WA Lawyer of the Year
Awarded to a lawyer with more than five years’ PAE who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, the community, and/or the practice of law.
Congratulations to our 2025 winner:
Dr Rob Guthrie
Dr Rob Guthrie’s career demonstrates a legacy of legal excellence and community justice. His contributions to Western Australia’s legal system span decades and have left an indelible mark on both legal scholarship and access to justice. He has authored over 100 academic papers and was the founding author of LexisNexis Workers Compensation WA, a leading practitioner text. His major policy reports on workers’ compensation have shaped government reform, and his work as a tribunal member has contributed to the development of jurisprudence in commercial law, social security, and criminal injuries compensation—impacting outcomes for thousands across WA.
Rob’s commitment to justice extends far beyond academia and policy. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening WA’s community legal sector through decades of pro bono service, governance leadership, and training. Organisations such as Circle Green, Women’s Legal Service WA, SCALES and Street Law have benefited from his expertise, helping to ensure that vulnerable people facing workplace exploitation, family and domestic violence, homelessness, or criminal injuries receive high-quality legal support. His work has enhanced both the reach and capacity of these services, building a more accessible and just system.
Rob’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals is equally impactful. For over a decade, he has provided training, support, and supervision to students and early-career lawyers at SCALES, fostering their confidence and ethical commitment. He continues to deliver training and mentoring to Street Law and Women’s Legal Service WA, where he is praised for his generosity, practical wisdom, and collaborative spirit.
Rob exemplifies a lifelong commitment to the values of justice, fairness, and community service. His legal scholarship, policy influence, and practical support for the community legal sector leave a powerful legacy—one that continues to shape the legal profession and ensure greater access to justice for all Western Australians.
Award criteria
The award will be judged on three criteria as follows:
- Sustained excellence: Record of achievement and leadership.
- Legacy: Influence on legal institutions, education, jurisprudence or reform.
- Mentorship: Significant role in guiding or supporting the next generation of legal professionals.
Judging panel 2025
- Clare Thompson SC: Honours Committee member, The Law Society of Western Australia
- The Hon Dr Andrew Lu AM: Honours Committee member, The Law Society of Western Australia
- Gary Mack: President, The Law Society of Western Australia
- Elizabeth Woods, Deputy Chief Magistrate
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
WA Lawyer of the Year (more than five years' experience)
- 2025 – Dr Rob Guthrie
- 2024 – David Davidson
- 2023 – Tom Monks
- 2022 – Funmi Adesina
- 2021 – Peter Le
- 2020 – Lucy Dickens
- 2019 – Dr Carolyn Tan
- 2018 – Haley Allan
- 2017 – Simon Creek and Nicholas van Hattem
- 2016 – Claire Rossi and Glen McLeod
- 2015 – John Fiocco
- 2014 – Melanie Cave
- 2013 – Thomas Percy QC
- 2012 – Denis McLeod and Clare Thompson
- 2011 – Shayla Strapps and Amanda Goodie
- 2009 – Steven Penglis
- 2008 – Dr Johannes Schoombee
