Media release: Clayton Utz opens annual $150,000 Access to Justice Award

The Clayton Utz Foundation will award the winning program or project, a grant of up to $150,000, as well as pro bono legal support.

Clayton Utz Foundation Chair Angie Freeman said the annual grant supports organisations that are ready to scale an idea, test a new model or strengthen a service that is already making a difference.

"This Award is about backing ideas that challenge barriers in new ways and create lasting impact, whether through technology, service design, partnerships or community-led approaches," Ms Freeman said.

"We're proud to invest not only funding, but the capability of our people, to help turn strong ideas into sustainable change."

"We know the legal assistance sector is rich with expertise, insight and creativity. By combining financial support with pro bono legal expertise, we hope to build long-term partnerships that strengthen the sector as a whole."

"Access to justice is fundamental to a fair society, and it is an area where the legal profession has a particular responsibility. We encourage organisations with bold ideas and a clear plan for impact to put their proposals forward."

The inaugural Access to Justice Award was granted to Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) in 2025 to support its 'Resolving Barriers to Recovery' program. 

IMCL Chief Executive Officer Nadia Morales said the Access to Justice grant has been integral to IMCL’s ability to grow our targeted and responsive services to individuals experiencing mental ill health and distress.

"Through resourcing our ‘Resolving Barriers to Recovery’ Program, IMCL can offer support to people at really challenging periods of their lives, in a way that is flexible and responsive to their immediate needs," Ms Morales said.

"It has meant we can offer urgent support to people in mental health inpatient units to reduce criminalisation through early intervention, prevent evictions from their homes, address family safety concerns, and ensure people can focus on their health and recovery, knowing their legal issues are being addressed."

'We know this model works and that working with this client cohort requires flexibility and responsiveness. The support of Clayton Utz makes this model possible, and gives us the chance to further demonstrate its success."

The Clayton Utz Foundation is pleased to be able to make available a higher funding amount than was awarded in 2025.

Expressions of interest for the 2026 award are open from now until 31 March, and can be made here. The winning application will be announced in mid-2026.