“UTS gave me the practical foundation and the intellectual courage to pursue a career in human rights law. It was at UTS, as a student and teacher that I saw how the law could be a tool for justice—and that belief has guided me ever since.”
Kate Eastman AM SC
Law Award 2025
At a glance
- Distinguished human rights lawyer championing justice and equality.
- Advocate for survivors, children with disability, vulnerable groups.
- Leader in legal reform and gender equity.
- National and international human rights law educator.
Kate Eastman AM SC studied a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, 1991; Master of Law, 1997; 2022 Doctor of Laws (Honoris causa)
Kate Eastman AM SC is one of Australia’s most distinguished human rights lawyers and a trailblazer in the legal profession. With a career spanning over three decades, she has consistently championed justice, equality, and access to the law for society’s most vulnerable. From representing victim-survivors of sexual harassment and sexual violence to advocating for children with disability seeking access to education, her legal work has had transformative impact both nationally and globally.
A graduate of UTS with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (1991) and a Master of Laws (1997), Kate has remained closely connected to the university through mentoring and teaching (between 1995 – 2010). Her leadership in reforming the gender pay gap at the Bar and her role in shaping equitable briefing policies have opened doors for women and diverse practitioners across the legal profession.
Kate’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. She co-founded Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, represented Australian NGOs in the UN negotiations for the International Criminal Court, and served as Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. She is currently a Law Reform Commissioner with the New South Wales Law Reform Commission. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia and the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Human Rights.
A passionate educator, Kate has taught human rights law at UTS, Monash University, and internationally. Her dedication to justice and reform exemplifies the values of UTS and its commitment to social impact.
Explore
UTS School of Design graduates Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorsten established their eponymous label Bec + Bridge almost two decades ago in 2001, while they were still students.
Hugh Jackman completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at UTS. He says "My passion and fire for learning was lit at UTS"
Dr Anna Funder gained her Doctorate of Creative Arts at UTS. Her best-selling novel All that I Am, was born in the UTS Tower.
While you may have heard of her inclusive performance style, ongoing charity advocacy (and maybe even her 2020 UTS Young Alumni Award), most people don’t know that Emma is also a skilled filmmaker – having graduated from UTS with a Master of Media Arts Production in 2012.
UTS School of Design graduates Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorsten established their eponymous label Bec + Bridge almost two decades ago in 2001, while they were still students.
Hugh Jackman completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at UTS. He says "My passion and fire for learning was lit at UTS"
Dr Anna Funder gained her Doctorate of Creative Arts at UTS. Her best-selling novel All that I Am, was born in the UTS Tower.
While you may have heard of her inclusive performance style, ongoing charity advocacy (and maybe even her 2020 UTS Young Alumni Award), most people don’t know that Emma is also a skilled filmmaker – having graduated from UTS with a Master of Media Arts Production in 2012.