Robert French, Chief Justice of the High Court and distinguished graduate from UWA's Faculty of Law, was named the second recipient of the prestigious Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award on 31 May 2009.

The award honours West Australians who demonstrate vision, innovation and exemplary achievements above and beyond expectation..

Justice French completed his science degree at UWA in 1968, majoring in physics, and finished his law degree in 1971. He was president of the University's Liberal Club and later tutored in constitutional law at the University.