4 November 2024
The Law Society of Western Australia has appointed Perth lawyer Kate Wellington as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Wellington, who has been CEO of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board in the United Kingdom since 2019, replaces David Price who resigned in August, after more than 18 years in the role.
Ms Wellington, who moved to the United Kingdom in 2008, returned to Perth recently.
“I am looking forward to being at the helm of an organisation that has a long and rich history as the voice of the legal profession in Western Australia,” Ms Wellington said.
“I will continue the Law Society’s strong advocacy on matters important to its members and the community, ensuring that our voice is heard, loudly, on issues of social justice and the administration of fair justice for all.
“I will also be looking to the future, helping the profession to prepare for the new challenges and emerging opportunities that are coming in the legal sector.”
Ms Wellington, who has specialised in areas of law including consumer rights and dispute resolution, holds undergraduate degrees in law and economics from the University of Western Australia, as well as a postgraduate degree in civil law from the University of Oxford.
She is also Vice President of the Citizens Advice Bureau of WA and worked as a Judge’s Associate before leaving for the UK.
Law Society President Paula Wilkinson said Ms Wellington also had specialist experience in regulatory policy and the development of professional standards.
“Kate’s incredible skills set will be of enormous value to the Law Society and I know I speak on behalf of all our members in welcoming her on board,” Ms Wilkinson said.
Incoming Law Society President for 2025, Gary Mack, said Ms Wellington’s strong policy development background would benefit the Law Society.
“Kate brings a wealth of operational and management experience, having worked as the lead lawyer for policy, as well as head of legal operations, at the UK’s biggest consumer association, and having served on advisory committees and steering groups at EU level,” Mr Mack said.
Ms Wellington starts at the Law Society on 20 January.
Media contact: dkennedy@lawsocietywa.asn.au
