President's Message

After 12 months as an articled clerk at Baker McEwin I was admitted to practise in February 1982. After becoming a partner in 1988 I left in September 1993 to establish Fountain+Bönig where I remained until I joined Finlaysons as Special Counsel on 1 August 2011. I therefore bring the experience of just short of 30 years practise to bear, in both a large and small firm environment.

Being President of the Law Society was not something I ever aspired to nor am I sure that those who knew me at Law School or in my early years in practise ever have predicted this. In fact I have only been on the Law Society Council since July 2005. I certainly had never contemplated serving two terms as President.

However having assumed the responsibility I am committed to serving the Society for the next 12 months. In my first year as President I placed a significant focus on the health and wellbeing of the profession. Whilst not abandoning that topic, in my second year I wish to concentrate on access to affordable justice and assisting members of the public to better understand the way in which the legal system operates, and in doing so, create improved confidence in the legal system, the courts and the judiciary.
I am open to any suggestion or input and invite Members to contact me at any time to discuss any issues either at the Society or on my office number. Alternatively I have established a dedicated email address which is president@lawsocietysa.asn.au. It is a privilege to serve the Society and I would value your input.
 

Ralph Bönig
PRESIDENT

President's Message from the Bulletin