The Law Society of Western Australia’s past Presidents include some of Western Australia’s best legal minds. The list includes current and former judges, Chief Justices, a former Premier and Attorneys General, a Governor and managing partners.
Presidency of the Society has sometimes been the culmination of a long career but more often presaged later advancement.
A number of past Presidents have received honours including a knighthood or an Australian honour with two Companions (AC), four Orders (AO) and three Members (AM).
A number founded well-known law firms and others were distinguished solicitors.
2024
Paula Wilkinson
About: Admitted WA 1983;
Founding Director, Kim Wilson & Co
2023
Ante Golem
About: Admitted WA 2004;
Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
2022
Rebecca Lee
About: Admitted WA 1994;
Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
2021
Jocelyne Boujos
About: Admitted WA 1990;
Principal, Boujos Legal
2020
Nicholas van Hatten
About: Admitted WA 2009;
barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
2019
Greg McIntyre SC
About: Admitted WA 1976;
barrister, Michael Kirby Chambers
2018
Hayley Maree Corman
About: Admitted WA 2007;
barrister, Quayside Chambers
2017
Alain Jonathan Musikanth SC
About: Admitted WA 2002;
Senior Counsel, Francis Burt Chambers
2015-2016
Elizabeth Cecily Jane Needham
About: Admitted WA 1995;
barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Past Presidents 2015 - 1927
- 2015
Matthew James Keogh - 2014
Konrad Jacques Mony de Kerloy - 2013
Craig Marshall Slater - 2012
Dr Christopher Nigel William Kendall - 2010 – 2012
Hylton Colin Quail - 2008 – 2009
Dudley Randolph Stow - 2006 – 2007
Cav Maria Grazia Saraceni - 2006
Wayne Stewart Martin KC - 2005
Celia Alison Searle - 2004
Ian Weldon - 2003
Elizabeth Jean Heenan - 2002
Clare Helen Thompson - 2001
Kenneth James Martin KC - 2000
Gregory Robert Boyle - 1999
John Robert Broderick Ley - 1998
Catherine Joan (Kate) O’Brien - 1997
John George Syminton - 1995 – 1996
Judith Elsa (Judy) Eckert - 1995
Pino Anthony Monaco - 1994
Michael John McPhee - 1993
Theodore Henry (Ted) Sharp - 1992
Richard Anthony Clarke (Rick) Cullen - 1991
John Anthony Chaney - 1989 – 1990
Rene Lucien Le Miere - 1988
Michael John Murray KC - 1986 – 1987
Robert John Meadows
(1941 – 2022) - 1985
Henry Hall (Hal) Jackson - 1984
Daryl Robert Williams KC - 1983
Ian Douglas Temby KC - 1982
Rory Edward Stanley Argyle - 1979 – 1981
Geoffrey Peter Miller KC
(1942 – 2019) - 1977 – 1979
Alan Eric Blanckensee
(1926 – 2017) - 1975 – 1977
Terence Alan Walsh - 1973 – 1975
Barry William Rowland KC - 1972 – 1973
John Leslie Toohey KC
(1930 – 2015) - 1970 – 1972
Peter Frederick Brinsden KC
(1922 – 2002) - 1968 – 1970
Alkin Robert Alexander (Bob) Wallace
(1924 – 2011) - 1966 – 1968
John Samuel Charles Dewar
(1911 – 1969) - 1966
Gresley Drummond Clarkson KC
(1916 – 2005) - 1964 – 1966
John Martin Lavan
(1911 – 2006) - 1962 – 1964
Phillip Rennell Adams
(1908 – 1994) - 1960 – 1962
Francis Theodore Page (Red) Burt
(1918 – 2004) - 1958 – 1960
Howard Vincent Reilly
(1905 – 1973) - 1956 – 1958
George Dundas Wright
(1917 – 1975) - 1954 – 1956
Oscar Joseph Negus KC
(1902 – 1970) - 1952 – 1954
Howard Vincent Reilly
(1905 – 1973) - 1951 – 1952
Hubert Taylor Stables
(1897 – 1972) - 1950 – 1951
John Evenden Virtue
(1905 – 1986) - 1948 – 1950
John Hale
(1905 – 1979) - 1945 – 1948
Wallace Turnbull Unmack
(1896 – 1963) - 1943 – 1945
John Peter (Jack) Durack KC
(1886 – 1978) - 1940 – 1943
Nathaniel Peaden Lappin
(1898 – 1962) - 1937 – 1940
Sydney Howard-Bath
(1877 – 1950) - 1935 – 1937
Wallace Elias Bickley Solomon
(1878 – 1950) - 1930 – 1935
Michael Gibson Lavan KC
(1875 – 1937) - 1927 – 1930
Sir Walter Hartwell James KC
(1863 – 1943)