Jacqueline Dawson

About

I am an accredited specialist in Family Law, practising in Kirribilli, NSW. The sole principal of a firm that employs 7 solicitors, I have been practising as a solicitor for more than 25 years. I have the experience of being both an employee and the principal of a firm, and know the challenges faced within those roles.

I am currently a member or Chair of the Law Society’s Specialist Accreditation Board, the Family Law Committee (Co-Chair) and the Professional Conduct Committee. Externally, I represent the Law Society on a range of other committees including the Law Extension Committee, Legal Qualifications Committee, Legal Aid of NSW Board. I also contribute to additional occasional groups, such as the AML working group.

I enjoy being a regular speaker at CPD events and have a strong relationship with the bar. My practice includes a component of pro bono work, with a focus on clients who are financially and otherwise disadvantaged, including clients with special needs.

I have a particular concern for the mental health of professionals, and the need to address a sense of isolation that may be experienced by a wide range of practitioners. I support strong professional relationships between practitioners and encourage respectful and candid engagement with colleagues.

The Law Society has recently introduced a ‘skills matrix’ for Councillors, and I believe my skills in the following areas demonstrate why I am able to make a strong contribution:

• Chair committees that have diverse views, working to ensure all views are heard and taken into account
• Dedicate extensive time to internal and external committee work
• Graduate of AICD Course – having a good understanding of governance and the role of a director
• Chair committees that cover the breadth of Law Society work – regulatory, policy and specialisation
• Manage my own practice, including mentoring solicitors of different ages and stages of experience.
• Leadership both in the context of my own practice and roles within the Law Society
• Regular delivery of CPD’s to a variety of segments of profession, and speaking from time to time with students

Top Priorities

1. Assisting the profession to navigate the rapidly changing environment, which includes changes to Anti-Money Laundering regulations and the impact of AI.
2. Mentoring of solicitors at all levels and ensuring that they are given the best opportunities to develop themselves professionally. Ensuring that those in mentoring roles are adequately educated and supported to provide the best possible leadership.
3. Recognising and understanding the matters which impact the mental health of legal practitioners at all stages of practice.
4. Supporting regions as they strive to attract and retain professionals in the regions.
5. Promoting collegiality and goodwill within the profession.

To ensure the Law Society has diverse and expert leadership, I am seeking election to Council with 5 other lawyers that I encourage you to support.

When you receive the invitation to vote by email, please take a moment to vote for:

• Danielle Captain-Webb
• Jacqueline Dawson
• Sylvia Fernandez
• Kymberlei Goodacre
• Michael Guilday
• Rebekah Hunter

If you chose to vote using the ballot paper, when it arrives over the coming days please vote for the above with reference to this “How to Vote”.

Thank you for all you do to build our profession and support your local community!

www.councilelections.com.au
jacqueline.dawson@councilelections.com.au