Lavarch has recently been appointed Dean of Law at the Queensland University of Technology.

President of the Law Council Bob Gotterson thanked him for his “significant contribution” to the Law Council. Due to take up his new position in late April, Webb is a past Director-General of NSW Court Services and was Deputy-General of the NSW Attorney-General’s department.

“Michael has enhanced the Council’s effectiveness in its core roles of supporting the rule of law and representing the profession at the national level,” Gotterson said.

He said Webb had “ an impressive combination of policy skills, administrative capability and public authority experience that very much suits the Law Council”.

Admitting he had been away from the legal profession for some time, Webb said he had never lost touch with it and is looking forward to assuming the new position.

“Law Council Secretary General is a position of great responsibility. Representing Australian lawyers at the federal level is a vital role, one which is growing in importance,” Webb said.

Noting that the Law Council had an impressive track record in its advocacy of national practice standards, Webb said “my intention is to maintain the current drive and momentum of the Law Council”.