2010: Mr Colin McDonald QC
Mr Colin McDonald QC was awarded the 2010 Law Council of Australia Presidents Medal. Law Council President, Glenn Ferguson, awarded the medal at a dinner held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Mr McDonald QC is one of Australia's most experienced barristers in human rights issues and cross-cultural professional engagement.
Mr Ferguson, in particular, praised his work with Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory. "Colin has a well-earned reputation of fighting for justice issues for Aboriginal Australians and has also worked extensively in the fields of refugee law, immigration, workers compensation and criminal law.
"He is a compassionate lawyer and throughout his 35 years of legal life has given generously both to his colleagues and clients. He has been a great mentor to countless members of the legal profession over the years - a considerable number of whom have gone on to become QCs and even judicial members.
"Colin is an esteemed member of the legal profession, and it was a privilege to present him with the Law Council of Australia Presidents Medal," Mr Ferguson said.