
ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY
The African Australian Legal Network (AALN) is Australia’s first legal network convened by, and supporting the advancement of, the African Australian community in the law. First convened in July 2018, and now an incorporated association, the AALN is focused on the skills development, recruitment and retention of people of African descent in the Australian legal community.
To-date, this has included bespoke internship opportunities with partner organisations, including the Victoria
Legal Aid and the Office of the General Counsel, Department of Premier and Cabinet (Victoria), as well as the AALN Mooting Competition. We have successfully hosted numerous professional development and networking events and programs, including panel discussions and skills-building workshops for AALN members held at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Arnold Bloch Leibler, Clayton Utz, Maurice Blackburn, Castan Chambers and the Leo Cussen Centre for Law. Additionally, the AALN increasingly contributes to
community legal education and assistance, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable members of the African Australian community.
As a new organisation, the AALN looks forward to expanding our programs and implementing initiatives which support women and LGBTI+ members.
OUR OBJECTIVES
As the premier network for African Australian legal professionals, students and supporters, the AALN’s objectives are to:
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provide networking, mentoring and education programs for lawyers and law students with an African heritage or who identify as African Australian;
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provide a platform for African Australian lawyers and law students to participate in law reform, advocacy and policy formation;
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conduct law reform advocacy on behalf of the African Australian community;
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promote and facilitate the participation of African Australians in the legal profession;
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encourage African Australian participation in legal research, education and the legal profession; and
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provide community education on legal issues affecting the African community within Australia.
