and partners leading the way in dispute resolution.”

Professor Michael Legg, Director of the ���������¼� Centre for the Future of the Legal Profession, was named Academic of the Year, recognising his leadership and contributions to legal education and research in dispute resolution.

In addition to his teaching and research, Professor Legg led the introduction and ongoing development of ADR within the School of Private and Commercial Law’s core undergraduate course, , and has also integrated ADR principles into his elective course on class actions and complex civil litigation.

“I'm honoured to accept this award. It's a privilege to be recognised for developing a holistic approach to dispute resolution that has become such an important part of the core curriculum. This achievement reflects not just my efforts, but also those of the practitioners, judges and scholars who have made significant contributions to the course’s success,” said Professor Legg. 

���������¼� alumna Judith Levine was inducted into the ADR Hall of Fame, a testament to her distinguished career and impact on the global dispute resolution landscape.

As a , Judith has served as Senior Legal Counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, presiding over high-profile cases. She is known for her sharp legal acumen, impartiality, and ability to navigate complex cross-border disputes. 

Bidjara man and ���������¼� alumnus Damien Barnes was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ADR Practitioner of the Year, in honour of his superior performance as an ADR practitioner and impact on safeguarding cultural heritage.  

Damien is the Managing Director of , a legal and commercial advisory service specialising in infrastructure, construction, and transport. As an NMAS-accredited mediator, Damien is widely recognised for negotiating outcomes that respect project delivery and cultural sensitivities.  

The awards also honoured two leading law firms that generously support the education and professional development of students in our . received the award for ADR Practice Group of the Year (Law Firms), while was recognised as Arbitration Practice Group of the Year.

The ADR Awards are presented annually by the , recognising outstanding achievement and innovation in the field.