Outstanding student awarded prestigious scholarship

The Hon. Alan Robertson SC and Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean of UNSW Law & Justice, presented Kyle Fox with the 2024 Australian Academy of Law First Nations Scholarship at a recent event on campus.

Kyle is a proud Wiradjuri man in his final year of studying a Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice / Law. In addition to his studies, Kyle is employed as a cadet at the Public Defenders Chambers and appointed as a law and criminology tutor at Nura Gili. 

Kyle is also a research assistant on UNSW Law & Justice projects and initiatives, developing teaching materials and content to embed Indigenous voices and perspectives in the Faculty's subjects, and has contributed to the Bugmy Bar Book, an evidence-based resource for lawyers and policymakers that clarifies the experiences of Indigenous people involved in the legal system.

Jason O'Neil, Director of Indigenous Legal Education at UNSW Law & Justice, says he is immensely proud to see Kyle recognised with this prestigious scholarship.

"The award not only recognises Kyle's exceptional achievements and dedication to his studies but also his commitment to Indigenous justice and giving back to community. I have no doubt Kyle will continue to shine brightly and make ongoing meaningful contributions to the legal profession."

Kyle is focused on becoming a barrister and aspires to be a trusted advocate and voice for First Nations peoples. He says the scholarship will greatly assist and facilitate his postgraduate ambitions and commitment to the law, starting with Criminal Law and Constitutional and Native Title Law.

"I find the ideas and challenges that the discipline of law raises intellectually addictive and totally engrossing. I've always been drawn to the art of advocacy and the ability to express legal issues with clarity and precision in court," he says.

"More fundamentally, a career at the Bar will enable me to protect my people, as they face legal challenges in many areas of law. I understand that if an advocate does not expose these issues in court, any chance of a fair trial and due process is undermined for my people."

Justice Tony Besanko, Chair of the Australian Academy of Law (AAL) scholarship judging panel, says Kyle's dedication to his studies and impressive commitment to extra-curricular legal work made him an excellent candidate for this year's award.

"The applications received by the Panel were of a high standard. Kyle's application was outstanding, and we had no hesitation in recommending him for the First Nations Scholarship. We wish Kyle and the other applicants all the best in their further studies and careers."

The AAL judging panel included Justice Louise Taylor, Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory, and the Hon. Kevin Bell AM KC, former judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria and former Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria.

The Australian Academy of Law was established in 2007 to promote high standards of learning, conduct, and appropriate collegiality across the profession. The esteemed First Nations Scholarship provides funding and mentorship with an Academy Fellow for the final year of a law degree. Visit academyoflaw.org.au for more information.