Schultz brings more than 20 years of experience in senior management and joins a select number of women in similar positions in the professional services industry.

As a female, Schultz believes she brings a different perspective to the role of CEO. "I think I bring another perspective, particularly given a large part of law graduates are female now," Schultz said. "[I have driven] that flexibility in the workplace...I also understand the challenges of women trying to come back to work and I think that's important."

Holding the position of general manager of the firm for over eight years and finance manager prior to that, Schultz joined the firm in 1996 after beginning her career as a chartered accountant.

After the firm's significant growth over the past four years, the general manager role was restructured to provide for greater leadership, business development and strategic direction.

"The firm got to a size that it required someone with more time to spend on strategy," Schultz said. "I'll be liaising more with clients and making sure our service is what our clients are looking for. I will be involved in new client initiatives and promoting the firm externally.

"I am looking forward to leading the firm into our exciting next chapter after what has been a very busy couple of years growing the firm, including the securing of our new King William Street premises," Schultz said.

Wallmans' chairman of partners Peter Hoban said the new role requires astute business acumen and foresight, with Schultz continuing to deliver a forward thinking and positive outlook in firm management.