Wotton + Kearney’s Eliza Sinclair has won this year’s Ron Shorter Award, which tests young professionals’ public speaking skills.

Award organiser the Australian Insurance Law Association announced the results before its national conference last week.

Ms Sinclair won a $1000 prize. Sparke Helmore Lawyers’ Adam Cass took second place and $500, and MinterEllison’s Tess Douglas won third place and $250.

Contestants had to give a presentation on an insurance-related issue. Ms Sinclair’s talk focused on the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on the insurance market.

Retired Supreme Court judge Martin Daubney, one of three judging panel members, said the competition was “incredibly close” and set a “new standard”. 

“Every person here had the privilege of effectively participating in a masterclass in three very different styles of public speaking,” he said at the award presentation. 

AILA national president Melanie Quixley says the competition showcased the “quality and the polish” of the industry’s young talent.

The award is named in honour of former Colin Biggers & Paisley practice manager Ron Shorter, who died in 2012.