Access to Justice Winner 2026 Erin Ebborn

Erin Ebborn has been awarded the 2026 Access to Justice Award, sponsored by LexisNexis and the New Zealand Bar Association | Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o Te Ture, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to legal aid and access to justice.

The award recognises members of the legal profession who make an outstanding contribution to improving access to justice in Aotearoa. Carol Chris, Managing Director of LexisNexis ANZ, said the award recognises “people who do more than speak about access to justice. They put it into practice: through advocacy, leadership, innovation and service.”

Over a 28-year career in family law legal aid, Erin has dedicated her practice to representing vulnerable members of the community, often working with clients affected by poverty, addiction, mental health challenges and family violence.

The judging panel described Erin as a lawyer whose work has changed lives, noting that many of her clients are among the most disadvantaged in society and that, for many, she has been the last avenue of support available.

The judges were especially impressed by Erin's devotion to finding practical solutions to improve access to legal services. Through her work with Portia, she developed the VLaw urgent violence portal in partnership with women's refuges, enabling vulnerable clients to access legal advice safely and promptly from within a refuge.

_{Left to right: Carol Chris (Managing Director, ANZ, LexisNexis), Paul David KC (President NZBA), Erin Ebborn (Portia), Phil Goodacre (LexisNexis and award judge), Frances Joychild (award judge), Dr Simon Foote KC (President-Elect NZBA).} 

Apart from her client work, Erin has also made a significant contribution to the wider community and profession. The judges noted that she has provided free family violence legal education to more than 3,000 community workers and has dedicated considerable time to mentoring and training graduate lawyers.

In selecting Erin as this year's recipient, the judges said her contribution showed an exceptional and sustained commitment to access to justice, both through her direct work with vulnerable clients and her efforts to strengthen the capability of those supporting them.

Erin Ebborn said she was honoured to receive the award.

"I am delighted to receive the New Zealand Bar Association's Access to Justice Award and am honoured to be recognised among the mana wāhine who have previously received it."

"Portia has been dedicated to making the legal system more accessible, sustainable, and fair. We believe that everyone deserves the right to representation in the New Zealand Courts, and where needed, barriers should be removed to make strong advice and counsel available to everyone."

The award was presented at a reception sponsored by LexisNexis following the NZBA Bar Symposium in Auckland on 3 September 2026.

The New Zealand Bar Association warmly congratulates Erin Ebborn on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all those nominated for their ongoing work to improve access to justice for New Zealanders.