Ruth Higgins SC has been named as the next Solicitor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the first woman to hold the role.
Dr Higgins is a highly experienced barrister with over 30 years of legal experience, including close to 10 years as senior counsel.
Her five-year appointment will start on June 8, 2026.
The Solicitor‑General is the second law officer of the Commonwealth and the principal legal counsel to the Australian Government.
In addition to representing the Commonwealth in significant matters in court, the Solicitor-General provides advice to the Government on questions of law as they arise, especially on matters relating to the Constitution and public law.
Dr Higgins replaces the previous Solicitor-General, Dr Stephen Donaghue KC.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Law) from Balliol College, University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) and Diploma of Legal Practice from the University of Glasgow.
She was called to the New South Wales Bar in 2006 and appointed senior counsel in 2017.
Dr Higgins is the immediate past President of the NSW Bar Association, and served as a director of the Australian Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia.
She practises nationally in competition law, constitutional law, class actions, energy, media, corporate criminal law, and corporations law.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said Dr Higgins was Australia’s 12th Solicitor-General.
“The second law officer of the Commonwealth of Australia plays a significant role in promoting the integrity of the rule of law and trust in Government and public institutions,” she said.
“Dr Higgins’ experience, ability and acumen will see the Commonwealth well represented in significant legal matters, and I have every confidence in her ability to undertake this important work.”
