Alina Leikin

Lawyer

About Me

Alina Leikin joined the Human Rights Law Centre in 2016 in the Indigenous Rights Unit. Alina has worked to advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people involved in the criminal justice system. She also works to ensure that Australian businesses are held accountable for the human rights impacts of their overseas operations.

Alina was the lead lawyer in landmark legal cases in 2016-2017 challenging the Victorian Government’s detention of children at Barwon maximum security adult prison. The successful legal action found that the government had acted unlawfully, in violation of children’s human rights, and breathed new life into the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.

Prior to joining the HRLC Alina was a solicitor and the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Law Group at King & Wood Mallesons for almost four years. Alina has extensive experience in strategic litigation, including in a number of recent High Court matters that advanced the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; asylum seekers and refugees; and that promoted protection of democratic freedoms. Alina has also worked with Julian Burnside QC undertaking research and strategic planning in relation to human rights litigation and advocacy.

Alina was previously the General Secretary of the Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network, an advisory body to the Premier of Victoria. She also has experience in the community sector, having volunteered as a lawyer with the Homeless Law Clinic at Justice Connect and at Springvale Monash Legal Service, including in the specialist legal clinic in partnership with the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Arts (1st Hons)

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