The John Hennessy Legal Scholarship is awarded to a public sector solicitor interested in undertaking a research project on legal systems in another jurisdiction, or undertaking further study. The scholarship, established by
The Law Society of NSW Government Solicitors Committee, is an “occasional scholarship” that is offered from time to time and covers travel, study and other approved expenses up to a maximum value of $10,000. The Scholarship recognises great potential in the public sector and encourages continuous improvement and innovation in policy and practice.
Background:
John Edmund Hennessy was born in 1940 and started work in the Crown Solicitor’s Office in 1957. Admitted as a solicitor in 1965, he was appointed Assistant Crown Solicitor, Civil Law Branch, in 1980 where he worked until he was appointed as Acting Magistrate in 1996 and Magistrate in 1997. John then served on the Legal Aid Review Committee as the Attorney General’s nominee for 17 years. He retired on 31 January 1999 and died on 13 February 1999.
John served the Attorney General’s Department, the profession and the administration of justice for more than 40 years, combining the highest professional standards as a solicitor with a long and dedicated service to the public. In response, the GSC has decided to honour his service by sponsoring the Legal Scholarship.
Eligibility:
The scholarship is open to current members of the Law Society of NSW with a valid Practising Certificate, who are also NSW-based federal, state or local government solicitors or associate members of The Law Society of NSW, excluding students. The scholarship winner will be awarded at the full discretion of the Government Solicitors Committee. If no applications of sufficient merit are received, the Government Solicitors Committee may determine not to award the scholarship. The decisions of the Government Solicitors Committee are final.
Scholarship Report:
The successful applicant/s is expected to submit the written report to the Government Solicitors Committee within six months of receiving the grant, which details the outcome of the research or study, including benefits achieved (this time period may be extended by the
Government Solicitors Committee where appropriate). The report should be around 1,000 words, the original work of the successful applicant, and of a professional, externally publishable standard. It may be published in the LSJ and/or the Government Lawyers Newsletter and must not have previously been published.
The report must not contain any information that breaches privacy or confidentiality obligations. Reports that do so may be rejected or the
Government Solicitors Committee may require that they be revised.
Additionally, it is expected that the scholarship winner will present the report during the Government Stream on Day 2 of the Law Society of NSW's Annual Conference.
Nominations Close: Friday 20 September 2024