The Anton Hermann Memorial Scholarship Program honours the memory of Anton Hermann, Monash alumnus, dedicated Melbourne lawyer and Jewish community leader, who devoted his professional life to supporting marginalised and disadvantaged Australians. His legal capability, together with his strong sense of purpose, made him a leader in the pro bono and community sector.
Joining MinterEllison in 1990, Mr Hermann served tirelessly in the role of the firm's first National Pro Bono & Community Investment Director from 2004.
“Anton was a lawyer with humility and integrity who was genuinely committed to improving access to justice for the poor, marginalised and disadvantaged," said John Corker, CEO of the Australian Pro Bono Centre (2004-2019). "He was a respected leader in the pro bono legal community and beyond. He left us far too early."
The Anton Hermann Memorial Scholarship will support students who want to change the world for the better, including young people from a range of disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those who did not think that university study would be possible for them due to the financial burden or those who are experiencing a range of difficult circumstances.
The scholarship will offer students $6,000 per annum for the duration of their degree (up to four years) to assist with living costs. This valuable benefaction reduces the need for part-time work and the stress of financial hardship, allowing students to focus on their studies, and increasing the likelihood of academic success.
"Under Anton's leadership, MinterEllison developed numerous impactful programs to break cycles of disadvantage. I know this first-hand because Anton was a former colleague of mine when I worked at MinterEllison myself,” said Damien Farrell, Vice-President (Advancement) at Monash University.
“Anton led from the front in Australia's pro bono legal community and we are honoured to partner with Anton's family and MinterEllison to launch the scholarship,” he said.
“We believe that excellence deserves recognition, whatever the circumstances, and we know that those in receipt of a life-changing scholarship at Monash, will often go on to transform the lives of others."
Annette Kimmitt, CEO and Managing Partner at MinterEllison, said: “This scholarship is a tribute to Anton's unwavering passion for breaking cycles of disadvantage in the community.’
"Anton made a transformational contribution to MinterEllison, the legal profession and the community at large. He devoted his professional life to supporting disadvantaged and marginalised individuals, and his legal capability - together with his strong sense of purpose and empathy - made him a true leader in the community sector," she said.
