Happy New Year and welcome to what I hope will be an exciting and prosperous 2017 for all Queensland Solicitors.
It is an honour and a privilege to be elected to the role of President of the Queensland Law Society. I am also proud to be the 5th female and the first Gold Coast woman lawyer to be entrusted with this position, in the long history of the QLS. Solicitors are a cornerstone of our society, upholding and guiding our diverse clients through a complex maze of laws and factual challenges. We are the glue of the rule of law, holding fast and enabling our increasingly accelerated society to function well and fairly for all citizens.
In serving you and our profession I intend to embody the values and integrity solicitors bring to the role of trusted advisors. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me in this role. I am humbled and motivated by your support, knowing that you are among the great lawyers who make up a noble profession.
QLS is a proud and dynamic membership organisation with a diverse membership of more than 13,000, and growing. It is the peak thought leader and voice, speaking both to and for the legal profession in Queensland and nationally.
As your 2017 President I will continue the two-year platform I promulgated as Deputy President last year, ensuring QLS remains a strong voice. I see my role as being a balanced and passionate advocate on behalf of Queensland solicitors with the support of the dedicated QLS team. Together we will champion good law, good lawyers and good leadership.
I am optimistic for the future and enthusiastic, safe in the knowledge our profession has the skills and talent to embrace these challenges, and to evolve and thrive. I am here to serve your interests, confront these challenges and nurture QLS as the genuine membership organisation for all Queensland solicitors. This is regardless of area of practice, stage of career, or region.
Over the years I have served on Council, I have worked with immediate past president Bill Potts to ensure QLS fulfills its core objectives of representing members, defending the rule of law and the independence and integrity of the court system.
My objectives remain advancing our members’ interests through advocacy, policy, professional standards and innovation, while respecting and promoting tradition, diversity and inclusivity.
One of the themes of my presidency is to focus on the future of the legal profession, in an environment where technological advancements have seen the emergence of artificial intelligence resulting in new and diverse business models.
I am looking forward to the year ahead – in particular working with you, our valued members, to meet the challenges that confront us and to celebrate our contribution to society and our achievements. I welcome your feedback. To have your voice in the discussion please follow me via my Twitter account.
Best wishes to you all for this year.
Christine Smyth