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First Asian Australian chairman appointed to Foley’s List
One of Australia’s largest and most recognised list of barristers, Foley’s List, has appointed a new chairman, who is the first Asian Australian to hold the role.
Lauren Croft
In a significant milestone for Australian history, William Lye OAM KC has been appointed as the new list chairman of Foley’s List, a barristers’ clerking institution with a history dating back to 1860.
Lye is a King’s counsel at the Victorian Bar and adjunct professor of law and brings extensive experience in commercial and corporate law, intellectual property, technology, and cross-border disputes to his new position.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how diversity strengthens our profession. My appointment represents an important step forward, but the journey continues,” he said.
“I am committed to ensuring Foley’s List remains at the forefront of both legal excellence and inclusive leadership for the next generation of barristers.”
Lye was also a founding member and is the former national vice-president of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA). The organisation said that this new appointment is a testament to the progress made by Asian Australians in achieving leadership positions and serves as an inspiration for future generations of legal professionals.
AALA national president Matt Floro added that this move highlights the evolving landscape of the legal profession.
“William exemplifies leadership. His groundbreaking achievements in the law and the legal community and his strong advocacy for cultural diversity and Asian Australian representation are an inspiration to us all,” he said.
“The Asian Australian Lawyers Association is very proud of William, and we congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment as list chairman of Foley’s List.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
