Who we are
Lawyers for Climate Justice Australia is a non-profit company led by a dedicated board of directors with diverse expertise across environmental law, climate policy, access to justice, and legal education.
Our Story
Lawyers for Climate Justice Australia began in 2019 when a group of Brisbane lawyers coordinated an open letter to the Law Council of Australia calling for it to declare a climate emergency. This initiative coincided with the global student climate strikes, when millions of young people worldwide demanded action from those in power.
What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a national movement of legal professionals united by a common cause: to ensure our legal system delivers climate justice.
Our Vision
A safe climate and justice.
Our Mission
Mobilising lawyers and the law to conserve a safe climate and environment.
Our Strategic Approach
Use and reform the law to address the climate crisis
We actively engage in law reform and policy advocacy to push for stronger laws and regulations at local, state, and national levels that support climate justice.
Educate the legal community to achieve climate justice
We provide resources and training to empower legal professionals, students, and the public with the knowledge and tools necessary to fight for climate justice.
Highlight lawyers' role and involvement in the climate crisis
We spotlight both how the legal profession can drive positive change and how it sometimes enables climate harm. Law is a powerful yet ambivalent tool, and the active engagement of lawyers of all kinds is essential
Our values
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Acknowledging the real history of this continent and respecting how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander laws and practices protected this environment for millennia, and centring First Nations voices.
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Recognising the unique position of privilege and legal authority that lawyers hold as professionals who advise, shape and challenge corporate and government decisions that influence climate justice.
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Mindful of the concerns of overburdened communities and people most at risk of climate change impacts.
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Driven by science.
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Non-partisan. Engaging with politics while keeping true to our values.
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Being professional and courteous.
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Respecting the rule of law, while acknowledging that some existing laws do not offer meaningful action on climate change or justice for all people.
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Respecting each other and encouraging a diversity of voices within our membership.
Meet the Team
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Karen Dyhrberg
Founder and Director
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Dr Chris McGrath
Director
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Monica Taylor
Director
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Frances Medlock
Director