National law firm Holding Redlich has named Cairns Bachelor of Laws student Dionne Singleton as the inaugural recipient of its CQUniCares Indigenous Law Scholarship.
Dionne, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws, is a descendant of the Kalkadoon people of Mount Isa and Jirrabal people of the Tablelands, with strong connections to the Yirrganydji people of Cairns through marriage. She has worked in the legal industry for 15 years and hopes to use her law studies to give back to the community.
The inaugural CQUniCares Indigenous Law Scholarship, sponsored by Holding Redlich, provides recognition and financial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student studying a laws-related undergraduate course in North Queensland. The annual scholarship provides a successful recipient with a $5,000 contribution to support the completion of their degree.
Holding Redlich National Managing Partner, Ian Robertson AO, congratulated this year’s recipient.
“Holding Redlich is committed to investing in clearer pathways for First Nations law students. Partnering with Central Queensland University to offer this scholarship is just one step we are taking to support and work alongside First Nations law students,” he said.
Holding Redlich Pro Bono Lawyer and First Nations Advisor, Nareeta Davis, said the scholarship is instrumental in helping First Nations students enter the law profession.
“Australia’s legal profession is in need of more First Nations voices. In the years to come, it’s vital that universities, government and law firms invest in a clearer and well-supported pathway for First Nations law students.”
“Beyond this scholarship’s financial contributions, we will continue to connect and engage with Dionne throughout her degree by checking in with her every term, welcoming her to the firm’s work and social events and providing study space at our offices.”
CQUniversity Head of Course for Law, Dr Lance Rundle, thanked Holding Redlich.
“CQUniversity and The School of Business and Law are very proud to work in conjunction with Holding Redlich to launch this scholarship. This scholarship will greatly assist First Nations law students to have a more equitable pathway into the legal profession. I would like to thank Holding Redlich for their support with this and other professional initiatives the firm has undertaken.”