Advocate for Indigenous procurement

Marrawah Law, headquartered in Cairns, is a leading independent Indigenous law firm. It is 100% female and indigenous owned with more than 70% First Nations employment, is National Doyle’s Guide and International Chambers listed (an independent directory showcasing Australia’s best firms and lawyers), and Supply Nation certified.

Marrawah Law developed Queensland’s first Indigenous Corporate Wealth Sharing model, providing a template for indigenous communities to start commercial companies and equably share profits.

Principal Solicitor and owner, Leah Cameron said, “The model, developed for the Queensland Government, was successfully trialled at Cherbourg.

“Now other communities can pick it up and use it for all different sorts of businesses.”

Marrawah Law exemplifies the Queensland Government’s procurement approach—providing solutions to support government procurement initiatives, employing indigenous peoples and demonstrating supply chain diversity by using local indigenous suppliers, from taxi services and catering to marketing, wherever possible.

The 100 per cent indigenous-owned law firm, which started in 2013, has 14 staff in Cairns and Brisbane. The firm offers high school work experience, and accommodates law students’ practical, legal training and placements.

It has represented 45 indigenous businesses in Queensland, 26 Prescribed Bodies Corporate, and engaged with several Queensland Government agencies on housing, education and general living improvements to benefit Queenslanders.

Leah regularly advocates the benefits of indigenous procurement to organisations ranging from government and corporates to the Queensland Law Society and media, while staff lecture and mentor at programs, such as the Minderoo Foundations’ Dream Summit.

Leah said Marrawah Law’s Indigenous staff were community role models, demonstrating that they too could be lawyers, practice managers or work in finance.

“We can have these really high-flying jobs and still be able to live up to expectations in our community.

“We can walk in two worlds,” Leah said.

Now working collaboratively with bigger companies on Queensland Government projects, Leah is driving Marrawah Law to be a much bigger presence in the Queensland legal profession.

Supply Nation’s research shows for every $1 spent at Marrawah Law, $4.41 of social impact is generated via their pro-bono work, their supply chain, and their more than 80% indigenous staffing and their clients.

More information

Marrawah Law staff smiling