Hall & Wilcox awards inaugural Hall & Wilcox Prize – In memory of Paul O’Donnell

Media Release | 18 September 2023

Hall & Wilcox is pleased to announce that Dean Kalas and Natasha Lea are the inaugural recipients of the Hall & Wilcox Prize – In memory of Paul O’Donnell.

The prize is awarded to the best performing student in Renewable Energy Law: Structuring and Financing Renewable Energy Projects at the University of New South Wales.

The prize was awarded for the first time this year to Dean and Natasha, who were equal winners for the 2022 academic year.

The Hall & Wilcox Prize is a wonderful way to remember and recognise Paul O’Donnell, our incredible colleague and friend, as a leader in this space.

Dean Kalas and Natasha Lea in our Sydney office with Paul Todd (one of Paul O'Donnell’s colleagues)

Paul O’Donnell was the head of our Energy & Resources practice. After Paul passed away in August 2022, we asked for input into what we should do as an ongoing tribute to Paul, his life and contribution. Based on broad support for the idea, we established the Hall & Wilcox Prize – In memory of Paul O'Donnell.

Paul was highly regarded by clients and colleagues as an expert energy and projects lawyer. He had an unwavering passion for his work and did an exceptional job leading much of our work in the energy and renewables space. He was also an active contributor to firm life and had close relationships with many of our clients and friends.