Nathan Kennedy
Partner, Head of Pro Bono & Community and ESG Co-Lead
Nathan is the Head of our Pro Bono & Community practice, leading the firm’s national pro bono and community initiatives. He works across employment, consumer credit and debt, administrative law and human rights, helping community organisations and people experiencing disadvantage navigate complex legal issues.
Clients value Nathan for his collaborative approach and deep understanding of the human rights and community legal sectors, particularly when developing pro bono initiatives and partnerships that improve access to justice and create meaningful community impact.
Nathan brings a Master of Laws (Human Rights & Social Justice) and extensive experience working with community legal centres and United Nations human rights processes.
Nathan does not accept direct requests for pro bono assistance. If you need legal help, please visit our Pro Bono page.
Experience
Advises on international human rights processes, including complaints to treaty committees and treaty body reporting and has experience presenting to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Provides strategic input to law reform inquiries relating to human rights.
Advises and acts in litigation under domestic human rights legislation (eg Bobeldyk & Anor v Moreton Bay City Council; Eichin & Ors v Moreton Bay City Council [2026] QSC 27).
Acts in climate change litigation, including the landmark MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd v Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc. matter before the High Court of Australia.
Contributes to the Australian Human Rights Institute’s work on climate change and human rights, including co-authoring State of Denial, a report examining Australia's legal obligations for human rights harms arising from fossil fuel exports.
Best Lawyers in Australia
Civil Rights Law, Litigation | 2027
Motor Vehicle Law and Personal Injury Litigation | 2025, 2026, 2027
Insurance Law | 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards
Pro Bono Partner of the Year (Finalist) | 2025, 2026
Mentor of the Year and Pro Bono Partner of the Year (Finalist) | 2024
Memberships and community involvement
- Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development (GLAPD) | Former Board member
- Australian Human Rights Institute | Former Advisory Committee Member
- Australian Lawyers for Human Rights | Former President and National Committee Member