The Law Society of NSW, the peak association representing the state’s 36,000 solicitors, has confirmed Juliana Warner as its next President, effective from 1 January 2021.

Ms Warner is the Managing Partner of the Sydney office of leading global law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF).

A member of the Law Society of NSW since 1987, Ms Warner currently serves as the Law Society’s Senior Vice-President, is Chair of the Law Society’s Litigation Committee, Chair of the Society’s Nominations Committee and is a member of its Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Ms Warner is also a Director of the Law Council of Australia and was recently appointed to the Legal Services Council.

Ms Warner has more than 30 years’ experience in conducting complex disputes and represents clients in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, anti-money laundering and regulatory processes, as well as on matters involving foreign and international law.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and is a graduate of North Sydney Girls High School.

Herbert Smith Freehills’ Executive Partner, East, Andrew Pike commented on Ms Warner’s appointment.

“I’d like to congratulate Juliana on this exciting new milestone in her career,” Mr Pike said.

“Juliana is a great leader and a highly skilled practitioner, respected by clients and colleagues alike.

“She has contributed immensely to Herbert Smith Freehills and the wider legal industry throughout her career and she will undoubtedly achieve great things in her new role.

“I wish her every success.”

Current President of the Law Society of NSW, Richard Harvey, also congratulated Ms Warner on her new role.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Juliana Warner on the Council and Executive of the Law Society for a number of years,” Mr Harvey said.

“Her support and wise counsel as Senior Vice President and a member of the Executive Council has been invaluable, particularly during one of the most challenging years ever for the Society and the legal profession.

“Her long-standing involvement with the Law Society combined with her considerable experience in a leading global law firm, and her steadfast commitment to advocating on behalf of the profession, makes her an ideal person to lead the Law Society in the post-COVID recovery phase.

“I am looking forward to working with Juliana and the new Executive Council in 2021 as Immediate Past President and continuing my involvement with the Society as the Chair or member of various Society committees.”

In accepting the role, Ms Warner thanked Mr Harvey for his tireless work on behalf of the legal profession in a year marked by drought, bushfires, and the global pandemic.

“I am both humbled and excited to be leading the Society next year and I look forward to outlining my priorities in the Opening of Law Term Presidential Address in early 2021,” Ms Warner said.