The Law Society of NSW today regretfully announced that Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tidball, will be resigning after nearly 14 years at the helm.

Mr Tidball will conclude his tenure as CEO of the state’s peak legal body at the end of June 2020 to take up a new position as Chief Executive Officer of the Law Council of Australia.

In announcing Mr Tidball’s resignation, President of the Law Society, Richard Harvey, thanked Michael for his outstanding contribution to the Society, the legal profession and the wider community.

“As the Society’s longest serving CEO and Secretary General of LAWASIA, Michael has been an effective, respected and highly regarded leader who has brought vision, dedication, exceptional strategic skills and considerable energy to the role,” Mr Harvey said.

“There is no doubt that his tenure as CEO has seen the Society rise to new heights where it is now the pre-eminent legal association in Australia, representing the interests of 43% of the nation’s legal profession.

“Michael has been at the forefront of Law Society initiatives to position the association as one of the largest, most resilient and successful voluntary membership law societies internationally.

“His reforms and achievements as CEO are comprehensive and include the lead role played by the Law Society in the move to a national legal services market in Australia, the development of segmented approaches to respond to the different needs of private in-house and government lawyers, as well as a range of legal policy reforms.

“Within the Society’s governance structure, Michael has successfully delivered strategic outcomes and strong and stable leadership.

“He has distinguished himself as an engaged, internationally regarded leader, driven by a genuine commitment to the role of legal associations in advancing and protecting the legal profession, and through it the rule of law, as the foundation of civil society.

“Importantly, he is held in the highest esteem by the Law Society Council, staff and the many stakeholders he engages with in government, the legal profession and judiciary – at a state, national and international level.

“While I am incredibly sad to see Michael depart, I respect his decision to accept this new appointment - he goes with the Law Society Council’s gratitude for his tireless efforts and contribution.

“Michael will leave the Society in a strong financial position, with a robust membership and a clear business strategy.

“A change of CEO leadership will be a vital step for the future of the Society and the opportunity for further growth and enhancement of what is one of the most resilient and highly regarded legal associations in the world.

“On behalf of the Law Society of NSW, I wish Michael every success in his new role at the Law Council of Australia.”

Mr Tidball said it has been an absolute privilege to have served as the CEO of the Law Society for nearly 14 years and as Chief Operating Office for the four years prior.

“I have embraced the challenges that that CEO role as brought along with the additional responsibilities as Secretary General of LAWASIA and a Director of Lawcover,” Mr Tidball said.

“The skills, experience and professional relationships that I have developed during my time at the Law Society have, I believe, placed me in a strong position to take this next step in my career, as CEO of the Law Council of Australia.

“The decision was not taken lightly and has involved much personal reflection but ultimately my personal view is there is a point where organisations need renewed CEO leadership and that this should occur when performance is strong.

“After nearly 14 years as CEO, I believe the time is right.”

Michael Tidball will finish up at the Law Society on 30 June 2020.

The Law Society Council has now commenced the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer.

CONTACT:
Sue Finn | Media and Public Relations Manager
The Law Society of New South Wales
T: +61 2 9926 0288 | M: +61 413 440 699 | E: media@lawsociety.com.au