Margalit Injury Lawyers is proud to congratulate our Managing Principal, Michel Margalit, on her appointment as National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance.

For Michel, the role reflects her long-standing commitment to advocacy, access to justice, and the rights of injured people.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance exists to protect and enhance justice, equality, freedom and the rights of the individual. It is work Michel has valued for many years, first joining the organisation because she wanted to contribute to the broader profession and the people it serves.

What does this appointment mean to you?

“The responsibility of the role is not something I take lightly,” Michel said.

“The ALA is the peak plaintiff lawyer member body in Australia. When you go back to its purpose, it is about protecting and enhancing justice, equality, freedom and the rights of the individual. That is incredibly important.”

Michel sees the role as part of a longer story of service to the profession. She is conscious of the people who have come before her, and the work that will continue long after her term.

“There have been so many people before me who have shown a long-term commitment to the organisation,” she said. “Many of our past Presidents, including from the late 1990s and early 2000s, continue to actively support the ALA and its advocacy. Their wisdom, particularly relating to past attempts to limit the rights of the injured, is incredibly valuable. I’m grateful for the knowledge they continue to share.”

“I also valued working alongside Karyn Lemmon, the General Manager of the ALA. She is a very impressive NFP leader and deeply committed to the organisation.”

“For me, this role is not just about tenure,” she said.

“It is about continuing the work of everyone before me and contributing to something that will continue beyond me.”

What will your focus be as National President?

Michel’s focus will include the protection of common law rights, policy work affecting injured people, and the continued advocacy of plaintiff lawyers across Australia.

Michel anticipates that the year ahead will be a busy one.

“There is important work happening in so many areas. The Federal ‘Parliamentary inquiry into small business insurance’ carries on, with a final report due in October this year. I am committed to ensuring that negligent corporations continue to be held to account, rather than the rights of the injured being diminished to only better insurer profits.”

“Further, there will be much work to do in respect of the Christian Brothers and their recent attempt to cry poor. We need to send a loud message to religious organisations who allowed abuse to occur under their watch: Plaintiff lawyers are committed to obtaining justice on behalf of abuse survivors. We will not go lightly.”

“I am fascinated to work alongside each state and territory committee and to support the policy work across the country in each jurisdiction,” Michel said.

For Michel, part of the role is also about clearly communicating the value of plaintiff law. “We need to protect the integrity of our profession and demonstrate the value of the work that plaintiff lawyers do on a daily basis for vulnerable people in their time of need. ”

What are you most looking forward to?

“I am most looking forward to connecting with colleagues Australia-wide and internationally,” she said.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a role where you can bring people and their ideas together, communicate, advocate and build connections.”

For Michel, that connection is central to effective advocacy.

“The work of the ALA depends on people,” she said.

“It depends on lawyers, committees, staff and members bringing their knowledge and experience together for a shared purpose.”

What does this mean for Margalit clients?

Michel’s appointment reflects the way Margalit Injury Lawyers sees its role in the lives of clients.

“It reflects how seriously we consider this profession,” Michel said.

“We continue to advocate for our clients beyond the courtroom. At Margalit we contribute to broader reform. Our commitment to the ALA objectives and our involvement with the organisation very much informs the way we think about our clients and their outcomes.”

For Margalit clients, this appointment is a continuation of the firm’s commitment to clear advice, strong advocacy and practical support during difficult times.

Everyone at Margalit Injury Lawyers congratulates Michel on this important appointment.