Ruth Higgins
Australian barrister and solicitor-general designate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ruth Higgins is an Australian barrister appointed to serve as the twelfth Solicitor-General of Australia.[1]
Ruth Higgins | |
|---|---|
| Solicitor-General of Australia | |
| Assuming office 8 June 2026 | |
| Appointed by | Sam Mostyn |
| Succeeding | Stephen Donaghue |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Barrister |
Education and private practice
Higgins was born in Scotland, and named L.A. Law as one of her inspirations to pursue a legal career.[2] She studied at the University of Glasgow, completing a Bachelor of Laws with first-class honours and a Diploma of Legal Practice. Higgins later completed a doctor of philosophy in law at Balliol College, Oxford.[1] Before practicing as a barrister, she worked at Gilbert + Tobin.[2] She was called to the New South Wales bar in 2006 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2017.[1] Before her nomination as solicitor-general she was a member of Banco Chambers,[2] and had served a term as president of the New South Wales Bar Association.[2]
Noted matters
Higgins has been noted for representing the Commonwealth Bank during the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, Woolworths Supermarkets during the 2024–25 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission supermarkets inquiry, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in its proceedings against Star Entertainment Group.[2][3][4] She acted for the Human Rights Law Centre and the Kaldor Centre in NZYQ v Minister for Immigration, which overturned Al Kateb v Godwin.[5] Higgins also acted for Epic Games in its dispute against Google and Apple in the Federal Court of Australia.[6]
Solicitor-General
Higgins was nominated to serve as solicitor-general on 6 April 2026 by the Albanese government, and is expected to begin her term on 8 June 2026.[3] Higgins will be the first woman to serve in the role.[4]
Bibliography
- Higgins, Ruth C. A. (6 May 2004). The Moral Limits of Law: Obedience, Respect, and Legitimacy. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199265671.001.0001. ISBN 9780199265671. LCCN 2004010231.