Our organisation
The long-term strategic direction of Legal Aid NSW is overseen by Our Board, appointed by the Attorney General.
The day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer. The CEO is assisted by a Senior Executive.
For more information, see our Annual Reports.
Senior Executive members
Monique Hitter – Legal Aid NSW CEO
BSW Dip Law
Monique began working as a community lawyer at Marrickville Legal Centre, and has worked as a lawyer in both the government and private sector. She developed the Cooperative Legal Services Delivery Model in 2004 and established new programs in the Civil Law Division for older people, prisoners and homeless people. Monique was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2022.
Michael Brodie – Director, Finance
B Ec, CA, GAICD
Our Director, Finance has responsibility for the budget for our whole organisation.
Jane Cipants – Director, Client Service
BSW M Social Policy EMPA
Jane commenced in the new role of Director, Client Service in August 2016 after six years managing legal service development for Legal Aid NSW. She has many years of experience working in or for the legal assistance sector, including 11 years managing a community legal centre. Her earlier career was in social work in the mental health sector.
Jocelyn Flanagan – Director, Grants
BA/LLB
Jocelyn commenced as Director, Grants in April 2018.
Wayne Gale – Director, Information and Communications Technology
BA (Computing) MCom (Accounting)
Wayne was appointed to his position in January 2007. Wayne’s career in information technology spans 29 years including senior roles both in the private sector providing information technology services and solutions to Government, as well as working in the government sector.
Robert Hoyles – Director, Criminal Law
EMPA, LLB (Hons), BA (His, Pol, Phil), Accredited Specialist (Criminal Law)
Robert Hoyles commenced as Director, Criminal Law in December 2021.
Michelle Jones – Director, Human Resources
Dip Community Organisations, BA Community Management, Grad Cert Adult Ed (Community), M Public Administration
Michelle commenced as Director, Human Resources in December 2019.
Meredith Osborne – Director, Civil Law
BA (Hons), LLB
Meredith commenced as Director, Civil Law in November 2018.
Cherie Pittman – Director, Legal Services, and In-house Counsel
BA (Hons) Grad Dip, InfM LLB (Hons)
Cherie Pittman acted in the role of Director Legal Services from November 2021 and was appointed to the role of Director Legal Services and In-house Counsel in August 2023.
Kimberley Wilson – Director, Aboriginal Services
BA, LLB
Ms Wilson was appointed to this newly created role on 8 June 2022.
Trent Wilson – Executive Director, Digital Transfomation
B Comm, MBA
Key legislation governing our work
Our organisation is established under the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 (NSW). This Act establishes Legal Aid NSW as an independent statutory body with a mandate to provide effective, efficient and economical legal services that are available and accessible to disadvantaged people in NSW.
The Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (NSW) provides a framework for employment and workforce management. We have complied with the Act and introduced a performance planning and staff development system.
The health and safety of people in our workplace are managed in accordance with section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 (NSW) and the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2015 (NSW).
Share with
We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By clicking OK, you agree to our cookie policy.
Share with
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn