Endorsed as the new president for 2012 at the LIV's annual general meeting last night (16 November), Holcroft will take up the position on 1 January next year, replacing outgoing president Caroline Counsel.

Admitted into practice in Victoria in 1990 and in New South Wales in 1993, Holcroft is a principal lawyer at Holcroft Avery Lawyers - a five-solicitor firm that practices primarily in business and commercial law, property, estates and civil litigation. Holcroft has also practised in the areas of criminal law and personal injuries.

As a lawyer practising on the border of Victoria and NSW, Holcroft has a strong interest in the harmonisation of laws and national profession reform and will serve as the LIV's representative on the Law Council of Australia in 2012 and 2013.

"As a country practitioner I am particularly interested in recruiting and retaining lawyers in regional and remote areas," said Holcroft.

"My priorities will be to communicate the work we do and to inspire and benefit our members and the community. I am particularly looking forward to the Law Institute finalising its Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan in 2012."

In 2012, Holcroft said the LIV would also address the issue of an ageing profession, especially in rural and suburban areas, and would roll out a "succession road-show" to assist lawyers in selling, merging and handing on their practices, so that access to justice amongst communities is maintained.