Top honours at NSW Law Society Awards
NSW Trustee and Guardian Director of Legal & Professional Services, Ruth Pollard, has been awarded a highly commended at the 2020 Law Society of New South Wales President's Medal.
The annual award acknowledges a NSW solicitor and member of the Law Society of NSW, who has made a significant personal and professional contribution to the improvement of law and justice in the community.
Ruth is one of only two people to receive a highly commended in the award’s history, and impressively, is the first NSW Government solicitor to receive the accolade.
NSW Trustee and Guardian Chief Executive Officer Adam Dent says, the agency is extremely fortunate to have someone of Ruth’s calibre as part of our Executive Leadership Team.
“I cannot think of a lawyer more deserving. Ruth has dedicated her professional life to the fair administration of justice for all people,” said Adam.
“She has an unrelenting commitment to improving the rights and safeguards for vulnerable people and improving community access to the law.”
The Law Society of New South Wales President's Medal recognised Ruth's work to support elderly people, her contribution to the Aboriginal Wills Handbook and her substantial contribution to law reform and education. This includes her significant role in the review of the Probate and Administration Act, ongoing reform of the Succession Act, and review of the Powers of Attorney Act, amongst others.
The award also recognised her work in championing the inclusion of pets in planning ahead documents, her significant involvement in producing the Animal Law Guide NSW, and many other professional publications to raise awareness about the issue.
Mr Dent says he is personally grateful that Ruth chooses to be part of NSW Trustee and Guardian and the public sector.
“Ruth believes in our work and has a deep respect for the people we serve. In every way, she lives our purpose to protect, promote and support the rights, dignity, choices and wishes of our customers,” said Mr Dent.