The Law Society of New South Wales, the peak body representing the state’s 36,000 solicitors, is pleased to welcome Sonja Stewart as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Sonja has been a Deputy Secretary within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and before that, a Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Public Service Commission. Most recently, she was the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Arrilla Consulting, a joint venture with KPMG.

Ms Stewart has extensive senior leadership experience across State and Commonwealth Governments, the legal profession, academia and the not-for-profit sector.

In taking up her new role, Ms Stewart said she was looking forward to building on the significant successes achieved by her predecessor, Michael Tidball, and leading the Law Society into its next exciting chapter working with and on behalf of the legal profession.

“The Law Society’s values and vision to lead the profession, serve members and ensure a just legal system drew me to the CEO role,” Ms Stewart said.

“I am looking forward to working with the Council and leading the team to deliver this vision.”