The ASRC’s legal principal wins John Gibson AM Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year

The Law Council of Australia has announced refugee advocate Melinda Jackson as the 2016 John Gibson AM Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year.

Ms Jackson was presented the award by Christian Bell, National Sales Manager of Migration Manager and John Emmerig, Chair of the Law Council of Australia’s Federal Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section in Melbourne on 11th March.

Law Council of Australia President Stuart Clark AM said the award was going to an outstanding young lawyer.

“Melinda’s tireless advocacy for refugees is renowned,” Mr Clark said.

“She has devoted not just her professional career, but also so much of her time outside of her employment, to the cause.

“I know the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre was thrilled when Melinda decided to move from private practice in November into her current roles as principal lawyer of the ASRC.

“She has been a valued contributor to a range of papers and submissions for both the Law Council and the Law Institute of Victoria and I hope her work in this area continues long into the future.”

Mr Clark noted Ms Jackson’s role as Chair of the Refugee Committee of the Law Institute of Victoria and, through it, her work as Chair of the Legacy Caseload Working Group, a group of not-for-profit and commercial migration lawyers and various associations in the field.

“Bringing together the Caseload Working Group is critical to finding ways to link people with legal assistance when there is limited and, in many cases, no legal funding,” Mr Clark said.

“Melinda has been completely dedicated in her efforts to constructively address this problem and many others. This award represents the well-deserved acknowledgement and acclaim of her peers.”

Melinda’s award honours John Gibson AM (1950–2012), one of Australia’s most admired advocates, who was unceasing in his efforts to promote the rights of refugees and asylum seekers for over 25 years.

About the ASRC Human Rights Law Program

The Human Rights Law Program (HRLP) is an accredited community legal centre working the ASRC to provide free, expert immigration legal advice and representation to people seeking asylum. The legal team, comprising 10 solicitors and 170 legal volunteers also engage in policy and law reform, as well as community legal education and training.

In the 2014/2015 the HRLP assisted more than 1,494 clients and offered more 2,987 appointments.