Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC) is proud to announce Claire Blomeley as the recipient of the 2025 Nicky Block Prize, an annual award recognising an outstanding student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to social justice, client-centred practice and the values at the heart of community legal work.
The Nicky Block Prize, named in memory of UNSW Law & Justice alumni and former KLC volunteer solicitor Nicky Block, honours a KLC student who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the Centre. Recipients are recognised for their practical contribution, professionalism, teamwork and their commitment to trauma-informed, community-focused legal practice.
Emma Golledge, Director of Kingsford Legal Centre, said this year, Claire stood out for her maturity, empathy and thoughtful approach to clients and colleagues alike.
“It was once again a difficult decision to award the Nicky Block Prize due to the high calibre of students that came through the Centre this year,” she said. “Claire was successful due to her diligence, maturity and client commitment. Every day she was in the Centre she worked hard to support our clients and resolve their issues. She represents what we like to see at the end of the long law degree – a student ready to enter the world and make a difference straight away.”
A journey shaped by values and lived experience
Claire’s path to law was anything but linear. Before starting the Juris Doctor, she completed a Graduate Diploma in Education and worked in out-of-school-hours care with vulnerable communities. During that time, she also completed a Master’s degree in English Literature. Later, she moved to Montreal, where she managed a bar and originally planned to pursue a PhD.
But when she began to reflect on what kind of work aligned with her values, she realised she wanted to build a career that offered both stability and the chance to make a positive impact. Law became the natural choice.
“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be, but I knew my values and that I wanted to contribute something meaningful to people’s lives,” Claire says. “Starting law took a lot of introspection, and it certainly surprised some of my friends and family.”
Finding purpose in community legal work
Claire says the opportunity to engage in practical, community-focused learning was one of the reasons she chose UNSW Law & Justice.
“The possibility to engage with practical learning was one of the drawcards for me to study here. Not only did I want to gain work experience, but I saw it as a great opportunity to explore community law,” she says.
At KLC, she found what she had been searching for: a model of practice grounded in compassion, professionalism and client empowerment. Watching trauma-informed legal work in action made a lasting impression.
“I’ve been incredibly inspired by the teaching staff at UNSW Law & Justice and their journeys in the law. Being a lawyer doesn’t have to mean the corporate route. At KLC, I saw what it means to practise law with humanity. I genuinely aspire to be more like the staff at KLC.”
Strengths shaped by life experience
Claire entered law school in her mid-thirties and initially worried her age might be a disadvantage. It turned out to be one of her greatest strengths.
“Working at KLC can be confronting. You see people at their most vulnerable,” she says. “My life experience, world perspective and empathy became an asset.”
Her ability to connect with clients with warmth and respect, while navigating challenging legal and personal issues, set her apart.
A future in community law
Looking ahead, Claire hopes to continue working in community legal practice, with a particular interest in employment law and law reform.
“I would love to dive straight into community-focused legal work once I finish the JD,” she says.
Her advice for other JD students who want to make a positive impact reflects her grounded, thoughtful approach to life:
“Take the opportunities available to you through internships and volunteering, but also remember that positive impact is holistic. I work in hospitality and always try to treat every interaction as if it might be the only positive moment in someone’s day. Not everything you do needs to be for your CV.”
Supportive friendships, both within and outside the law school community, also keep her grounded.
“Law can feel very competitive at times. I’ve been so lucky to find friends who encourage each other and celebrate each other’s successes.”