Sydney, 2 December 2011: Clayton Utz Managing Partner – International and Chief Operating Officer Stuart Clark has been appointed Chair of the Large Law Firm Group (LLFG).
The LLFG represents nine of Australia's largest law firms: Allens Arthur Robinson, Blake Dawson, Clayton Utz, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, DLA Piper Australia, Freehills, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Minter Ellison and Norton Rose. It is one of 17 constituent bodies that are members of The Law Council of Australia, which represents around 56,000 legal professionals.
The focus of the LLFG is to bring about reform so that there is a nationally consistent set of regulatory and professional standards governing the legal profession, leading to greater efficiencies, reduced costs, and a better understanding of legal services, for the benefit of the business community and legal services consumers.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Clark said: "I am pleased to have the opportunity of continuing to pursue the LLFG’s reform agenda. Over the coming months the LLFG will be working with government, the profession and the business community to ensure the successful implementation of the national legal profession reform package."
Mr Clark succeeds Robert Milliner of Mallesons as LLFG Chair.
As well as holding the positions of Chief Operating Officer, and Managing Partner - International, Mr Clark is Chair of the Clayton Utz Diversity Council. In July 2010, Mr Clark was appointed an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University Law School for a five-year term in recognition of his reputation in the field of Litigation & Dispute Resolution and long association with the university. Recognised internationally as one of Australia's most experienced litigation lawyers, Mr Clark has been at the forefront of the development of Australian class action practice and procedure for over 20 years.