As pro bono partner at Wotton Kearney, Leanne leads the firm’s human rights and law reform practice and broader Community Footprint program. Leanne has more than 20 years’ experience as a human rights lawyer and trusted policy advisor to government, with former roles including legal advisor to the United Nations and CEO of Economic Justice Australia.

Leanne is known for driving large-scale collaborative projects that bring together lawyers from the community, government and corporate sectors to make a difference to the lives of people whose circumstances make them vulnerable. She has extensive experience in building successful pro bono programs in large law firms. With her diverse leadership experience, she understands different perspectives which enable her to bring together ideas and people in collaborations that make a positive social impact.

In addition to leading Economic Justice Australia, Leanne’s community roles have included Vice President of the Management Committee of the Refugee Advice and Casework Service. In recognition of her community and human rights advocacy experience, Leanne has been appointed to the Independent Advisory Board established with non-government members to provide guidance, consultation and recommendations on the design, delivery and implementation of government services. The board serves as an independent body tasked with providing advice to the Minister for Government Services on projects, policies and initiatives, ensuring they are ethical, uphold human rights, have a focus on service, and are beneficial to people and the Australian economy.