An unconventional career journey has steered Queensland lawyer Elizabeth Shearer into an influential role in Australia’s peak legal body.
The former Queensland Law Society president (2021) and Agnes McWhinney Award winner was recently announced as President-Elect for the Law Council of Australia (LCA) for 2026.
Under the LCA’s succession process, Elizabeth will automatically assume the presidency in 2027.
The Shearer Doyle Law Practice Director said she felt honoured that her colleagues from across the country had the confidence to elect her to the role.
“I am also delighted to shine a light on the fact that there are lots of ways to be a lawyer, and success means something different for each of us,” Elizabeth said.
“I am a principal of a micro firm who has spent about a third of my career in legal aid, half in private practice, and the rest doing a range of things like working in policy and management and government.
“It’s not the traditional pathway to this role.”
Elizabeth will continue as chair of the QLS Access to Justice / Pro Bono Law Committee, along with her new national responsibilities.
“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the profession and the community,” she said.
“It will mean I have to take some time away from my practice, but I am fortunate to have a wonderful team to support that.”
Given her long-standing advocacy and career interest in access to justice issues, it is no surprise this will remain a central focus as President-Elect.
“The Law Council of Australia, together with all of its constituent bodies like QLS, makes a really important contribution to the rule of law – by its policy work and by speaking for our national profession,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity that I relish, along with being able to highlight for the wider community the important access to justice issues that we, in the profession, know are so vital to the welfare of individuals and our community.”
Elizabeth has previously served with the LCA as an Executive Member and in 2025 was the body’s Treasurer.
Other roles elected to the LCA executive in 2026 include:
- Tania Wolff, President
- Lachlan Molesworth, Treasurer
- Jennifer Ball, Executive Member
- Justin Stewart-Rattray, Executive Member
- Ante Golem, Executive Member
Incoming President Tania Wolff said her focus would be on advancing the values at the heart of the LCA and shining a light on the essential character of its work.
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