01/07/2025

A lawyer who has recently moved from Perth, WA to Newcastle, NSW is the new national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

The Australian Lawyers Alliance is not-for-profit member organisation made up of legal professionals who advocate for justice, fairness and human rights.

“Our values and principles are relevant whether we are fighting for justice for someone injured on the road or in a workplace accident, a survivor of abuse, someone in immigration detention or a person living with disability,” said Mr Murray.

Ian Murray obtained his legal qualifications and initially worked in the UK but has practiced in Australia for more than ten years. In January this year, he and his family relocated to Newcastle and he is currently the Medical Negligence Practice Lead at The Law Office of Conrad Curry.

“The ALA has impacted many positive changes for the rights of injured people around Australia,” said Mr Murray. “The organisation was formed more than 30 years ago and our commitment to protecting and promoting common law rights is still as important as ever. There continues to be work for us to do.

“Common law rights are precious, and they can be legislated away far too quickly. In my time as President of the ALA, I hope to work towards building a better understanding of the value of common law rights and keep our focus on making sure we retain these rights across Australia.”

Ian has previously led the West Australian branch of the Australian Lawyers Alliance as state president and now takes on the national president role as current president Michelle James, director of Maurice Blackburn, steps down.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues from all over the country in this national position,” said Mr Murray. “One of the great strengths of the ALA is our national presence and ability to learn from each other.”

The ALA began in 1994 and was originally known as the Australian Plaintiff Lawyers Association. At any one time, ALA members represent at least 200,000 people around Australia. The organisation has had several well-known national presidents including Noor Blumer, Tom Goudkamp OAM, Greg Barns SC, Andrew Stone SC and Peter Semmler KC.