Gretel Emerson was honoured at the Law Council of Australia Immigration Law Conference. | Photo: Ben Appleton, Photox
The prestigious Law Council of Australia’s 2025 Young Migration Lawyer of the Year award recognises Gretel’s outstanding contributions to justice for refugees and people seeking asylum, particularly for individuals seeking protection based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
As a key member of the Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) LGBTQI+ Safety Program – our dedicated legal service for queer refugees and people seeking asylum – Gretel has demonstrated exceptional legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Since being admitted to practice just over two years ago, they have built a strong reputation as a compassionate and skilled advocate, navigating the complexities of Australia’s immigration system with diligence and care.
Demand for this specialist service has increased significantly over the last year and Gretel has taken the additional caseload in their stride. From supporting 75 individuals in March 2024, the program had a caseload of 160 by the end of the year. RACS’s ability to manage the increase in work is due in no small part to Gretel’s immense contribution.
We are grateful to have Gretel on the team at RACS and immensely proud of their achievements to date. They are a talented and promising young lawyer.
Beyond their casework, Gretel has also made significant contributions to the legal profession through education and advocacy. They have led training initiatives, participated in expert panels, and worked towards systemic improvements in the treatment of LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.
Gretel Emerson pictured (left) with Migration Law Committee Chairs Carina Ford and Chris Spentzaris; and with RACS Supervising Senior Solicitor Isobel McGarity. | Photos: Ben Appleton, Photox
How much Gretel has already achieved is awe-inspiring. They are a very worthy recipient of this award, and I am confident they will continue to make a positive difference to refugee justice in this country.
Gretel received the award at the Law Council of Australia Immigration Law Conference Dinner on 20 March 2025.
For more information about RACS’s LGBTQIA+ Safety Program and our work supporting refugees, visit racs.org.au/lgbtqi-safety-program.
Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) is a nonprofit providing free, essential legal services for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. RACS is affiliated with UNSW Law & Justice and hosts volunteers and interns from various faculties.