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Thursday, 13 August 2026 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Rhino Room

Join us for the 2026 Young Lawyers Golden Gavel Competition on Thursday, 13 August from 6pm at the Rhino Room.

Laughter, wit and legal brilliance collide at this one-of-a-kind comedy show for lawyers! Prepare for an evening of fun & hilarity as young lawyers battle it out to win the prestigious Golden Gavel trophy.

Our brave contestants will receive their topic just 24 hours before the show and have 5 minutes to impress our esteemed judges. Watch as they skilfully weave their humour, charm and quick thinking into their performance.

The winner will be presented with a Golden Gavel trophy in recognition of their achievement and will represent South Australia at the 2026 National Golden Gavel Competition.

The National Golden Gavel Competition will be held in Adelaide on Friday, 13 November 2026, don’t miss the chance to take your performance to the national stage!

Judging Panel:
The Honourable David Berman SC
David Colovic, President, The Law Society of South Australia
Paul Burgess, Burgess Paluch

Eligibility criteria:
Open to practitioners and clerks who qualify as a “young lawyer” under the Law Society of South Australia guidelines, including law students, solicitors, and barristers under 35 years of age or within their first five years of practice.

Read the 2026 Participant and Judging Guidelines to learn more about the competition.

Competitor Applications Now Open
To register as a competitor, please email us at [email protected] and submit a 100–150 word bio that's witty, welcoming, and tells us a little about who you are. Career achievements are great, but quirky facts, hobbies, and a sense of humour are even better!

Registrations close on 16 July 2026

Please note, attendance for Golden Gavel competitors is complimentary, and each contestant can also bring one guest free of charge.