JD (USYD), MA CMC (UMelb), BA(Hons)
Laura Curtis
Senior Solicitor
Expertise
Laura provides clients with practical tools to implement Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights in key areas including, language revitalisation projects, collections management for galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAMs), and publishers working with First Nations stories, ICIP and Indigenous Data.
With extensive experience in supporting community-led language revitalisation initiatives, Laura offers strategic and legal advice for protection of Language knowledge. She collaborates with Language and culture experts to provide advice on their continued ownership and management of the Intellectual Property (IP) and ICIP in the classes, tools and resources they develop. She also works with schools and departments to design protocols and strategies that foster respectful collaborations with local Language communities.
Her diverse skill set encompasses legal and policy drafting, governance frameworks, and the legal dimensions of arts and culture management. She has successfully negotiated commission and license agreements, recording release agreements and digital collaborative art projects. She has advised GLAMs on developing and implementing ICIP protocols that create culturally safe and welcoming collections.
Laura also supports publishers in negotiating ICIP rights within publishing agreements and applying ICIP principles to existing and future publications. Her considered approach emphasises responsible circulation of First Nations stories, ICIP and Indigenous Data, helping publishers align with best practices, demonstrate integrity and enhance their reputation for fostering diverse, respectful story telling.
An experienced public speaker, Laura has facilitated many bespoke True Tracks® and ICIP workshops tailored to her clients’ needs. Laura breaks down complex legal concepts to clear, practical guidance, empowering participants to confidently apply these principles in their everyday work.
Photo by Stephen Wilson Barker
Experience
Laura was admitted as a solicitor in 2019 and holds a Legal Practising Certificate with 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 Materials Conservation (University of Melbourne, 2009), working as an Objects Conservator at leading institutions around Australia.
Recent Projects
In 2024, 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 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 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
In 2021 she worked on drafting and research for a Report into 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.
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.
