Mabo lawyer Greg McIntyre honoured for nearly 50 years pro bono
Greg McIntyre fought the landmark Mabo case. He wins a pro bono service award after nearly 50 years of free legal work.
McIntyre is the western suburbs lawyer who represented Eddie Koiki Mabo in the historic 1992 case. McIntyre has been recognised at the 20th Attorney General Community Service Law Awards.
The Mabo case overturned the terra nullius doctrine. The doctrine was the false claim that Australian land belonged to no one before European settlement.
It led to the 1993 Native Title Act. This act formally protects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and water rights.
Three others won awards. Barrister Kate Pearson works across several criminal and family law Legal Aid panels.
She travels across WA to serve regional communities. Law firm Mills Oakley has given thousands of pro bono hours.
Circle Green Community Legal was recognised for helping marginalised Western Australians. WA Attorney-General Tony Buti said the awards recognised commitment to equal access to justice.
- nearly 50 years
- Decades of pro bono work
- 1992
- Year of Mabo decision
- 1993
- Native Title Act passed
- 4 lawyers and organisations
- Award recipients
Why it mattersThese lawyers have shaped Australian law. They ensure vulnerable people can access legal help regardless of cost.
AustraliaThe awards recognise WA lawyers who have fundamentally changed Indigenous rights law in Australia and continue to serve those who cannot afford legal fees.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 d ago
