LIV honours Sara Kowal for outstanding contributions to human rights
Monash University’s Sara Kowal, Director of Eleos Justice and Deputy Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, has been named the recipient of the Law Institute of Victoria’s (LIV) prestigious Paul Baker Award at the 2026 LIV Legal Awards.
The annual LIV Legal Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions across the legal profession and the Victorian community.
The Paul Baker Award commemorates former LIV Administrative Law and Human Rights Section Chair Paul Baker, honouring his dedicated committee service and commitment to social justice and human rights.
LIV President Tom Ballantyne congratulated Sara on the achievement, highlighting her sustained focus on systemic legal change.
"I want to particularly recognise Sara Kowal for receiving the 2026 Paul Baker Award," Tom said.
"Her dedication to human rights, social justice and criminal justice reform reflects the values at the heart of this award."
A specialist in criminal law since 2003, Sara is recognised both nationally and internationally for her work advancing human rights, challenging capital punishment and advocating on behalf of individuals facing wrongful or arbitrary detention.
The 2026 LIV Legal Awards ceremony also recognised several other members of the Victorian legal community with connections to Monash Law:
- Dr Simon Smith AM, pioneer of clinical legal education and legal historian, was awarded the LIV President’s Award for Outstanding Service. Dr Smith holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws and PhD from Monash University.
- Jon Faine AM, former lawyer, broadcaster and community legal sector advocate, was awarded the LIV President’s Award for Outstanding Service. Mr Faine is a Monash University Distinguished Alumnus.
Details of all award recipients are available on the LIV website.
In addition to her leadership roles within Monash Law, Sara Kowal serves as Vice President of the Capital Punishment Justice Project and holds leadership positions with global bodies including the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
At the awards ceremony, LIV President Tom Ballantyne congratulated each of the award recipients and expressed his gratitude for their contribution to the profession and the community.
“The LIV Awards recognise individuals whose service, leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the profession and the Victorian community. I congratulate all of this year’s recipients for their outstanding contributions,” he said.
About the LIV Legal Awards
The LIV Legal Awards recognise and celebrate the work of Law Institute Victoria members. The awards may form the basis of the recipient’s nomination for an Australian honour or commendation to the government by the LIV.