When Joanna ‘Jo’ Knight passed away in 2022 at just 36 years old, her family and colleagues wanted to honour her memory. 

A lawyer and barrister, Joanna had built an impressive career spanning legal aid and pro bono briefs over nearly 10 years in the sector. 

She was first admitted as a lawyer in 2013 and worked for Marsdens Law Group before commencing practise as a barrister at Frederick Jordan in 2020. Up until her passing, Joanna worked at Culwulla Chambers in Sydney. 

Remembering Joanna, Jo’s friend and barrister at Wentworth Chambers, Gina Edwards, explains that “Jo reflected the very best of human nature.” 

“She was genuine, good-natured, and a model family law practitioner,” Gina says. “To those who met her, Jo left a lasting impression. 

“Throughout her legal career, she was passionate about public service, and believed that socio-economic diversity in the legal profession would strongly benefit both the system and the community.” 

Studying law is time-intensive and expensive, and without a privileged upbringing, can be difficult to manage, limiting diversity in the profession. 

“For many students, there is no easy road to being admitted into legal practice. This is especially the case for people experiencing financial disadvantage and for First Nations students,” says Gina. 

This is why, following Joanna’s death, the idea of a scholarship in Joanna’s name was raised. 

“Joanna’s family and colleagues at the NSW Bar wanted to create scholarships to honour Joanna’s dedication to social justice by providing financial support to First Nations people and women in pursuit of a career in law.” 

After exploring her options, Gina approached Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) about opening a Scholarship Fund. 

Scholarship Funds allow fund advisors to provide educational payments, prizes and bursaries to students across Australia, and are the most effective way to build a lasting endowment. 

Following discussions with the ACF team and in conjunction with Community Legal Centres NSW, the Joanna Knight Scholarship Fund was established, with the scholarship’s selection criteria and purpose in line with Gina and Joanna’s family’s giving goals. 

The Joanna Knight Scholarship Fund has three streams, each targeting a minority group that would benefit from financial assistance when accessing legal education. 

This includes a stream for women experiencing financial hardship who wish to be admitted as a lawyer; another for First Nations law students wanting to be admitted as a lawyer; and a third for women experiencing financial disadvantage wanting to be admitted to the NSW Bar. 

“The scholarships aim to level the playing field, making it more accessible for people from diverse backgrounds to gain professional experience in community legal centres and become lawyers,” Gina explains. 

Gina, an established barrister and senior litigation associate who worked on former US President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, says the scholarship wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of ACF. 

“Without Australian Communities Foundation, this would never have happened. ACF facilitated an introduction with the Community Legal Centres of NSW, whom we partnered with for the scholarship,” Gina notes.  

“We have just finalised the scholarship application, will be advertising it next month, and applications will commence!” 

When asked how Joanna may feel knowing a scholarship had been established in her name, Gina laughs. 

“I think Joanna would be a bit embarrassed! But she would be thrilled about the initiative supporting work at the community legal centres and encouraging economic diversity in the legal profession.” 

To donate to the Joanna Knight Scholarship Fund, click here. 

To learn about opening a Scholarship Fund, click here.