The partner explains why the firm took on the role of being the council’s registered office
Last month, Moray & Agnew was announced as the new registered office for the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (ADRAC). According to Moray & Agnew pro bono partner Lauren Stubbs, a former NSW Court of Appeal judge got the firm involved after the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) had to vacate the role due to the new AML/CTF reforms.
“Our managing partner, Ian Denham, was contacted by Ruth McColl AO SC [ADRAC chair] to discuss the work ADRAC does, the previous support received from the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), and ADRAC’s need for a new organisation to take over some of the support previously provided by AGS”, Stubbs told Australasian Lawyer. “Following discussions with ADRAC's leadership about its governance and operational needs, we were able to demonstrate both the systems and expertise required to undertake the role”.
The strength of the firm’s national pro bono practice was the impetus for Moray & Agnew to accept the appointment.
“Moray & Agnew had already implemented several mechanisms to ensure strict compliance with AML and CTF requirements where applicable for our existing clients. We also have numerous staff in our Canberra office with the expertise necessary to provide the support required”, Stubbs told Australasian Lawyer. “We were confident that Moray & Agnew could provide ADRAC with high-quality services in a variety of areas. Moray & Agnew also has a strong commitment to access to justice and supporting the communities in which we live and work. Supporting organisations that make a meaningful contribution to the Australian community, like ADRAC, is one way we make good on this commitment”.
She added that the process of being appointed to the post was “collaborative and focused on ensuring ADRAC would continue to receive high-quality support as it transitioned from its previous arrangements”. In its new role, Moray & Agnew provides governance as well as executive, company secretarial and legal support to ADRAC.
“At this early stage, our main assistance is company secretariat support, which involves the preparation and filing of documents with regulatory bodies and the preparation of board papers, agendas, and minutes of meetings”, Stubbs told Australasian Lawyer.
She confirmed that Moray & Agnew’s Canberra office will take the lead on overseeing the firm’s relationship with ADRAC, under managing partner Emma Reilly and government practice associate Jin Law.
“These lawyers were selected based on their experience and ability to provide responsive assistance tailored to ADRAC's needs. They will be supported by members of our national pro bono practice”, Stubbs told Australasian Lawyer.
In addition to Reilly’s considerable governance and not-for-profit experience, other lawyers would also contribute whenever specialist expertise was necessary, Stubbs said.
“As our partnership develops, we intend to expand our support where appropriate, and where need is identified by ADRAC, drawing on the firm's expertise across a range of areas”, she told Australasian Lawyer.
