Queensland has its first female Crown Solicitor with the appointment of Cecelia Christensen.
State Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the experienced solicitor and senior legal executive would be the first woman in Crown Law’s 165-year history to hold the position on a permanent basis.
Minister D’Ath said, as a member of the executive leadership team of the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), Ms Christensen was a respected member of the legal profession and would bring more than 27 years of legal and corporate experience to the role.
“Ms Christensen has extensive legal experience in public law, constitutional law and commercial matters.”
She said after admission as a solicitor in 1997, Ms Christensen commenced her legal career in Crown Law in the general litigation team.
“In 1997, she joined the Office of the Solicitor General and acted as instructing solicitor for the State in Court of Appeal and High Court proceedings, and also dealt with complex advisory matters.”
Ms D’Ath said prior to commencing at the CCC in 2022, Ms Christensen held a number of senior leadership positions within Queensland Treasury, including acting Head of Corporate and General Counsel responsible for legal services, right to information, privacy and complaints management functions for Treasury.
“Within the CCC, Ms Christensen was responsible for leading the strategic and operational direction of the Corruption Division.”
Ms Christensen has been appointed as Crown Solicitor for a 5-year period.
The Crown Solicitor heads up the Crown Law Office. The position acts as the solicitor for the State of Queensland with responsibilities to provide legal advice to the Attorney-General, especially in relation to the Attorney’s role as the First Law Officer.
