30 May 2024

Fitzroy Legal Service’s Board is pleased to announce Hamish McLachlan as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.  

Fitzroy Legal Service Chair Claire Febey said this appointment provides the organisation with the leadership and stability that will enable us to continue to deliver the vital legal services our communities need at this time of increasing community pressures and service demand.

“This was a highly competitive recruitment process, and the Board is incredibly pleased that that Hamish has accepted this leadership role to support the FLS team, volunteers and partners at this time of great pressure across our sector,” Febey said.

“As a trusted leader in the organisation, Hamish will continue FLS’s legacy and ensure we deliver on our strategic plan and achieve our vision of a fairer and more just Victoria.”

Bringing with him over 17 years’ experience as an administrative and human rights lawyer, Hamish said it is a privilege to continue the organisation’s legacy of achieving community-driven justice.

“Fitzroy Legal Service is an iconic social justice organisation. For over 50 years, FLS has provided access to justice and advocated strongly for those most affected by inequality, marginalisation and discrimination,” McLachlan said.

“I am honoured and excited to continue this legacy and work with our partners in the sector to fight for justice for those who need it most.”

Prior to joining Fitzroy Legal Service in 2023 as Legal Director, Hamish worked in leadership positions at the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Victoria Legal Aid, and in roles with the human rights teams in the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office and New Zealand’s Crown Law Office..

Hamish also recently co-authored the book 50 Human Rights Cases that Changed Australia with Lucy Geddes and co-presents a weekly queer and trans talk show on Triple R, Queer View Mirror

Find out more about the FLS leadership team and the staff who drive FLS forward.

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The Fitzroy Legal Service is located on the traditional country of the Wurundjeri-willam people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Fitzroy Legal Service is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Thank you to the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria for its generous support of the Law Handbook website redevelopment project.


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All historical photography by John Corker.

Fitzroy Legal Service Inc. (a merger of Darebin Community Legal Centre and Fitzroy Legal Service).
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