Jump to winners | Jump to methodology
The fourth edition of Australasian Lawyer’s Most Influential Lawyers showcases the professionals making a demonstrable impact on the national legal landscape.
The 2024 list celebrates 47 influential lawyers who have delivered positive outcomes in support of their peers and the industry.
Nationwide nominations were invited, and AL’s research team determined the successful candidates who met the standard and were as part of legal categories including those specialising in business, being active changemakers, working in government and non-profit organisations, leading in human rights advocacy and young legal influencers under 40.
Detailing what it means to be deemed influential, Megan Gallagher,senior consultant – legal, risk and compliance at recruitment firm Robert Walters, says, “It’s no secret that the work of a lawyer is demanding and relentless. When I think about what makes someone an influential lawyer in 2024, the first qualities that come to mind are drive, a strong work ethic and a proactive attitude. My clients consistently mention these traits when hiring lawyers.”
And she adds, “Beyond these fundamentals, influential lawyers need excellent communication skills, the ability to think strategically and a knack for problem-solving. They must also be adept at navigating the complexities of the legal landscape, staying updated with the latest developments, and demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices.”
The latest and sixth National Profile commissioned by the Law Society of New South Wales on behalf of the Conference of Law Societies shows a 57% rise in the number of practising solicitors in Australia since 2011.
The more recent figures also reveal:
90,329 solicitors nationally
32,752 more than in 2011
Australian Capital Territory has the largest national growth rate of 111%
Tasmania has the second largest national growth rate of 99%
67% of solicitors work in private practice
This significant rise in the number of lawyers nationwide means it’s even tougher to stand out in the industry.
This is what AL’s Most Influential Lawyers of 2024 have achieved and are making their mark by being respected specialists in niche areas of the law, and by also contributing to the wider legal landscape. Among the winning individuals are lawyers who promote improvements in intellectual property laws and policies supporting members and the innovation community, along with others who are driving multijurisdictional patent litigation from Australia. Another winner is also commended for being an advocate for youth in agriculture, climate-smart farming and food security. While one honouree was recognised for leading a women’s mentoring program, creating opportunities for aspiring female partners to reach their career goals.
The National Profile commissioned by the Law Society of New South Wales also shows that over 50% of professionals nationwide have over 11 years of experience, with the most common group being those with 15 years or more.
These figures show a connection to AL’s Most Influential Lawyers 2024 with 74% having over 10 years of experience and with the most experienced winner being called to the bar back in 1985.
John Egerton, director at specialist legal recruiters Mahlab, explains, “An influential lawyer in 2024 not only has strong technical legal skills but also can work with the CEO and executive as a trusted adviser to provide strategic legal advice that allows the business to achieve its plans and objectives whilst managing the risks. Influential lawyers are undoubtedly becoming more vital and are being viewed by organisations as trusted advisers and a key point of contact for the business to navigate the complex legal and regulatory environment.”
And he continues, “They need strong emotional intelligence and well developed interpersonal and communication skills. An influential lawyer needs to be viewed as a facilitator with the business and not a roadblock. They have gravitas, can influence and have credibility.”
Winram’s reputation has been built on exceptional expertise and dedication in the environmental and planning space. As practice team leader for the NSW planning and environment team at the historic firm, which was formed back in 1885, he displays:
ability to empower colleagues
strategic acumen
steadfast commitment to delivering for clients
involvement in policy debates on issues affecting the nation
He says, “I’m just the face of a very broad and successful team. I’m surrounded by people who are smarter than me and are equally passionate as I am. As a team, we’re able to make a difference.”
Marking out Winram as one of Australia’s most influential lawyers is his advocacy in a Native Title claim for an Aboriginal group, which could deliver a precedent-setting ruling on behalf of his clients, the Wiradjuri people, who belong to the Hunter Valley, two hours north of Sydney.
“When I was given the claim by another lawyer, I was told that the prospects of the claim were dismal,” he explains. “But we’ve managed to turn it around, as we’ve got sufficient evidence to demonstrate that this group of indigenous people have traditional rights and have observed laws and customs since before Australia was federated.”
And he adds, “It might be the first Native Title claim for the Wiradjuri nation to succeed. There have been 40 others that have failed in the past.”
Winram’s other notable accomplishments include the following:
acting for Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) in Land & Environment Court proceedings to preserve corridors earmarked for the new Parramatta Light Rail
advising the Department of Education on the planning and approval reforms for implementing universal access to early childhood education by adding childcare to 100 schools in NSW
assisting the Western Parklands City Authority with codes of conduct and information protocols relevant to decision-making to ensure best practice in the delivery of the aerotropolis around the new Western Sydney Airport
He also works on environmental cases involving the Australian government and other stakeholders.
“I’ve got a very significant contaminated land project where the focus is on understanding the risks that particular contaminants are presenting to both human health and the environment,” says Winram. “That’s a huge project that I’m working on with the Commonwealth Government entity.”
Underlining his commitment to his work and the responsibility, Winram says, “Quite often, a successful outcome is getting an outcome that has better social impacts or is better for the community than what was first presented in court. What I really like about working with the government is that we can really focus on the issue and how the issue affects communities.”
Underscoring his burgeoning profile as one of Australia’s Most Influential Lawyers, Chakrabarty was recently promoted from senior associate in recognition of his exceptional performance.
His career highlights feature:
finalist at the Australian Law Awards 2023 for Senior Associate of the Year
judge for the National Jessup Rounds in Australia
member of the ACT Law Society Employment Law and Industrial Relations Committee panel since 2021
winning a class action and securing $18 million
filing the Sydney Trains Underpayment Class Action in the Federal Court of Australia in July 2023, which involved allegations of widespread underpayment of thousands of employees within the Sydney Trains network. If won, it would result in north of $10 million in damages
Over the past 12 months, he has been working on a complex case for another country’s embassy in Australia, which could set legal precedent.
“It is dealing with a complex question over a lease as provided to this embassy that will have significant ramifications as to whether an act passed by Parliament is constitutional or not,” Chakrabarty says.
Showcasing his proactivity and drive, he has also begun a class action for thousands of operative staff with Sydney Trains, who are contesting they are being underpaid.
Chakrabarty describes himself as a lawyer for all Australians.
“I want to hear people’s stories and see if I can assist them,” he says. “There is value in having that fight because it provides everyday Australians access to a justice pathway that they may not have ordinarily had or been able to afford.”
Not only do these influential lawyers want to make a difference for their clients, but they also share their valuable knowledge with colleagues and younger lawyers.
Chakrabarty routinely visits his alma mater, the Australian National University (ANU).
“I routinely go back to assist the Law Students Society of the ANU with their client interview competition,” he says. “In 2023, I was a panel judge in their Jessup rounds, and I am a member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and have been volunteering for the betterment of Asian Australian lawyers.”
He adds, “I’m passionate about mentoring and working with young lawyers, making sure that they understand that if someone’s guided by their moral compass properly, it’s okay to make mistakes, learn from them and move on.”
Chakrabarty adopted strong leadership skills from his father, a successful entrepreneur.
“Watching him from an early age leading small businesses and working with a diverse range of people taught me some very important social skills that I find handy in managing and working with large varieties of people and stakeholders on any given day,” he says.
While Winram focuses his leadership on setting the correct example.
“A good leader is somebody who has integrity, is calm under pressure and can maintain a sense of positivity and energy notwithstanding the significant challenges that we quite often face,” he explains. “I’ve always had the sense that my primary purpose is to help clients by charting a path through the fog. The types of work that we are doing are so complex that it’s hard to see the end point. My job is to try to find a path.”
Each has their own course, but they are equally motivated to be successful and find solutions.
Winram details the issues he is tackling as follows:
laws becoming more complex
deciphering the truth
“We not only want to ensure that our clients’ legal obligations are fulfilled, but we also want to protect them when they come under attack,” he adds.
Similarly, Chakrabarty is engaging with:
ensuring all interests and stakeholders are satisfied
balancing personal life with professional
“I am fortunate to have the problem of having too much work, but I was always taught to do a job well,” he says. “One of the challenges I have is simply based on time and making sure that I am prioritising the more important things and ensuring that I can give a high amount of attention to every task.”
Scroll down to see the Most Influential Lawyers and click on their profiles to learn more about them.
Australasian Lawyer opened the window to nominations for its fourth annual Most Influential Lawyers list on 18 March 2024. The research team sought prospective candidates in the following categories:
Business
Changemakers – lawyers who have been leaders, innovators or catalysts for positive change in any area of the profession
Government/non-profits/associations
Human rights, advocacy and criminal law
Young influencers – young lawyers aged 40 or under who have had an extraordinary impact on the profession or society
Nominees were asked to detail their achievements, provide examples of their accomplishments and share their contributions to the legal profession on the nomination form.
The AL team then evaluated the nominations, reviewing them based on the overall impact of their contributions. The 47 lawyers who made the final list were those who delivered specific outcomes in support of their peers and the industry.
