Rebecca Grant

Rebecca's statement in full

The profession is at a key point of change and the Law Society needs experienced, pragmatic and forward-looking voices helping to shape what comes next.

AI and technology are transforming the way legal work is delivered and that is a large part of my business experience. Cybersecurity, privacy and data risks are increasing. At the same time, lawyers are dealing with pressures around workload, wellbeing, recruitment, retention, costs and the sustainability of legal practice.

These changes create challenges, but they also create opportunities.

As a small-practice lawyer, I understand that those challenges can look quite different depending on where you work, the size of your practice and where you are in your career. My career started in family law, and then shifted focus working on Royal Commissions and public inquiries across Australia for the last 2 decades. Through that work, I have been a part of the huge uptake of tech enabled legal services across our profession.

Using my experience, I would like to be part of a Law Society that is confident in confronting these challenges, practical in supporting its members and ambitious about the future of the profession.

We should be assured about technology and AI without losing sight of the professional standards, independence and public trust that underpin our profession.

I have a long-standing commitment to diversity, particularly to improving the entry, progression and retention of women in the legal and STEM professions. Through volunteering with the Law Society on various Committees, I have seen first-hand the importance of creating pathways, opportunities and supportive environments in which talented people can build sustainable careers.

We need to attract the best people to the profession and make sure they have a reason to stay.

That means supporting leadership and career development, valuing experienced lawyers, creating genuine opportunities for diverse talent, and recognising the difference in challenges faced at various stages of a legal career.

A sustainable profession is a strong profession.

At a time when public trust in institutions is under pressure, the Law Society has an important role in explaining why professional standards, independent legal advice, judicial independence and access to justice matter.

I want to help provide more practical support around the business of law; guidance and tools created for smaller and mid-sized practices that may not have access to the resources available to larger organisations.

I would bring a practical, member-focused perspective to Council. I also understand that effective governance is about listening and collaboration. Council is strongest when its members bring different experiences and perspectives to the table, debate issues respectfully and then work collectively towards the best outcome.

I would approach the role with that mindset and I seek your endorsement in this election.

What I will bring

• A profession ready for technology helping lawyers navigate AI, cybersecurity, data and new models of legal service while protecting professional standards.
• A stronger member voice making sure the diversity of NSW's solicitors is reflected in the issues Council considers and the decisions it makes.
• Practical support for practising lawyers by championing practical resources that help lawyers manage the commercial, regulatory and operational realities of modern practice.
• A sustainable profession through supporting career development, leadership, retention and wellbeing across every stage of a solicitor's career.
• A confident profession, defending the rule of law, access to justice and the independence of the legal profession.