Beryl Killeen Donkin was a pioneer woman in the legal profession. She was the Queensland Law Society’s first full-time employee and continued to serve the Society for 13 years before assuming the statutory position of Secretary in 1954, a position she held for 21 years. Her commitment and service to Queensland lawyers – including by being the first female secretary of any Law Society in the Commonwealth - was honoured in 1975 when she received an OBE at Buckingham Palace.
Beryl Donkin was also a foundation and honorary member of WLAQ. In 1991, to honour this remarkable woman’s memory, WLAQ launched the Beryl Donkin Memorial Award. The Award is given annually to any Queensland resident who holds a Bachelor of Laws (or its equivalent) and contributes to the promotion of professional development and advancement.
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