Sonja Stewart

Meet the new CEO of the Law Society of NSW ... The first woman and the first Indigenous Australian to run the largest legal profession organisation in the country ... Long experience in public service and management ... Critical time for lawyers ... Constitutional change ... Uluru Statement from the Heart ... Family, Tim Tams, and a better Constitution ... Sonja Stewart is on Justinian's Couch 

Sonja Stewart: something slow cooked 

Sonja Stewart commenced as the chief executive officer of the Law Society of New South Wales on August 31, 2020.

She succeeded Michael Tidball who had been CEO for 14 years before moving to Canberra as CEO of the Law Council of Australia 

Sonja is the first woman and the first Indigenous Australian at lead the management of the largest professional law organisation in Australian. 

She has been a Deputy Secretary at the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and prior to that a Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Public Service Commission. 

Most recently, she was the interim CEO of Arrilla Consulting, a joint venture with KPMG. Currently, she is the chair of the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation, which aims to improve educational outcomes of Indigenous youth.

Sonja Stewart has extensive senior leadership experience across State and Commonwealth governments, the legal profession, academia and the not-for-profit sector.

She has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has been a chairperson and board director of government, academic and not-for-profit boards for more than 20 years. 

Sonja is a proud Yuin woman and right now Justinian is exploring the personal and the professional with her On The Couch ... 

Describe yourself in three words.

Focussed, reflective, generous.

What are you currently reading? 

Jodie Picoult – "A Spark of Light".

What's your favourite film?

Before starting this role, I went away with a girlfriend and we found ourselves watching "Out of Africa" - a great film with amazing cinematography, acting and music.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? 

My husband. We first met at 11. His words and actions have been a huge and positive influence on me. On top of his support, guidance and encouragement he took on the CEO role at home almost 20 years ago and has had a very successful tenure! 

When were you happiest? 

Whenever I am on Yuin country - the beautiful south coast of NSW.

What is your favourite piece of music?

Every time I hear "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division or "Tear Drops" by Womack & Womack I dance like no one is watching.

What is in your refrigerator? 

Everything for a family of six - including heaps of milk!

Who would you most like to be with on a desert island? 

My family.

Why did you want to study law ... Was it at all meaningful for you as a senior public servant, a regulator and a consultant? 

I liked solving problems and helping people. I use my law degree every day. From analysing and synthesising large amounts of information, thinking at a system level, to communication and consideration of opportunities and issues from a client's perspective, and everything in between. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your public policy work? 

Thinking about new ideas, evidence and best practice approaches to improve the lives of individuals and communities across Australia.

And what is the most frustrating? 

Poorly informed compromises.

Why did you want to be CEO of the Law Society of NSW? 

The Law Society's values and vision really resonated with me - to lead the profession, to serve members, and to ensure a just legal system.

What vision do you have for the society? 

In working with the president and council, to deliver for the profession and the legal system we work in, I want to ensure that we bring the best thinking and approaches from around the world.

What are the main issues of concern for solicitors? 

I have joined the society at such a unique time and have started my tenure the way I want to proceed - by listening to our membership. It is early days in the role and not surprisingly the impact of COVID-19 is foremost, including mental health and wellbeing. I intend to keep listening and thinking about how the society and profession have adapted in the face of the pandemic, the changes that have resulted and how they have and will continue to impact on the profession. 

What do you think is the community perception of lawyers? 

It varies – and I have seen this personally play out in reactions to my appointment to the CEO role. Lawyers provide essential services to individuals, families, businesses, governments and other institutions which make up the community, but this is not always top-of-mind when people think of the legal profession.

Do you have any suggestions as to how lawyers can assist in reducing the incidence of Indigenous imprisonment? 

Improving cultural awareness and competency are very important first steps - as is thinking hard about biases, and assumptions that people make, and then doing something about it.   

What are your thoughts on Indigenous constitutional recognition and a Voice to Parliament? 

We are all part of a profession where rights, truth telling, documentation, representation, and actions matter. I was pleased with the amount of support the Uluru Statement from the Heart received from the profession. Change is needed and soon.

What activities consume most of your waking hours? 

Thinking, listening, delivering.

If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal?  

Something slow cooked! I recently cooked a 12-hour beef brisket with green beans, mashed potato and corn bread - so probably that.

If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?

A never-ending packet of Tim Tams.

Who do you most admire professionally?

Wotjobaluk, Dja Dja Wurrung woman Belinda Duarte for what she does (CEO, NED and MCG trustee) and more importantly how she does it. Belinda brings an authenticity and amazing perspective of well-being and impact. She is part of a small group of mob who I deeply admire - the way we challenge and care for one another is unique and special. 

What is your favourite word?

Yes!

What would you change about Australia?

If I could change anything, I would change our Constitution - recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the preamble and ensuring that the Constitution presents a framework to represent the interests of all Australians fairly.

What would your epitaph say?

A life well-lived.

What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "justice"? 

Martin Luther King Jnr's Letter from Birmingham Jail - "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere".