Bird & Bird Indigenous Student Leadership Prize

UTS Law is proud to announce applications are now open for the Bird & Bird Indigenous Student Leadership Prize! Our inaugural award recognises the outstanding achievements, vision, and leadership of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law students.

The $1,000 prize, in partnership with Global law firm Bird & Bird, reflects a shared commitment to empowering Indigenous leaders in the legal profession. Together, Bird & Bird and UTS are proud to celebrate and amplify the voices of students whose leadership is making a difference both on campus and in the wider community.

This partnership forms part of UTS’s ongoing dedication to supporting Indigenous excellence and leadership through targeted programs, prizes, and scholarships.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The prize is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently enrolled in the UTS Faculty of Law who:

1. Can be identified and recognised as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and provide either:
   • A Confirmation of Aboriginality from a Local Aboriginal Land Council or other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation;
   • or a UTS Statutory Declaration form accompanied by two written references from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from the applicant’s community who can confirm their identity and are not an immediate family member;
2. Currently in their penultimate or final year of study;
3. Have maintained an academic grade of Credit (65+) or higher
4. Demonstrate proven leadership within the UTS and/or broader community, and
5. Academic Merit

Applications of shortlisted candidates will be presented to a Prize Selection Panel, which will undertake the selection of Recipient. The selection panel will be made up of the Faculty of Law’s Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) (Chair), the Director of Students, and the Donor. Offers will be authorised by the Dean (or nominee) Faculty of Law based on the recommendation of the Selection Committee.