Dear Colleagues,

I am deeply honoured to stand as a candidate for Suburban Member on the Law Society of New South Wales Council in this year’s election. This role is not just a professional aspiration — it is a personal commitment to the communities I serve and the practitioners I represent across Western Sydney and beyond.

As a solicitor from a migrant background and now a proud Australian, my journey reflects the values of resilience, integrity, and service that define our profession. I come from a close-knit, middle-class family with three siblings — raised with strong cultural values, where hard work was not just expected but essential. That upbringing instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, not only to my clients but to the broader legal community.

Today, as Principal Solicitor at Peerzada & Associates in Auburn, I lead a suburban practice dedicated to access to justice. My daily work places me at the intersection of law and life — representing victims of domestic violence, families navigating complex custody disputes, and children caught in care and protection proceedings through my role on the Legal Aid NSW panel. These are not abstract cases; they are real people facing real crises, often without the resources or support they need.

Beyond the courtroom, I actively volunteer with local organisations to combat domestic violence within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Through workshops, education campaigns, and pro bono consultations, I’ve seen firsthand how fear, stigma, and lack of awareness can prevent vulnerable individuals from seeking help. These experiences have reinforced my belief that the law must be accessible, compassionate, and responsive — especially for those who need it most.

But just as our clients face systemic barriers, so too do many of us as practitioners — particularly those of us working in sole or small firms across suburban and regional NSW. We carry heavy caseloads, manage administrative burdens alone, and often work in isolation, all while striving to maintain ethical standards and client trust. The pressures are immense, and the support structures too often fall short.

That is why, if elected, I will be a strong, independent advocate for suburban lawyers — not just in name, but through action. My platform is built on practical, evidence-based solutions to the challenges we face every day.

My Commitment to You: A Suburban Voice for Real Change

1. Targeted Support for Sole Practitioners & Small Firms
I will push for the Law Society to develop tailored resources — including simplified compliance tools, digital templates, and technology grants — to reduce administrative strain and improve efficiency for smaller practices.

2. Emergency Financial Assistance Fund
I will advocate for the creation of a Hardship Relief Fund to provide immediate financial support to members affected by illness, injury, bereavement, or unforeseen disruptions like pandemics — particularly where a sole practitioner’s income is compromised.
3. Reducing Complaints & Lowering Insurance Costs

Many complaints arise from communication gaps or procedural misunderstandings, not misconduct. I will work with the Society to expand continuing legal education on file management, client engagement, and ethics — helping reduce LSC complaints and, in turn, lowering professional indemnity insurance premiums.

4. Mandatory Mediation for Client Disputes
Before formal proceedings begin, I propose a mandatory reconciliation process — a confidential mediation option — to resolve minor disputes early, fairly, and without unnecessary escalation.

5. Protection Against Vexatious Complaints
Lawyers should not live in fear of baseless or retaliatory complaints. I will champion reforms to identify and sanction repeat complainants proven to act in bad faith. I also support mechanisms for compensation for lost time, stress, and reputational damage caused by unfounded claims.

6. Structured Mentorship for Early-Career Lawyers
Too many young lawyers enter the profession without guidance. I will promote structured mentoring programs connecting junior practitioners with experienced solicitors — fostering professional growth, ethical decision-making, and long-term sustainability.

7. Mental Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
Burnout is real. Isolation is real. The emotional toll of our work — especially in family, criminal, and community law — cannot be ignored. I will champion mental health programs, peer support networks, and wellness resources specifically designed for suburban practitioners.

8. Championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our profession must reflect the communities we serve. I will continue to advocate for greater inclusion of women, CALD lawyers, Indigenous Australians, and regional practitioners — ensuring equitable access to opportunities, leadership roles, and recognition.

Colleagues, the Law Society exists to serve us — the dedicated professionals on the ground, upholding justice every day. As your representative, I will ensure that suburban voices are not just heard, but acted upon. I will bring empathy, experience, and unwavering dedication to this role.

I would be deeply grateful for your support in this election. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient legal profession — one that truly serves both its members and the public.

Warm regards,

Irfan Peerzada Principal Solicitor
Peerzada & Associates
M.Com., LLB., MBA(UTS)., GDLP.

https://www.peerzada.com.au
irfan@peerzada.com.au