WA Legal Innovation of the Year Award
Awarded to a legal team that has pioneered an innovative practice, technology, or model of service delivery in the legal sector that is redefining how law is practised and how services are delivered.
The scope of this category could encompass a range of initiatives, including wellbeing programs, working arrangements, technological innovations and others. It can apply to any individual, team or firm in in the legal sector including those who are not lawyers.
Congratulations to our 2025 winner:
Leave Safe Stay Safe – Redgum Justice & Regional Alliance West
Leave Safe Stay Safe (LSSS) is transforming lives with holistic support for women survivors of family violence in WA prisons. This program is a groundbreaking pilot initiative launched in 2023 to support women in Bandyup Women’s Prison and Greenough Regional Prison who are victims of family violence. Developed in partnership between Redgum Justice, Regional Alliance West, the Victims of Crime Office, and the Department of Justice, LSSS delivers a holistic model that integrates legal and non-legal services to address the full spectrum of each woman’s needs.
The primary goals of the program are to reduce violence against women and to break cycles of reoffending. Central to the initiative is a 12-week intensive group program facilitated by Aboriginal Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) workers and FDV specialists. Participants explore key topics such as coercive control, red flags, understanding family violence, its impacts, and strategies for breaking the cycle.
Over the past two years, legal teams have delivered more than 150 legal services to these highly complex clients, covering matters including criminal injuries compensation; family law and children’s matters; child protection; divorce and separation; and family violence restraining orders.
Independent audits by ACSAR and the Office of Crime Statistics have reported remarkable results: 100% of participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, confidence, and a greater sense of safety post-release.
Bandyup Prison has noted a clear reduction in violence among women participating in the program, with many now actively using de-escalation skills to manage conflict. Greenough Prison reported that in the first year of the program, there were zero violent incidents involving LSSS participants—an extraordinary achievement.
Despite being a small, modestly funded initiative, Leave Safe Stay Safe is delivering exceptional outcomes, proving that targeted, culturally informed support can create real and lasting change for women impacted by family violence.
Award criteria
The award will be judged on three criteria as follows:
- Innovation: Development or implementation of new tools, models, or services in legal practice.
- Problem solving: Addressing critical issues relating to access, efficiency, or client experience.
- Disruption with integrity: Positive disruption aligning with legal ethics and social good.
Judging panel 2025
- The Hon Dr Andrew Lu AM: Honours Committee member, The Law Society of Western Australia
- Angie Gimisis: Junior Vice President, The Law Society of Western Australia
- Nick Stamatiou: CEO and Managing Director, Radian Global
- Kate Offer: Associate Professor (Adjunct), Law School, UWA
Important dates
- Nominations open on Friday, 11 July 2025.
- Nominations close at COB on Monday, 18 August 2025.
- Unfortunately late submissions cannot 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 Legal Innovation of the Year
- 2025 – Leave Safe Stay Safe – Redgum Justice & Regional Alliance West
