Patrick Colin Lawless is an Australian diplomat and senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Lawless served as the Australian Ambassador to Brazil, from 12 February 2014 until February 2016. Lawless previously served as Australia's Ambassador to Portugal (2009–2013) and to Poland (2002–2005).
Early life and education
Lawless can trace his family heritage to the First Fleet landing in Botany Bay in 1788.
Lawless speaks Portuguese and graduated from the University of New South Wales and London School of Economics. Prior to working for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lawless practiced law in Sydney and worked for the Aboriginal Land Commissioner in Darwin.
