New Solicitor-General for Victoria

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of eminent barrister Stephen McLeish SC as the new Solicitor-General for Victoria.

“I am delighted that Mr McLeish has accepted this important position and I look forward to working with him in his new role,” Mr Clark said.

“The Solicitor-General is the Government’s most senior professional legal advocate and adviser, and I am confident that Mr McLeish has the background and experience to fill the role well.”

The position of Solicitor-General became vacant in 2010 following the appointment of the previous Solicitor-General, Pamela Tate, to the Court of Appeal.

Mr Clark said that in addition to providing high-level legal advice to the Government, the Solicitor-General also appears as the Government’s senior counsel in key legal proceedings, particularly in the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and in the High Court.

“The Solicitor-General also represents Victoria’s interests on working parties and in other forums pursuing legal issues of common interest to the States, the Commonwealth and the Territories,” Mr Clark said.

Mr McLeish has first class qualifications, including the Victorian Supreme Court Prize and a Masters Degree in Law from Harvard University. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2007.

Mr McLeish also served as an associate to former Chief Justice of Australia, Sir Anthony Mason.

“As well as his exceptional qualifications, Mr McLeish has an impressive record of achievement at the Bar,” Mr Clark said.

“He has appeared in a wide range of highly contested and complex legal matters, particularly in the areas of constitutional and administrative law.

“Mr McLeish’s credibility and reputation amongst his peers vouches for his capacity to ensure the Victorian Government’s and Victoria’s interests are well represented,” he said.

Mr McLeish will commence in his new role on 2 May 2011.