Our organisation

The long-term strategic direction of Legal Aid NSW is overseen by a 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. View our organisational chart.

See our Annual Report for more information.

Senior Executive

Monique Hitter BSW Dip Law - Acting Chief Executive Officer

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 commenced as Acting Chief Executive Officer in November 2021.

Cherie Pittman - Director Legal Services (temporary appointment)

Alexandra Colquhoun - Director, Family Law

Alexandra Colquhoun commenced as Director, Family Law in November 2021.

Robert Hoyles - Director, Criminal Law

Robert Hoyles commenced as Director, Criminal Law in December 2021.

Director, Civil Meredith Osborne Meredith Osborne BA (Hons) LLB - Director, Civil Law

Meredith commenced as Director, Civil Law in November 2018.

Jocelyn Flanagan, Director, Grants Jocelyn Flanagan BA LLB - Director, Grants

Jocelyn commenced as Director, Grants in April 2018.

Wayne Gale, Executive Director Information Technology Services and Records Wayne Gale BA (Computing) MCom (Accounting) - Director, Information and Communications Technology

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.

Jane Cipants, Director Client Service Jane Cipants BSW M Social Policy EMPA - Director, Client Service

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.

Michelle Jones, Director Human Resources Michelle Jones - Director, Human Resources

Michelle commenced as Director, Human Resources in December 2019.

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).