October 22, 2026
Law student recognised for commitment to social justice
Stephanie Bramley receives 2027 Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship for her academic excellence and commitment to fairness and community
University of Wollongong (UOW) Bachelor of Laws student Stephanie Bramley has been awarded the 2027 Jack Goldring Memorial Scholarship in recognition of her academic achievements and commitment to social justice.
Now in her third year of the degree, Stephanie was selected following a highly competitive application and interview process. She volunteers with the Aboriginal Legal Service, supporting access to legal services for First Nations people, and contributes to the UOW community through the UOW Law Students’ Society and mentoring first-year law students.
The annual $10,000 scholarship is awarded by the UOW School of Law to a student who combines academic excellence with a demonstrated commitment to social justice. It honours the legacy of Emeritus Professor Jack Goldring, the School’s founding Dean, who championed fairness and social justice.
“To be recognised for such a prestigious scholarship is an honour. This achievement has given me confidence in my professional and academic capabilities as I come to the end of my penultimate year,” Stephanie said.
“This scholarship will also help ease the financial burden of living away from home to pursue higher education and will allow me to continue my volunteer pursuits. As I finish my studies and enter the early stages of my career over the next year, I hope to uphold the values exemplified by Professor Goldring.”
Acting Dean of Law Professor Warwick Gullett said Stephanie demonstrated outstanding commitment to social justice through her academic excellence and community involvement.
“A highlight is her long-standing volunteering with the Aboriginal Legal Service. Stephanie’s passion for improving access to justice, particularly for disadvantaged and regional communities, beautifully reflects the values and legacy of our founding Dean of Law, Professor Jack Goldring,” Professor Gullett said.
The scholarship was presented at the University’s 2026 Goldring Lecture, featuring the Honourable Justice Sarah Huggett, Chief Judge of the District Court of New South Wales.
In a lecture titled ‘The changing face of criminal proceedings in NSW: Reflections from the District Court’, Justice Huggett reflected on changes to criminal proceedings throughout her more than 30 years in the criminal justice system.
Her address explored developments in the way juries are instructed and reach agreement, as well as the growing complexity of trials in an era of mobile phones, the internet and rapidly evolving technology.
The annual Goldring Lecture honours Professor Goldring’s contribution to legal education and provides an opportunity to consider important legal and social issues affecting the community.
