The Law Society of NSW will kickstart a new era with Sonja Stewart appointed to lead the organisation, which represents 35,000 solicitors across the state.
Stewart is a proud Yuin woman, and has had an extensive career across State and Commonwealth Governments, including as Deputy Secretary within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. She also has extensive experience in the legal profession, academia and the not-for-profit sector.
She is currently the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Arrilla Consulting, and a Director of the GO Foundation, which aims to improve educational outcomes of Indigenous youth.
In a Law Society statement announcing the appointment, Stewart said she’s looking forward to starting in the position on August 31, to work on behalf of the profession and help ensure access to justice for all.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work with the Law Society President and Council; to listen to and represent the legal profession, and to lead an organisation with a history of ensuring a just legal system,” she said.
Law Society President Richard Harvey said that after undertaking an extensive search for the CEO position, they’re “delighted to be announcing someone of such calibre to lead the Law Society into its next exciting chapter.”
He highlighted Stewart’s extensive stakeholder-engagement and senior leadership experience, among other things.
“Sonja has a wealth of experience leading policy and regulatory programs, well-honed strategic and stakeholder management skills and a deep knowledge of the regulatory framework, all of which is underpinned by a genuine commitment to a just and accessible legal system.”
Congratulations Sonja Stewart!