JD (USYD), MA CMC (UMelb), BA(Hons)

Laura Curtis

Senior Solicitor

Expertise

Laura serves as our in-house expert in language revitalisation, also specialising in First Nations fashion and design. Her extensive skill set encompasses legal and policy drafting, governance issues, and the legal dimensions of arts and culture management. Her client portfolio includes museums, galleries, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations. She has successfully handled commission and license agreements, recording release agreements, and conducted reviews of publishing agreements. In addition to her legal expertise, Laura has honed her skills in delivering numerous Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPS), she also possesses the expertise to formulate strategies assisting non-Indigenous organisations in implementing and effectively following through with their RAPs. As a seasoned public speaker, Laura delivers bespoke True Tracks® and ICIP workshops to her clients, demonstrating a unique ability to engage participants and simplify intricate legal principles for accessibility and application in their day-to-day tasks.

Photo by Jamie James

Experience

Laura was admitted as a solicitor in 2019 and holds a Legal Practising Certificate from the Law Society of NSW.  She graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney in 2017. She also has an Arts Degree (University of Sydney, 2007) and completed a Masters in Cultural Material Conservation (University of Melbourne, 2009), working as an Objects Conservator at leading institutions around Australia.

Her academic achievements include; 2015 Finalist for the Kevin Lindgren Prize from the Copyright Society of Australia.

Recent Projects

Currently Laura is conducting a revision of Screen Australia’s Pathways & Protocols: A Filmmakers Guide to Working with Indigenous People, Culture and Concepts. The revised guide will encompass modern filmmaking, addressing social media, online streaming, and current cultural, legal, and industry practices.
In 2023 Laura was invited to present two separate presentations at the Wangka Kanyilku Wangkawa - Decolonising First Nations’ Languages Conference held in Kalgoorlie, WA. At the Conference Laura presented on the current landscape of Indigenous languages and the law and spoke about how the True Tracks ®principles can apply to language revitalisation projects.
In 2023, Laura played a key role in supporting the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) in developing and tailoring the "Train the Trainer" Practitioners workshop. Laura conducted workshops throughout NSW for language practitioners, focusing on enhancing their understanding and utilisation of ALT's community guidelines and Aboriginal Cultural and Intellectual Property (ACIP).
In 2023, Laura offered guidance to Indigenous Fashion Designers chosen by First Nations Fashion + Design to participate in The ICONIC's Incubator project. She provided valuable advice on effectively protecting and enhancing their brand as it gained public recognition. Explore Laura's top tips for Indigenous designers in - Spotlight on First Nations Fashion and Intellectual Property (terrijanke.com.au)
In 2021 she worked on drafting and research for a Report on the State of Victoria’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, in compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).

Recent Publications

In 2020/21 Laura was Project Manager on a project with ASEAN that reported on legal and policy options for the protection and promotion of Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Traditional Cultural Expressions. For the full Report see: https://aanzfta.asean.org/publications.
In 2019/20 Laura drafted a guide for Indigenous language centers in Australia, to assist them in managing the legal and governance challenges of working on Indigenous language projects, presenting the guide at Darwin PULiiMA.
In 2019 Laura contributed to the drafting of First Languages, Law & Governance Guide in 2019. First Languages, Law & Governance Guide | terri-janke (terrijanke.com.au). This guide was written to assist Indigenous Language Centres and Indigenous people within the language sector who are working on Indigenous language projects. It aids in managing the legal and governance challenges associated.

Laura enjoys tackling larger projects designed to affect change and increase recognition of ICIP. She also loves collaborating with smaller organisations and small businesses that are in their initial stages and seeking guidance on safeguarding their ICIP or navigating the intricacies of business establishment.

Awards

Finalist, Rising Star of the Year (SME Law category for Women in Law Awards) 2022

Community

Laura has volunteered at the Arts Law Centre of Australia and is a member of the Law Society of NSW. Laura maintains a keen interest in the arts sector and enjoys exploring new exhibitions and galleries and museums throughout Australia. She also enjoys reading, travelling, swimming and yoga.

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