David Jesser, principal of Queensland-based McInnes Wilson's insurance litigation practice, has been a member of AILA's Queensland committee for several years.

Jesser said he is "looking forward to keeping AILA as relevant as possible to practitioners and insurers" - something he admits is "sometimes a challenge".

Jesser aims to "revamp the national conference format and have a say in the way it is run and the social activities offered to delegates".

Jesser became an AILA member 10 years ago after he found the information offered by AILA to be helpful to his work.

"The sessions and guest speakers touched on issues very relevant to me," he said, adding that AILA is an important body in the insurance law industry as it provides ongoing education and networking opportunities for its members.

Jesser specialises in defending insurer clients in CTP, occupiers' liability, construction and public risk claims.

He joins AILA board president David McKenna, of Perth firm Jarman McKenna, who began his career at WA Legal Aid Commission as a plaintiff lawyer before moving to insurance law.

David Lee of Sydney firm Lee & Lyons Lawyers is vice-president of the board, along with the in-house technical counsel of CGU Insurance, Chris Rodd, who is AILA's immediate past president.

Kim Bradey, a partner with Thomsons Lawyers, is AILA's company secretary, while John Fountain, a consultant lawyer, serves as treasurer.