She returns to Australia after several years as CEO of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board in the UK
The WA Law Society has named Kate Wellington as CEO effective 20 January 2025.
Wellington succeeds David Price, who stepped down in August. Wellington comes back to Perth after several years in the UK, where she served as CEO of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board.
“I am looking forward to being at the helm of an organisation that has a long and rich history as the voice of the legal profession in Western Australia. I will continue the Law Society’s strong advocacy on matters important to its members and the community, ensuring that our voice is heard, loudly, on issues of social justice and the administration of fair justice for all”, Wellington said. “I will also be looking to the future, helping the profession to prepare for the new challenges and emerging opportunities that are coming in the legal sector”.
Wellington’s practice has focused on consumer rights and dispute resolution. Before she relocated to the UK in 2008, she was a judge’s associate. Moreover, she is the vice president of the Citizens Advice Bureau of WA.
Law Society President Paula Wilkinson also highlighted Wellington’s specialist knowledge of regulatory policy and professional standards development.
“Kate brings a wealth of operational and management experience, having worked as the lead lawyer for policy, as well as head of legal operations, at the UK’s biggest consumer association, and having served on advisory committees and steering groups at EU level”, said Gary Mack, the incoming WA Law Society president for 2025.
