King’s Birthday Honours for the NSW legal profession

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list recognised Law Society of NSW members past and present, across the full spectrum of the legal profession.

Law Society President Cassandra Banks congratulated all those honoured for their service to the law across the country, thanking them for “their work in the justice system and in the community”.

In the private sector, Moya Dodd, long-time Law Society member and partner at Gilbert + Tobin, was awarded an AO. Her honour included recognition for her role as a member of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport and as a former vice captain of The Matildas.

Her citation reads: “For distinguished service to football as a player and administrator at the national and international level, as a role model to women, and to the law.”

Dr James Renwick CSC SC RAN of 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers added an AM to his name for his contributions to law and to national security through various roles, including as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force.

In the legal assistance sector, Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, was awarded an AO. “This recognises her work for marginalised and disadvantaged people, who she’s been serving for much of her career, including in senior roles as a solicitor in the legal assistance sector,” Banks said. Her citation honours her “distinguished service to social justice through leadership and advocacy”.

Susai Benjamin, a member of the Law Society  for two decades, received an OAM for service to the law and to the community. “Benjamin fulfills an important role in the Western Sydney community as Honorary Director and Acting Principal Solicitor at the Toongabbie Legal Centre. A richly deserved honour,” Banks said.

Several members of the judiciary received honours.

Justice Thomas Altobelli of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was awarded an AM to honour his service to the law and to legal education. “The Law Society of NSW is grateful for his 15 years’ service as a solicitor member to the Family Law Committee (and its predecessor),” Banks said.

Justice Jane Culver of the NSW District Court – and a former Deputy Chief Magistrate of the NSW Local Court – was awarded an AM for “ significant service to the judiciary, and to the law.” Banks said: “Her Honour Judge Jane Culver has contributed much to NSW law, as a member of the Law Society of NSW’s Criminal Law Committee.”

Another former Deputy Chief Magistrate, and current Deputy President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal, Angela Karpin, was honoured with an AM for her contribution to the judiciary, the law and mental health governance.

Justice Geoffrey Lindsay of the Supreme Court of NSW was awarded an AM, “for significant service to the judiciary, the law, and to the legal profession”. His award, Banks said, “includes recognition for his contribution to the education of lawyers, including as a board member of the Legal Profession Admission Board.” Justice Tim Moore of the NSW Land and Environment Court received an AM in honour of his work in the law, in Parliament as an MP and in industrial relations.

The Hon Graham Mullane, Life Member of the Law Society, was awarded an AM for his service to the judiciary, the law and the community, including as an Acting Judge at the NSW District Court.

Margery Nicoll, a former Law Society member, has a national leadership role. She received an AM for her service to the national legal profession as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Law Council of Australia.

Congratulations to all recipients!