As of 1 January 2025, it was my honour to become the President of the Law Society of NSW.

For more than 180 years, as it evolved from the 14 member Sydney Law Library Society, this organisation has fulfilled the purpose identified by those founders:

'to promote good feeling and fair and honourable practice among members of the profession so as best to preserve the interests and retain the confidence of the public'

While the present-day Objects of the Law Society as laid out in our Constitution, are expressed a little differently (and are somewhat broader), the aim of strengthening the unity of our 43,000-strong profession remains.

Alongside this mission is the responsibility of providing members with tools for their success, representing NSW’s solicitors in the community and as a trusted voice to government, and our crucially important role as co-regulator of the profession.

We will continue to provide guidance to the profession on issues that are critical to the success of legal practice, including around the new anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing regime.

I am humbled to commit myself to these tasks for the duration of my term, following in the footsteps of pioneers and leaders of our profession. Each of my predecessors is worthy of our gratitude.

In this, the first President’s Message of my term, I want to pay particular tribute to Brett McGrath, who shepherded the Law Society through a remarkable 2024. Brett provided a stellar example of service and leadership, and I look forward to the benefit of his wisdom in his new role as Immediate Past President.

Beginning a new role is often a little nerve-wracking, but it’s also tremendously exciting. I’m very much looking forward to outlining the vision I’ve developed for this term, at the Opening of Law Term Dinner.

This occasion is one of the most important – and enjoyable – events of the legal year and features an address from the Chief Justice of NSW. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to book a seat, or a table for the event which will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney on Thursday, 6 February. I look forward to seeing you there!

Take the next career step

If you’ve made a new year’s resolution to step up into practice management, the LawInform Team is presenting the first of this year’s Practice Management Courses early next month. Qualified practitioners have until next Monday, 20 January to register. Some online work is required before the three-day online course commences on Monday, 3 February. The Course Brochure is here.