Chief Justice’s Medal for Excellence and Community Service

Introduction

This annual medal, administered by the Victoria Law Foundation, will be awarded to a graduating law student who has demonstrated academic excellence in her or his legal studies and a commitment to voluntary community activity and participation.

Victoria Law Foundation actively encourages a pro bono ethic among the legal profession, and this medal acknowledges the public benefit work of law students. The medal is seen as a means of promoting those involved in voluntary work, and encouragement to those not yet involved in community work to do so.

Each Dean of Law in Victoria has been asked to nominate one final-year student from the class of the previous year whom they consider to be most worthy of the medal. The medal is awarded is accompanied by a financial prize of $1000, presented to a not-for-profit organization determined in consultation with the medal recipient.

Eligibility criteria

The prize shall be awarded to a student in their final year of a Bachelor’s Degree in law at any Victorian university who is judged to have demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout their law studies as well as excellence in scholarship.

Community service is defined as the provision of assistance and support to vulnerable sections of the community. Evidence of a commitment to community service may include:

1. Leadership in policy development
2. Development of service
3. Service delivery

The community service may be undertaken under the auspices of a community organisation. Preference will be given to community service undertaken in a legal context.

Evidence of excellence in scholarship includes:

1. Superior performance in an individual subject
2. Overall standard of achievement in the law degree, including, but not confined to, the award of an honours degree.

Application process

Applicants must provide the following to be considered for nomination by the faculty:

1. A copy of their academic transcript
2. A letter addressing the selection criteria
3. The names of two referees; one a member of the University staff who can attest to the student’s academic standing, and a second referee who can attest to the student’s commitment to community service.

Applications close on Friday 1st February 2008 and must be sent to:

Manager, Student and Academic Services
Student Services
Level 1, Faculty of Law
Building 12, Clayton campus

Contact details

For any questions regarding this award or regarding applications please contact enquiries@law.monash.edu.au