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Former ABA president steps into new role with Law Access
The Australian Bar Association’s immediate past president has taken over the role of chair at Law Access and will be joined by eminent members of the legal profession, including the first woman to practise as a barrister in Western Australia.
Naomi Neilson
From January 2022, Australian Bar Association’s (ABA) immediate past president Matthew Howard SC will replace Law Access’ outgoing chairman Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, who had held the role for more than three years.
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Mr McCusker commented: “Matthew Howard SC is well placed to lead the service in the next stage of its development. He has a deep understanding of the service, strategy and vision of Law Access, having been a board member since 1 January 2019; and has demonstrated a strong commitment to taking pro bono referrals through his career.”
The parent company, the Law Society of Western Australia, announced that three new directors would be joining Mr Howard, including Valerie French AM, the first woman to practise as a barrister in Western Australia and former District Court judge.
Women Lawyers Association of Western Australia president Clare Thompson SC will also join as director, as will national pro bono partner at K&L Gates Adam Levine.
Law Society president Jocelyne Boujos said: “On behalf of the Law Society and the wider legal profession, I would like to thank Mr McCusker for generously giving his time and patronage to Law Access these past three years.
“Under his leadership, Law Access has grown and provided increased access to justice for vulnerable members of our community. The Law Society warmly congratulates Mr Howard SC on his new role as chair of Law Access. Mr Howard is a longstanding member of and has been a valued member of our council.”
Chief executive Dominique Hansen will also be retiring in the new year after a decade spent planning, establishing and running Law Access.
Commenting on the leadership position, Mr McCusker said: “This important leadership transition is taking place at a time when the Law Access service is going from strength to strength. Our 2021 impact report sets out significant recent achievements.”
