African Lawyers Shine at Culture and Law Moot Competition in Queensland
Brisbane’s legal community gathered this week at the historic Banco Court for the annual Culture and Law…
Black News 
Brisbane’s legal community gathered this week at the historic Banco Court for the annual Culture and Law Moot competition, an event that continues to grow in relevance as conversations around diversity, inclusion and access to justice gain momentum. This year’s edition drew a packed audience and delivered a compelling display of legal argument and critical thinking.
The highlight of the event was the outstanding performance of the Queensland African Lawyers Network team, which secured victory for the second consecutive year. Their win reflects not only individual excellence but also the growing presence and influence of African legal professionals within Australia’s legal landscape.
Some of the participants at the event
Representing the affirmative side of the debate, Ifunanya Denye Anyene and Aluel Chol delivered a persuasive argument on a topic that sits at the intersection of law and technology. They faced strong opposition from Samuel Mashman and Destinee Whirisky of Caxton Community Legal Centre, who argued the negative with equal depth and rigour.
At the centre of this year’s moot was a timely and thought-provoking question: whether generative artificial intelligence can improve access to justice for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) litigants and lawyers more effectively than conventional dispute resolution processes. The debate reflected broader global discussions on the role of emerging technologies in making legal systems more inclusive and accessible.
The competition was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of senior judicial figures, including the Honourable Chief Justice Helen Bowskill, the Honourable Justice Rangiah, and Chief Magistrate Janelle Brassington. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and provided participants with valuable feedback from some of the most respected voices in the legal profession.
A view of the competition room on the day of the event
Beyond the competition itself, the Culture and Law Moot serves a broader purpose. It creates a platform for diverse legal perspectives, encourages critical engagement with contemporary issues, and supports the development of advocacy skills among emerging lawyers from multicultural backgrounds. In doing so, it contributes to a more inclusive and representative legal system.
The continued success of the event also reflects strong institutional support from key legal bodies and organisations committed to professional development and diversity within the sector. As the legal landscape evolves, initiatives like this remain essential in preparing the next generation of lawyers to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.
With back-to-back victories and growing recognition, the Queensland African Lawyers Network is not only demonstrating excellence in advocacy but also helping to shape important conversations about the future of justice in Australia.
