23 August 2024
The Law Society of Western Australia’s Chief Executive Officer David Price has called an end to his 18-year tenure at the helm of the profession’s peak membership body.
Mr Price will leave the organisation in December, as the Law Society’s longest-serving CEO. He is the longest serving of the current Law Society CEOs in Australia.
“I am extremely proud to have contributed to the growth of the Law Society to where it stands now, and it feels like the right time for me to deliver it into another pair of safe hands,” Mr Price said.
“I’ll be here to oversee a smooth transition, then I will take some leave and consider future work projects.”
Law Society President Paula Wilkinson said Mr Price’s decision was the end of an important era.
“David has worked quietly behind the scenes to elevate the Law Society to its current position of record membership numbers, with an unprecedented 87% of members saying they are either satisfied – or very satisfied – with how the Law Society is performing. He leaves us in great shape and I know I speak for all Council and committee participants, as well as our members, when I wish him the very best for his future,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“I am just one of a number of people within the profession, and from outside, who will want to pay tribute to David’s remarkable service.
“During his time with the Law Society, David has helped 16 Presidents, including me, to adjust to their roles and his tenure has been marked by kindness, fairness and exceptionally good governance,” Ms Wilkinson said.
Mr Price started with the Law Society as Executive Director in 2006, after two stints as CEO with local government authorities.
Dudley Stow, who was Law Society President at the time, said Mr Price’s local government background had proved invaluable.
“The training that David had from his time in local government meant he brought excellent interpersonal skills, as well as an exceptional methodical management style – coupled with meticulous record keeping skills. The running of the Law Society totally changed, as a result,” Mr Stow said. “There is no doubt that he will be missed.”
Mr Price said he felt confident in the Law Society’s future and was looking forward to stepping into the unknown.
“I won’t be letting the grass grow under my feet, that’s for sure, but I have no firm plans at this stage – which makes a nice change,” he said.
Recruitment for the role of CEO will begin immediately.
Inquiries: Deb Kennedy – dkennedy@lawsocietywa.asn.au
