When University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Dr Kathy Reeves was named Australia’s top law academic, she felt a wave of disbelief and gratitude.
“It’s an incredible honour, especially when the work I do is so personal to me,” she said.
Dr Reeves, a Senior Lecturer at UniSQ specialising in family law, child protection, and domestic violence, was awarded ‘Academic of the Year’ at the 2025 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards in Sydney last night (14 August).
She said the award reflected years of work, from advocating for legal reform to preparing the next generation of legal professionals with empathy, awareness, and the skills to drive change.
“It’s about more than legal expertise; it’s about making a real difference for those who often feel voiceless,” she said.
Upon receiving her award, her mind turned to the journey that brought her here – her sister’s story, the clients she has supported, and the students she has taught.
Dr Reeves said each had helped shape her approach to legal practice and advocacy.
“I want to use this platform to continue raising awareness, push for change, and ensure that the voices of those affected by family violence and child protection issues are heard and valued,” she said.
Originally from the United States, Dr Reeves has lived in Australia for more than 30 years and has been a lawyer for 14 years.
She co-organised the UniSQ Vulnerable Persons Conference, which drew on the vulnerabilities of “at-risk” individuals in various settings, and served as the School of Law and Justice’s inaugural Academic Integrity Officer for eight years.
She has also been the Vice President of the Inala Community Legal Centre (Queensland) since 2019.
Her passion for family law, family violence, and child protection stems from her sister’s tragic death from Lewy Body Dementia, a condition worsened by abuse she suffered in her marriages.
Before her passing, her sister permitted Dr Reeves to share her story – an act of courage that transformed personal pain into a powerful tool for education and advocacy.
“This heartbreaking experience has shaped my commitment to raising awareness, educating others, and advocating for those affected by family violence, coercive control, and the many layers of harm that can go unseen,” she said.
By weaving these lived experiences into her teaching, Dr Reeves humanises complex issues and gives her students insight that goes beyond the classroom.
“It’s about helping them understand the long-term, deeply personal consequences of abuse,” she said.
Dr Reeves said she felt humbled to receive the award, knowing she was standing among so many leading law academics.
“This award is not just about me – it’s about the communities we serve and the change we’re committed to making,” she said.
“It’s a celebration of our collective strength, resilience and is a testament to the contributions we continue to add to educating the next generation of legal professionals.”
Dr Reeves said the recognition would also benefit UniSQ, strengthening its reputation, attracting talented students and staff, and reinforcing community and industry confidence.
“It shows the calibre of our academics and aligns with the University’s goals in employability, research impact, and community engagement,” she said.
Find out more about studying Law at UniSQ.
