WA Government Lawyer of the Year Award
Awarded to a lawyer working in a government department, body or agency (Commonwealth, state or local) who has made a significant contribution to public service during 2024/25.
Winners will be announced at the Law Society’s 2025 Gala Awards Evening on Friday, 7 November 2025. Click here for more information.
Congratulations to our 2025 finalists:
Alison Finn
Alison Finn is a driver of innovation and excellence in Government. In 2024–25, she played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Representing the DPP on an external steering committee, she worked collaboratively with Legal Aid WA, the Mental Health Law Centre, and other justice sector stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective transition. Alison led a complex project to acquit the Director’s transitional obligations under the Act, appearing as counsel in 34 matters across the Supreme, District, and Magistrates Courts. Her significant contribution was formally recognised in a personal letter from the Attorney General.
Internally, Alison developed and distributed key resources, including legal updates, practice guidance, and template submissions to assist State Prosecutors with the new legislation. She continues to guide ODPP preparations for the upcoming introduction of uniform evidence law and is co-developing a trauma-informed prosecution training program.
Alison’s work demonstrates excellence in public service and innovation in legal practice. Her leadership has delivered tangible benefits both within government and to the broader community, particularly by ensuring timely outcomes for persons subject to custody orders under the new law.
She contributes to strategic government objectives through strong relationships with key stakeholders, including WA Police, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime. In 2024–25, she represented the ODPP on critical forums such as the Sexual Assault Legal Service WA and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Strategy Working Group.
Alison’s commitment to good governance is evident through her role in overseeing internal improvements, including an annual audit of the ODPP’s victim consultation processes. Her work exemplifies integrity, accountability, and a dedication to continuous improvement in the delivery of justice.
Kerry Gorski
Kerry Gorski is a champion for people with mental impairment in the justice system. For over six years, Kerry has been a tireless advocate for individuals detained indefinitely under custody orders due to mental impairment. Her entire legal practice has been devoted to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the justice system—many of whom are First Nations or from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and who often face multiple, intersecting challenges including trauma, addiction, and complex mental health or cognitive impairments.
Kerry’s unwavering commitment to this cohort has made a profound difference in the lives of her clients. She provides long-term support, guiding them through legal processes, securing access to treatment and support services, and advocating for progress toward less restrictive conditions and, ultimately, release. Her work offers hope, dignity, and a pathway to a better quality of life for those who are often voiceless.
Kerry is now recognised as a specialist in this highly complex area of law, with clients referred to her by other legal practitioners, government agencies, non-government organisations, and the Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board itself. With the commencement of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023, Kerry has represented a significant portion of the transitional cohort, helping clients navigate the return of their matters to court for the setting of new limiting terms. Throughout this sensitive and often distressing process, Kerry has shown exceptional care and professionalism.
Importantly, Kerry has long worked to uphold the very principles now enshrined in the new legislation: ensuring people with mental impairment are treated with dignity, subject to the least restriction necessary, and provided with the best possible support. Her work gives voice to those who cannot speak for themselves and stands as a powerful example of legal advocacy driven by compassion, justice, and a commitment to human rights.
Lynsey Warbey
Lynsey Warbey is a transformational leader in Public Sector legal practice. With over 25 years in the Western Australian public sector, Lynsey’s career reflects a deep commitment to justice, good governance, and the rule of law. Her work consistently demonstrates a masterful understanding of how government action intersects with individual rights, and she has upheld the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability across senior legal roles in the State Solicitor’s Office (SSO), WA Police, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
As Acting Deputy State Solicitor, Lynsey led the Advisings, Policy and Public Law team during a period of significant legislative reform, including the development and passage of the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) Bill. She oversaw the legal advice that underpinned the legislation and now advises agencies on its implementation, lifting privacy standards and enabling better, safer information-sharing across the State.
Lynsey is a sought-after speaker and mentor, widely respected across government for her expertise in privacy, freedom of information, and administrative law. Her contributions have extended well beyond legal advice—she has restructured legal services at WA Police, implemented the Reportable Conduct Scheme at the Ombudsman’s Office, and led strategic legal responses to Royal Commissions and Coronial Inquests, always balancing legal rigour with human empathy.
Her impact is also personal. Lynsey is a trusted advisor and mentor to colleagues at all levels—within the SSO and across government—fostering the next generation of public sector lawyers with generosity, care, and wisdom. She supports colleagues through complex, often distressing matters, and leads with compassion and clarity.
Lynsey’s leadership, strategic vision, wide-reaching influence and unwavering dedication to public service have transformed legal practice in government.
Award criteria
The award will be judged on three criteria as follows:
- Leadership: Driver of improvement, innovation or excellence within government.
- Impact: Significant contribution to government work with tangible benefits for internal or external stakeholders.
- Public service: Demonstrable commitment to public service in upholding the rule of law.
Judging panel
Clare Thompson SC: Honours Committee member, The Law Society of Western Australia
Kelli King: Director Legal Services, Economic Regulation Authority
Isabel Inkster: Councilor, The Law Society of Western Australia
Michelle Andrews: Former Director General, Department of Communities, Department of Water and Environment Regulation
Important dates
- Nominations open on Friday, 11 July 2025.
- Nominations close at COB on Monday, 18 August 2025.
- Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.
- Award winners will be announced at the Law Society’s 2025 Gala Awards Evening on Friday, 7 November 2025. Click here for more information.
Further information
Contact Member Services on (08) 9324 8692 or email membership@lawsocietywa.asn.au.
Previous Award recipients
Emerging Lawyer of the Year - Practitioner with less than five years experience
- 2024 – Sophie Coffin
- 2023 – Felicia Chan
- 2022 – Monica Vu
- 2021 – Kendra Turner
- 2020 – Heidi Gan and Hamish Glenister
- 2019 – Kelsi Forrest
- 2018 – Tegan Harrington
- 2017 – Krista McMeeken
- 2016 – Michael Geelhoed
- 2015 – Callum Hair
- 2014 – Jessica Bowman and Stephanie Puris
- 2013 – Gary Mack
- 2012 – Tammy Solonec
- 2011 – Breony Allen
- 2009 – Toni Emmanuel
- 2008 – Anna Rakoczy
