We are incredibly proud to share that Kayla Nielsen, Associate Solicitor and Criminal Law Team Leader at our Newcastle office, has been named a national finalist in the Rising Star of the Year (SME Law) category at the prestigious 2025 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards.
Since graduating with First Class Honours in 2023, Kayla has already been named a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for Criminal Law twice – and now this latest recognition marks her third national award nomination in as many years.
Kayla’s shortlisting comes off the back of an outstanding 12 months in legal practice. In the 2024–25 financial year, she was promoted to Associate Solicitor and later appointed Team Leader of our Newcastle Criminal Law team. During that time, she opened numerous new matters, mentored junior staff and played a key role in growing our Newcastle office.
In the courtroom, Kayla has helped achieve life-changing results for her clients, including securing the annulment of a wrongful conviction and contributing to a successful appeal that protected her client’s right to a fair trial. Beyond her casework, she continues to lead through mentorship, advocacy and education – from presenting to local senior students to helping establish the Conditsis Centre for Excellence in Criminal Law, a firm-led initiative that champions law reform and community awareness.
This nomination reflects Kayla’s unwavering commitment to excellence, her leadership and her deep care for both her clients and colleagues. Regardless of the outcome at the gala event at Crown Melbourne on Thursday, 27 November, Kayla is already a winner in our eyes. We couldn’t be prouder.
