Empowering First Nations: Reflections on winning the Indigenous Leader of the Year Award, at the Australian Law Awards

The Greek Diaspora, in Australia and globally, has a long and proud history of advocating for justice, human rights, and democracy. From the foundations of democracy in ancient Greece to the significant contributions of Greek Australians in law, politics, and civil society, the Greek community has always been a voice for fairness and equality.

I am proud of both my Greek and Aboriginal heritage, and my work as a lawyer is a place where I see advocating for justice, human rights, and democracy needs to happen. It is in this spirit that I gratefully received recognition as winner for the Indigenous Leader of the Year Award at the Australian Law Awards.

Winning the award is more than a personal achievement – it serves as a platform to raise awareness about the significant legal challenges First Nations people face daily. These challenges—whether they involve land rights, the protection of cultural knowledge, or navigating a legal system that wasn’t built with Indigenous perspectives in mind—are immense. It reminds me that every step forward is a victory not just for me but for our communities, our ancestors, and team members who are constantly lifting us.

Last year, I was honoured to win the Australasian Most Influential Lawyer of the Year award and that’s something I have tried to garner with motivation towards better outcomes for First Nations peoples, Greek community members and those from diverse back grounds.

This year, the Lawyers Weekly Indigenous Leader of the Year Award has a deep meaning for me because it represents the progress we’ve made in supporting First Nations businesses and communities. It tells me that our work, particularly in empowering Indigenous communities, is having a tangible impact.

The journey of building AMK Law as an Aboriginal law business has been an embodiment of Black Excellence and something I’m incredibly proud of. We were also recognised in 2024 by Australasian Lawyer 2024 Top Boutique Firm, a title that reflects our commitment to high standards, excellence, and deep cultural connection in the work we do.

Navigating challenges as First Nations people

Growing up with a Greek heritage alongside my Aboriginal background has deeply influenced my perspective on justice. The values of community, responsibility, and the fight for human rights are universal. The concept of “filotimo” – the love in honour, and integrity for doing what is right and doing good for community. Filotimo aligns with the steps and actions we need to see for overcoming the ongoing struggle for justice and representation and what needs to happen for First Nations peoples in Australia.

The legal system in Australia, designed primarily with British principles, often overlooks the cultural knowledge and perspectives of First Nations peoples. This creates significant hurdles for Indigenous individuals and communities. One of the biggest challenges is navigating a system that wasn’t made for First Nations peoples.

Matthew Karakoulakis: Legal trailblazer bridging Greek and Aboriginal cultures

Issues like land rights, access to justice, and the protection of cultural knowledge are fraught with difficulties. The legal frameworks we operate in can feel alien and unyielding, but that’s exactly why I believe it’s so important to walk in two worlds, also bridging the gap between Indigenous values and the Western legal system.

The work we do at AMK Law is not just about legal advocacy, it’s about making the law work for First Nations peoples in a way that respects and acknowledges our culture. That’s why my role in the community goes beyond providing legal services. I see it as my responsibility to ensure that our communities have the knowledge, tools, and representation to protect their rights and succeed in a system that isn’t always set up for them.

The Importance of empowerment

Empowerment is at the heart of everything I do. I want to make sure that communities have the opportunity to protect their rights and thrive in whatever they’re aiming for. This is what drives me every day. It’s why I work late nights and wake up early to see our people succeed and to provide them with the necessary tools to do so.

Through AMK Law, we’ve developed several initiatives designed to empower First Nations communities. The Battle Against Black Cladding Masterclass (BaM💥) is one such initiative. BaM💥 is designed to raise awareness and provide frameworks for creating change among corporations, government procurement teams, and those engaging with Aboriginal businesses. It’s about ensuring that Aboriginal businesses are not just included but are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.

Another initiative is The Blak Excellence in Governance (BEiNG) program – tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boards and organisations. This program is designed to foster strong governance practices while respecting cultural competency. Good governance is key to the success of Indigenous organisations, and BEiNG helps these groups achieve their goals while staying true to their purpose and cultural roots.

The Rolling Through Negotiations podcast gives back to the community by sharing valuable insights into negotiation, leadership, and resilience. Through in-depth conversations with leaders from diverse fields, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, BJJ martial artists and world level athletes. The podcast offers a platform for cultural knowledge, business strategies, and personal growth.

Inspiring the next generations

I hope that my work in law continues to inspire young people from both the Greek and Indigenous communities to pursue justice, protect cultural knowledge, and uphold the rights of their people, building on the legacy of these intertwined histories.

In this way, I aim for our youth to gain strength from my journey in service as an inspiration for young First Nations peoples, and those from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in law.

We need more First Nations lawyers because our voices are crucial in the fight for justice, the protection of culture, and the preservation of rights. Law is a powerful tool for change, and it’s essential that we have more First Nations voices in the room when decisions are being made.

To support the next generation, we’ve established the AMK Indigenous Law Students Scholarship, which helps First Nations students with their studies and other needs while they’re at university. Additionally, we sponsor the Aboriginal Law Student Mentoring program, which is implemented across all three South Australian universities. These programs aim to guide and support First Nations students who are interested in pursuing law, showing them that not only is a career in law possible, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

A vision for the future

Ultimately, the work we do at AMK Law is about creating lasting impact, that is not just through legal services but by fostering growth, resilience, and opportunity within the communities we serve. It’s about giving back in a way that builds a stronger, more empowered future for everyone.

When I reflect on winning the Indigenous Leader of the Year Award, I’m reminded that there’s still much to do.

The fight for equality, representation, and justice for First Nations peoples is ongoing, but I’m committed to walking that path with our communities. Together, we’ll keep pushing forward, ensuring that our peoples have the support, resources, and representation they deserve. And as we continue this journey, I’m hopeful that more young First Nations peoples will join us, using law as a tool to drive change and uplift our communities for a better future.