The new president of the Law Society of Western Australia, former Francis Burt Chambers barrister Hylton Quail, has identified the proposed nationalisation of the legal profession as his number-one priority when he takes office next year.
“Promoting better community understanding of the rule of law and separation of powers, and the justice system and the role of lawyers will be a focus,” he said. “Another significant debate we will continue to actively participate in concerns the proposed nationalisation of the legal profession, which will have a major impact on lawyers and consumers of legal services.”
The criminal barrister has also pledged to improve access to justice by working to increase community legal centre funding and promoting pro bono work by all lawyers. He also believes the needs of younger members of the legal profession need to be prioritised.
Previously, Quail held the roles of vice president and senior vice president of the Law Society, as well as being the convenor of the Criminal Law Committee for several years. He is also deputy convenor of the Human Rights Committee.
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