Each year the Law Council of Australia recognises a young lawyer (under 35 years of age) for their outstanding contributions to the field of environmental law and their significant contributions to the community especially environmental and environmental law NGOs. The Award honours the memory of Mahla Pearlman AO, the former Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales and former President of the Law Council of Australia. I received this award in recognition of my scholarly excellence and exceptional international leadership.