McCusker to chair Law Access

Former governor and practising barrister Malcolm McCusker has been appointed chairman of Law Access, following the retirement of founding director Adam Ebell.

Law Access is a referral service connecting people who cannot afford legal assistance with lawyers willing to work on a pro-bono basis.

It also provides pro-bono assistance to not-for-profit organisations serving the Western Australian community.

Established in 1992 within The Law Society of Western Australia, Law Access is also supported by the University of Western Australia Law School.

It receives funding from the McCusker Charitable Foundation, the Law Society’s Public Purposes Trust and the Department of Justice, as well as law firms Allen & Overy, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Jackson McDonald.

Law Access chief executive Dominique Hansen welcomed Mr McCusker’s appointment, which will begin on August 1.

“Mr McCusker brings a wealth of experience, understanding and passion for access to justice to Law Access,” Ms Hansen said.

“Formerly serving as governor of WA and as chairman of the Legal Aid Commission of WA, he has also taken on significant pro-bono cases in the course of his eminent legal career and has consistently championed those who give back to the community as volunteers.”

Mr McCusker said he was impressed by the contribution made by so many of WA’s pro-bono lawyers.

"The work they do makes a real difference to those most in need,” he said.

“I look forward to assisting Law Access to further engage and develop the goodwill and pro-bono contribution of the legal profession.”

Since retiring as governor in 2014, Mr McCusker has continued to practise as a barrister and pursue philanthropic endeavours.

His other roles include being a director of the McCusker Charitable Foundation, Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Group and Channel 7 Telethon Trust.