A special event was held to launch the 2026 Indigenous Clerkship Program.
The 2026 First Nations law student interns in the Indigenous Clerkship Program attended a special event hosted by Chief Justice Niall on Monday, 23 February in the Law Library.
The Chief Justice introduced this year’s participants — Ava Cadee, Alice Wallace, Dakota Lacco, Danielle Gower, Lili Neenan, Luke Tieri and Zach Dwyer — and acknowledged the judicial officers and special guests in attendance.
The internship, delivered by the Victorian Bar and participating courts, provides First Nations law students with opportunities to connect with judges and barristers and gain insight into legal practice across jurisdictions.
The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of increasing First Nation’s representation within the legal profession and encouraged the interns to make the most of the experience.
“I hope your time with the courts and the Bar will inspire you to continue your legal studies and pursue the many opportunities before you,” he said.
Chair of the Victorian Bar Indigenous Justice Committee, Tim Goodwin, thanked the judiciary, the barrister mentors and coordinators who support the program each year, noting that the 2026 intake followed a highly competitive selection process.
The Indigenous clerkship program is delivered in partnership between the Supreme Court of Victoria, the County Court of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia and the Victorian Bar.