Law Society Council election results
Voting in the 2024 Law Society Council Election closed on Monday 21 October 2024 at 2.00pm. The following Solicitor Members were declared elected as Councillors of The Law Society of New South Wales by the Company Secretary at the Annual General Meeting on 24 October 2024. Click here to view the results.
The Law Society Council
Following the 2022 review of the composition and governance of the Law Society Council, members adopted an amended Law Society Constitution at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. The amended Constitution requires that the Council includes 1 City Councillor, 1 Suburban Councillor, 1 Country Councillor, 1 Corporate Councillor, 1 Government Councillor, 1 Large Firm Councillor, 1 Young Lawyer Councillor and 8 unreserved Councillors and, in accordance with clause 12.1.1, any Senior Office Bearer whose elected term of office has expired.
Up until the 2022 amendments, the Constitution required that the Council included 2 Councillors from each of the City, Suburban, Country, Corporate, Government and Large Firm segments. To give effect to the transition, clause 3.2 of the amended Constitution provides that the first of each two Reserved Positions to become vacant will be permanently removed (Transitional Provisions).
The work required of Law Society Councillors is demanding and involves a substantial commitment of time and effort. Members of the Council, other than Office Bearers, might expect to commit, on an average, the equivalent of at least one half-day a week to Law Society business, excluding reading and preparation times.
The Council currently meets around ten times a year. Additional special Council meetings are called when required. The usual commencement time for monthly meetings is 4.00 pm and Council may sit for three hours or longer. In addition, Councillors are required to serve on committees involving Law Society representational and regulatory activities and attend a considerable number of functions arranged by the Law Society from time to time.
2024 Council Vacancies
The 2024 Notice of Forthcoming Election has been sent to Solicitor Members (see Notice).
The following Councillors are due to retire as Councillors at the Annual General Meeting of The Law Society of New South Wales which will be held at 4.00pm on Thursday 24 October 2024:
| City Councillor |
SYLVIA FERNANDEZ |
| Country Councillor |
CASSANDRA BANKS |
| Government Councillor |
BRETT MCGRATH |
| Corporate Councillor |
MARY MACKEN |
| Councillors |
DANIELLE CAPTAIN-WEBB
JACQUELINE DAWSON
REBEKAH HUNTER |
All of the retiring Councillors except Ms Cassandra Banks are eligible to stand for re-election. Ms Cassandra Banks’ tenure on the Council will have reached nine (9) consecutive years as at the 2024 Annual General Meeting. As such she is not eligible to stand for election at this Annual General Meeting. As Immediate Past President, she remains a member of Council ex-officio until 31 December 2024. Mr Brett McGrath is eligible to stand for re-election, however, as President he is not required to, as he remains a member of Council ex-officio and will become Immediate Past President on 1 January 2025.
The following Councillors resigned from the Council during 2024:
| Councillor |
JENNIFER WONG |
| Young Lawyer Councillor |
OLIVIA IRVINE |
Taking into consideration the Transitional Provisions, in 2024 FIVE vacancies created by the above retirees are to be filled by a process of election of 1 x Government Councillor, 1 x City Councillor and 3 x Unreserved Councillors. Each of these positions is for a 3-year term. A SIXTH vacancy is to be filled by a process of election of 1 x Councillor for a two-year term to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Councillor Jennifer Wong. A SEVENTH vacancy is to be filled by the appointment of the Young Lawyer Councillor for a 1-year term in accordance with clause 12.1.2 of the Law Society’s Constitution.
Vacancies for the 2024 Council Election are as follows:
For a three-year term:
- 1 x Government Councillor
- 1 x City Councillor
- 3 x Unreserved Councillors
For a two-year term:
- 1 x Unreserved Councillor
For a one-year term
- 1 x Young Lawyer Councillor (by appointment)
2024 Candidates
|
HOWARD BELL, OAM
Government Member
Dr Howard Bell is a Principal Lawyer with the NSW Department of Customer Service. He is a nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) and an Accredited Specialist in Public Law. Howard will be your voice on Council, ensuring your needs are heard and actioned. His volunteer experience includes governance and human rights advocacy. He sits on Homelessness NSW’s Policy Council and is a former Director of Shelter NSW and Coast Shelter. An Army veteran, having served in in East Timor and more recently on the ADF’s Operation COVID-19 Assist, Howard is Vice President of his local RSL Sub-branch.
Email: howardcbell@aol.com
Phone: 0408 251 849
Website: howardcbell.com
|
|
SUSAI BENJAMIN, OAM
Suburban Member
Susai recently resigned from Revenue NSW. Susai has taken up volunteering as the Honorary CEO of Toongabbie Legal Centre. Passionate about socially, economically and culturally disadvantaged peoples’ access to the legal system. www.tlc.asn.au - run by volunteers. Keen to explore how the Law Society can support community legal centres. Toongabbie Legal Centre has a dream of constructing a building named Justice Margaret Beazley Centre to enable law students to volunteer at the Centre and learn the real legal issues facing ordinary people.
Email: sbenjamin@tlc.asn.au
Phone: 0418 691 525 or 1300 373 353
|
|
DANIELLE CAPTAIN-WEBB
Government Member
I am a Gomeroi and Wiradjuri woman, mother, and a dedicated Senior Solicitor with extensive experience in legal practice and governance. Since my election to the Law Society Council in 2021, I have made significant contributions as a member of the Professional Conduct Committee, Disclosure Committee, Ethics Committee and as co-chair of the Indigenous Issues Committee. My work is driven by a deep commitment to justice, social equity, and support of regional and remote solicitors across NSW. I am an Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity, focusing on advancing Indigenous-led social change and justice.
Email: danielle.captain-webb@councilelections.com.au
Phone: 02 4337 6655
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
JACQUELINE DAWSON
Suburban Member
Principal of a suburban firm specialising in family law. With a dedicated team of senior and junior lawyers and paralegals, I understand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities for lawyers. Serving on Law Society Committees and the Specialist Accreditation Board for more than 15 years, if re-elected I will use my experience in professional management and practice to help the Society address not only the needs of family lawyers, but all who work in the diverse and highly challenging field of legal practice. See my website for more details of my goals and priorities!
Email: jacqui.dawson@councilelections.com.au
Phone : 02 8459 1400
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
SYLVIA FERNANDEZ
City Member
A partner of Thomson Geer Lawyers in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, I am a current Councillor of the Law Society and a member of the Professional Conduct, Audit Risk & Finance and Litigation Law & Practice Committees. It’s a privilege and honour to serve members, and I would like to enhance the Society’s advocacy role particularly in regulatory matters and on a national level - to promote a unified stance on issues that affect members in our day to day work, and to focus on your welfare as a professional.
Email: sylvia.fernandez@councilelections.com.au
Phone : 02 8248 3499
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
KYMBERLEI GOODACRE
Country Member
Principal Solicitor at Coffs Law Co and President of our Regional Law Society. I understand the important role of lawyers in local communities. Prior to founding my own practice I worked in public prosecution, youth crime prevention, social and community planning and Legal Aid. Studying and working in regional NSW, I am acutely aware of the needs of regional lawyers. I am passionate about mentoring: raising up new practitioners to enjoy the practice of law with a strong emphasis on work/life balance – whether you’re working in the city or the country.
Email: kymberlei.goodacre@councilelections.com.au
Phone: 02 5606 1225
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
MICHAEL GUILDAY
Corporate Member
A purpose driven Chief Legal Officer, Board Member and Governance Professional, with multidisciplinary expertise. I am currently General Counsel & Head of Property at Sydney Fish Market. A member of the Executive Group, I am responsible for Legal and Property Functions including executive level strategic decision making. A member of the Society’s In-House Corporate Lawyers Committee, I also serve on the Executive Committee of the Association of Corporate Counsel Australia, Committee of the Property Council of Australia and as a volunteer Director of ADHD Australia Limited. Support me to bring this diversity to Council.
Email: michael.guilday@councilelections.com.au
Phone: 02 9004 1114
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
REBEKAH HUNTER
Large Firm Member
Serving in the General Counsel's Office at Minter Ellison, I bring a unique perspective - including extensive in-house experience at Macquarie Group. During my first term on the Law Society's Council, I chaired the In-House Corporate Lawyers’ Committee, demonstrating my leadership and advocacy skills, and served on the Fidelity Fund Management Committee. Contributions to the AI Taskforce, showcased my strategic and analytical abilities and commitment to fostering innovation. I am also committed to social justice and passionate about making meaningful contributions to our profession and community. Leading Law into Tomorrow: Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion
Email: rebekah.hunter@councilelections.com.au
Phone: 0414 338 560
Website: councilelections.com.au
|
|
MARY MACKEN
Corporate Member
Blacktown Council. President 2010. Small and large firm solicitor. As President, pursued implementation of the national profession and advancement of women and diversity. Chaired Property, Planning, Government Committees. Currently Chair Costs Committee. Fought against changes that saw abolition of councillor positions on Council. Had 120 votes and spoke at AGM against removal of positions. Believe in inclusivity for rural solicitors and will fight for restoration of reserved positions. Received Legion Honour, France for promoting French and Australian lawyers. Committed to preserving areas of practice, reducing burdens, and facilitating opportunities. Committed to promoting solicitors for judicial and quasi-judicial positions.
Email: mary.macken@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 0427 365 978
|
|
ANDREW PASTERNACKI
Suburban Member
CANDIDATE WITHDRAWN
|
|
PHILLIP ROBERTS
City Member
Sole practitioner - PCR Law & Associates - practising in IT Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills and Estates and Commercial Law. Committee Member – International Bar Association, City of Sydney Law Society, Asian Australian Lawyers Association, North Metropolitan Law Society and Internet Society. I am committed to proactively supporting members’ wellbeing, promoting practice sustainability and viability and raising members’ concerns. I also support retaining areas of practice and the Law Society’s role in lobbying to protect members’ interests. My other areas of focus include SME law firms and regional practices, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.
Email: phillip@yourvoiceoncouncil.com
Phone: 02 8215 1550
Website: yourvoiceoncouncil.com
|
|
VAUGHAN ROLES
Government Member
BA LLB. Admitted in 1999
Criminal Lawyer, Legal Aid NSW. Member, Disability and Inclusion Committee Law Society NSW. Criminal Law & Welfare of all Solicitors. My own disability brings lived experience to the Council - appearing almost daily in the District Court as a blind advocate with emphasis on all solicitors having equal opportunity to succeed within our profession. I also seek to support those solicitors with carer responsibilities. I am here to provide a voice for all solicitors irrespective of practice area or size of firm.
Email: vaughan.roles@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 04 2521 1038
Website: linkedin.com/in/vaughan-roles
|
|
THOMAS RUSSELL
City Member
I am a partner at Piper Alderman, specialising in insolvency and commercial litigation. After being admitted in 2003 I worked for 13 years in a small city practice (criminal law, conveyancing, business disputes and insolvency) before moving to Piper Alderman in 2016. Outside work, I’m a father to two teenagers, a volunteer with my local women’s shelter and, above all, a believer in getting involved in my local community and engaging with my fellow professionals.
Email: trussell@piperalderman.com.au
Phone: 02 9253 9906 / 0438 205 280
|
|
TERENCE STERN, OAM
Suburban Member
Suburban Principal. Medical Negligence Expert and Accredited Specialist Personal Injury. Formerly Costs, Litigation Law, Disclosure and Conduct Committees. Now Ethics Committee. Councillor 1995-2020 (intermittently). Costs Assessor, Review Panellist, Sessional Member Personal Injury Commission. Is Law Society of NSW heading for disaster? Large firms pull the strings on Council through the election process and restrictions on mailouts. Small, Sole and Suburban practices provide the vast majority of affordable legal services. Law Society should represent all, not just those with deep pockets. Let’s rescue the Law Society of NSW!
Email: tlstern@sternlaw.com.au
Phone: 0407 810 272
|
Why you should nominate
Solicitor Members are eligible to stand for election. Please consider nominating for Council.
In nominating for the 2024 Council election, you can play a critical role in ensuring the profession benefits from leadership that understands and adapts to the changing demands of practice. This is your opportunity to make a difference in your profession and your community.
Law Society Councillors gain a unique insight into the workings of the legal profession. Councillors lead the profession and are ideally placed to consider the issues, pressures and opportunities that members face in daily practice. Electing trusted leaders strengthens the future of the profession.
NOMINATE NOW - You can make a difference
To request a Nomination Kit, contact the Law Society’s Company Secretary at secretary@lawsociety.com.au or phone (02)9926 0213.
Nomination requirements
- Ensure you are a Solicitor Member of the Law Society.
- Note the list of vacancies to be filled at the 2024 Law Society Council election.
- Complete and sign the 2024 Council election nomination form, ensuring that signatures of at least seven Solicitor Members have been obtained in support of your nomination. If you are unable to arrange for seven Solicitor Members to sign the original nomination form, the form that you have signed can be copied and separately forwarded to individual nominating Solicitor Members for signature. These signed forms can be returned to the Law Society as separate documents (via email or post.) Your nomination will not be valid unless at least seven Solicitor Members have signed and forwarded nomination forms supporting your nomination, and your signature, as candidate, also appears on these forms.
- Send your completed nomination form to the Law Society’s Company Secretary , by email to secretary@lawsociety.com.au, or by mail or hand delivery to Level 3, 170 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000. Your completed nomination must be received at the Law Society prior to 4.00pm on Monday, 16 September 2024.
- Prior to 4.00pm on Monday, 16 September 2024, please also provide to the Law Society a 100-word biographical note and a recent portrait photograph for inclusion in the official election documents. The information and photo will be published on the Law Society website in relation to the Council election and in the Voting Instructions and Candidate Information election materials.
Candidate canvassing
The Law Society intends to make available to Solicitor Members a webpage for candidate canvassing materials. Relevant information will be available throughout the election period in one central place for all candidates. Nominees should complete the Candidate Information Form and provide this via email to the Law Society’s Company Secretary at secretary@lawsociety.com.au so that their relevant information (including an image of them) is able to be included on the central webpage.
Online voting - external host provider
The 2024 Law Society election will again be hosted by BigPulse, a web-based online service provider. BigPulse has conducted online elections for the Law Society for the past nine years.
An email with an “Invitation to Vote” will be forwarded during the last week in September to Solicitor Members who have unique email addresses recorded with the Law Society
We encourage Solicitor Members to consider voting online to ensure your vote is received before the ballot closes at 2.00pm on Monday 21 October 2024.
Paper ballots
Solicitor Members who have opted in to receiving hard copies may choose to vote by completing the printed ballot paper which will be sent by post to those Solicitor Members.
Solicitor Members are encouraged to vote online.
Please remember - you can only vote once.
Important dates
Monday 26 August 2024 – Notification of Election
Notice of Forthcoming Election is sent to Solicitor Members with email addresses by email (and via the Law Society’s Monday Briefs on Monday 26 August 2024). A printed copy of the Notice will be sent to Solicitor Members who have not provided an email address.
Monday 26 August 2024 to 4.00 pm Monday 16 September 2024 – Nominations
Requirements:
- Nominees must submit a Nomination Form, signed by not less than seven other Solicitor Members of the Law Society and by the Nominee.
- Nominations are to be received by the Company Secretary prior to 4.00pm Monday 16 September 2024 by email secretary@lawsociety.com.au, or by post or hand delivery to Level 3,170 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000.
- The following additional materials must be received by the Law Society’s Company Secretary by 4.00pm Monday 16 September 2024 in order to be included in the voting/online materials:
- A brief biographical note (limit 100 words).
- b. A recent high-resolution portrait photograph (not more than 12 months old).
Tuesday 24 September 2024 - Monday 21 October 2024 – Voting
For the 2024 election, Solicitor Members with unique email addresses will again have an opportunity to vote electronically.
Online: The 2024 Council election is again hosted by BigPulse, the Law Society’s nominated external service provider. If you are a Solicitor Member and have a unique email address, you will receive an email, “Invitation to Vote” for the 2024 Council election, with instructions on how to link to the electronic voting paper. If you have not received an email inviting you to vote, please first check your “Junk Email” folder and then contact your IT Department to confirm that the email has not been blocked by your organisation’s firewall or spam filter.
Printed Ballot: Solicitor Members who have elected to receive hard copies will receive voting instructions, a printed ballot paper and two return envelopes (inner and outer envelopes). You can vote for up to, but not more than, the number of candidates required to be elected to fill available vacancies. If you are voting using a printed ballot paper, please complete and return the ballot paper as soon as possible to ensure receipt by the Law Society prior to close of ballot at 2.00pm on Monday 21 October 2024.
Monday 21 October 2024 – Ballot closes at 2.00pm
Ballots cannot be accepted after this time.
Thursday 24 October 2024 – Annual General Meeting – 4.00pm
At the Annual General Meeting, successful candidates are announced and will hold office effective from 24 October 2024.
