- Published:
- Tuesday 19 September 2017
The Andrews Labor Government today announced the appointment of Fiona McLeay as Victoria’s new Legal Services Commissioner.
Ms McLeay is an experienced senior executive, lawyer and board director, and will replace long-serving Commissioner Michael McGarvie who steps down on 26 September.
The appointment is a dual role and Ms McLeay will also serve as CEO of the Victorian Legal Services Board.
The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner are independent statutory authorities responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in Victoria, including overseeing the independent system for managing and responding to complaints against lawyers.
Since 2010 Ms McLeay has been the CEO of Justice Connect, a leading organisation dedicated to providing pro bono legal help to those in need across Victoria and New South Wales.
She was formerly a Special Counsel at Clayton Utz and held a number of legal, management and engagement roles at World Vision Australia.
She is also a Director of the Intrepid Foundation, Chair of the Victorian Legal Assistance Forum, Director of the Human Rights Law Centre, and Director and Board Chair of Health Justice Australia.
Ms McLeay holds a Masters of International Law from the University of Melbourne, a Masters of Public Service Law from New York University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New South Wales.
Mr Russell Daily, current Victorian Legal Services Board Executive Director Complaints and Intervention, will be Acting Commissioner until Ms McLeay takes up her new role on 8 January 2018.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“I congratulate Ms McLeay on her appointment as Victoria’s next Legal Services Commissioner. Her skills, experience and passion for social justice make her uniquely suited to fill this important role.”
“I thank Mr McGarvie for the work he has done over the past eight years in overseeing significant, consumer-focused reforms of the Victorian legal profession.”