The Tasmania Legal Aid Practitioner Award honours private practitioners who go above and beyond in delivering access to justice for vulnerable members of the community.
At the 2025 Opening of the Legal Year Dinner, the award was presented to Alex Kendall of Phillips Taglieri Lawyers, who was honoured for his unwavering commitment to advocacy, mentoring, and legal aid work.
In announcing the award, Legal Aid highlighted the critical role of private practitioners, stating that they ensure legal assistance reaches those who need it most. They provide civil, family, and criminal law representation, often at discounted rates or on a pro bono basis. They support victims of family violence, elder abuse, people with disabilities, and children. They assist in developing future legal aid practitioners through mentoring and training.
Legal Aid described Alex Kendall as embodying these principles, noting that he is a highly regarded civil litigator and a strong advocate for equitable outcomes in catastrophic personal injury matters, workers’ compensation claims, and motor accident claims. His contributions extend beyond client representation – he has been instrumental in supporting legal aid practitioners through mentoring and professional development training.
His dedication to improving access to justice was also acknowledged, particularly in relation to his work with the Duty Solicitor Scheme and his significant contributions to addressing elder abuse. Legal Aid commended his advocacy in highlighting critical issues affecting vulnerable Tasmanians and reinforcing the importance of legal support.
In presenting the award, Legal Aid stated that Alex’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Tasmania Legal Aid Practitioner Award, recognising those who ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.
Congratulations, Alex!