The Alumni Medal - 2024

Dr Kevin Lindgren AM KC's journey is a remarkable testament to determination, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to the legal profession. Growing up in Tighes Hill, Newcastle, Kevin’s early life was marked by a personal drive that would see him rise from modest beginnings to become a significant figure in Australian law.

After completing his secondary education at Newcastle Technical High School in 1956, Kevin faced a decision that would shape the rest of his life. With the University of Newcastle not yet established, he enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts degree at the local college, part of the University of New South Wales. This local access to education was instrumental in Kevin’s pursuit of his ambitions, allowing him to become the first in his family to attend university and forge his own path with determination and self-direction.

Kevin embarked on his legal career early, starting as an Articled Law Clerk at a local law firm right after leaving school at just 16 years and 10 months old. By the time he turned 17, he had already secured his articled position, setting the stage for a remarkable career in law. By 1962, he had not only qualified as a Solicitor, winning the Law Society of New South Wales Prize for the full range of examinations, but had also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales. His passion for learning didn’t stop there; he continued his studies, enrolling in a Master of Arts in English Literature at the University of Newcastle and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London, all while practising law in Newcastle.

“I was really driven. Achieving all of these things is probably the thing I am most proud of.”

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2024 Alumni Excellence Award Recipient | The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM KC FAAL 1:32

In 1969, Kevin reached a crucial turning point in his career. Eager to advance his academic journey, he became a Lecturer in Legal Studies within the University of Newcastle's Department of Commerce. At the same time, he embarked on a PhD in Law, despite the absence of a dedicated Law School at the University. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative new chapter in his professional life.

Kevin’s appointment as the Foundation Head of the Department of Legal Studies in 1973 allowed him to play a key role in the development of legal education at the University, a legacy that continues to impact students to this day. For Kevin, the University of Newcastle was more than just an institution; it was the foundation upon which he built his illustrious career.

"The University of Newcastle has been enormously influential in my life. It would be difficult for me to overstate its importance. I'm very pleased that students are now able to do their law degree locally. It's terrific that the University of Newcastle has a first-class law school and people don't have to travel to another city.”

The presence of a quality legal education institution in Newcastle meant that future generations of students could benefit from high-quality academics and resources without having to relocate.

Kevin’s contributions to the University of Newcastle were significant, but his career was far from over. After leaving the university, he practiced as a Barrister in Sydney, where his deep belief in the legal profession's importance guided his work. In 1992, Kevin achieved the highest distinction for a barrister, being appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC), a title now recognised as King's Counsel (KC). This distinction underscores not only his exceptional legal expertise but also his significant contributions to the profession.

From 1993 to 1999, Kevin took on a pivotal role as Chair of the Bar Association’s Education Committee. His impressive journey continued in 1994 when he was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia, where he served with distinction for 16 years. During this time, he also led as President of the Copyright Tribunal of Australia from 2000 to 2007. Kevin's tenure on the bench was defined by his unwavering dedication to justice, intellectual rigor, and adeptness at unravelling complex legal challenges

Even in retirement, Kevin’s passion for the law and education has not waned. Since stepping down from the bench in 2010, he has continued to contribute to the legal community through mediations and arbitrations and from 2011 to 2020 he was the President of the Australian Academy of Law. His enduring legacy is not just in the decisions he made as a judge or the students he mentored as an academic but in the example, he sets in what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a love for the law.

"It's true that what has happened to me in the course that life has taken has resulted not from pre-planning or calculation. Rather, it has happened as a result of doing the very best that I could do with the task at hand.”

Kevin Lindgren’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference in the world of law. His journey from a determined young student in Newcastle to a respected judge on the Federal Court of Australia is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the legal profession and beyond.

The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM KC FAAL
Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator Former Judge of the Federal Court of Australia

Honorary Doctor of Law 1997 Doctor of Philosophy 1973 Master of Arts 1968

I was really driven. Achieving all of these things is probably the thing I am most proud of.

Alumni Excellence Awards

The Alumni Medal

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