Hylton Quail has already nailed his colours to the mast, promising to increase community understanding of the rule of law and separation of powers. He said he will work to bolster community understanding of the justice system and the role of lawyers.

Quail replaces Dudley Stow.

Carrying the mantel for WA Law Society presidents before him, the criminal barrister at Francis Burt Chambers said he will be active in the debate around the proposed nationalisation of the legal profession.

He said the “significant debate” and its ramifications will have a major impact on the Western Australian lawyers and consumers of legal services.

Also on top of the agenda for the new president is improving access to justice. Quail said he would work to increase legal aid   legal centre funding, as well as promote pro bono work by all lawyers.

Quail said he would also better serve the needs of the up-and-coming lawyers, who are just entering the profession.

The Society would also oppose legislative erosion of “our fundamental rights as citizens” from 2010 when Quail takes up the new post.

In making the new president announcement today, the Society said Quail is being appointed at a time when law and order are high on the state government’s reform agenda, and when further reform to the legal profession is underway on the national front.

Quail was previously a solicitor in sole practice for 12 years, and he has specialised predominantly in criminal law.

Quail has previously held the role of vice president and senior vice president of the Society. He was also convenor of its Criminal Law Committee and deputy convenor of the Human Rights Committee.

“[Quail’s] contribution to the Society over the past few years has been immeasurable, both in his capacity as senior vice president of the society and as a contributor to the profession generally,” said outgoing president Stow.

“[Quail’s] experience and wealth of knowledge on criminal law matters will be of great benefit to the Society as law and order remains a key focus of the government’s agenda.”