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Friday, 22 May 2026

2026 Law Week Award Winners

The ACT Law Society is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Law Week Service Awards and the 2026 Emerging Lawyer of the Year Award, recognising outstanding service, excellence and leadership across the ACT legal profession.

The awards were presented at the ACT Law Society Law Week Awards Gala Dinner, which officially launched Law Week 2026, held from 22–29 May. Law Week is an annual national event held each May to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.

ACT Law Society President Vik Sundar congratulated all recipients and finalists.

“The Law Week Awards celebrate the values that underpin our profession and recognise the people whose dedication and service strengthen the legal profession and the community it serves.”

 “I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who nominated and commend all finalists for the remarkable standard of work recognised this year. The judging panel faced a challenging task in selecting the winners from an exceptional field. “

Mr Sundar also made a special acknowledgment of the recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Service, Andrew Giddings.

“Andrew embodies what the President’s medal represents. Andrew demonstrates an exceptional commitment to service over his entire legal career—giving back to the community, improving access to justice, and strengthening the profession through his professional work and extensive work on Society committees and Council. He exemplifies these values through his integrity, empathy and deep sense of public‑minded leadership. This special President’s Award recognises all that Andrew stands for and honours his steadfast support for both the community and the profession.”

 

The 2026 Law Week Service Award winners are:

 

Andrew Giddings – President's award for outstanding service

Andrew is recognised for his sustained commitment to serving vulnerable children, families and the broader Canberra community. Through his professional practice, extensive contributions to Law Society governance, and continued service in the face of significant personal adversity, he exemplifies integrity, empathy and public‑minded leadership.

 

Jo Twible - For her contribution to the legal profession and community 
Jo is recognised for her long‑standing leadership and advocacy in retirement villages and aged care law. Through more than a decade of contribution to legislative reform and tireless community education, she has strengthened protections for vulnerable older people, improved public understanding of legal rights, and enhanced trust in the legal profession.

 

Ana Anzani - For her contribution to access to justice and legal empowerment
Ana is recognised for her exceptional dedication to access to justice and legal empowerment. By establishing her own practice to expand pro bono work, and through her unwavering advocacy for children, migrants, refugees and victim‑survivors of violence, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to ensuring justice is never limited by financial means.

 

The 2026 Emerging Lawyer of the Year Award winners are:

Xiao Lin King
Xiao Lin is recognised for outstanding legal excellence and leadership in the coronial jurisdiction. Her work on complex inquests, compassionate engagement with families, and commitment to mentoring and systemic improvement reflects maturity, judgment and public service well beyond her years.

 

Caroline Doherty
Caroline is recognised for exceptional professional judgment, independence and leadership potential. Alongside her high‑quality legal practice in complex matters, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring, ethical practice and expanding access to affordable and pro bono legal services.