Kelsi Forrest

Kelsi Forrest is a distinguished legal professional who has made significant contributions to the field of Indigenous law in Australia. A Wadjuk, Barladong Mineng Nyungar, Kelsi's dedication to her heritage underpins her work at Biyara Legal, where she is a principal, having joined the firm in its earlier form, Roe Legal Services, in 2016. Since her admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2017 and the High Court of Australia in 2018, she has become an integral part of the Indigenous Law Team, focusing primarily on native title and heritage matters. Kelsi's academic background from the University of Western Australia, where she earned degrees in Law and Arts with majors in Politics and Indigenous Knowledge, provides a robust foundation for her legal practice. She also serves as a casual academic at Curtin University Law School, tutoring in Indigenous Peoples, Law & Justice, where she shares her expertise with future legal practitioners. Her professional achievements are notable, with accolades such as Lawyer of the Year (less than 5 years experience) awarded by the Law Society of Western Australia and Young Lawyer of the Year from both the Women Lawyers Association of WA and the Piddington Society. Kelsi’s career is marked by extensive experience in native title and heritage matters. Her work involves managing Future Act matters, overseeing Indigenous Land Use Agreements, and participating in National Native Title Tribunal proceedings. She has been the instructing solicitor in significant Federal Court native title proceedings, including those pertaining to the Darlot native title determination. Her advisory roles extend to prescribed body corporates, Aboriginal Corporations, and Indigenous Trusts, offering guidance on the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act and the Aboriginal Heritage Act, among others. Kelsi's work is vital in addressing governance and self-determination issues, a testament to her commitment to Indigenous rights. Kelsi's qualifications include a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, underpinned by her membership in the Law Society of Western Australia. Her career trajectory exemplifies her dedication to Indigenous advocacy and legal excellence.