Stuart Fuller

Lawyers underestimate their core skills - to read, absorb, synthesise and react, all in an articulate way, both in writing and speaking. These are core skills and fundamental capabilities for success in any career, and in life. UNSW Law School gave me these skills, but in a unique way of its teaching method, the human interaction and the broader focus on society. Law in context, which creates life connections for your career and with your colleagues and friends. Alumni have a role as advocates for the law school and also to contribute back to its future development. - Stuart Fuller

Stuart Fuller began his career after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws from UNSW in 1990. He joined Mallesons Stephen Jaques as a solicitor and then became a partner in 1997. His leadership trajectory continued and in 2006, he was appointed Managing Partner of the firm. 

In 2012, following the merger that created King & Wood Mallesons, Stuart became the inaugural Global Managing Partner of the newly formed international law firm. Based in Hong Kong, he led the integration of Chinese and Australian legal practices, pioneering a unique east-west legal model. He held this global leadership role until 2017. 

In 2018, Stuart began the first of several terms on the UNSW Law Advisory Council, volunteering his time to help shape the strategic direction of the faculty. In the same year, Stuart began a new role at KPMG, as the Head of KPMG Law in Australia. Soon after, he was appointed Asia-Pacific Regional Leader for Legal Services. By August 2019, he became the Global Head of Legal Services for KPMG International, marking a significant milestone as the first Australian to hold this position. Over the next five years, he led a global legal network of more than 4,000 professionals across over 80 jurisdictions. 

Stuart was recently named by the Financial Times as one of the Top 20 law firm leaders of the last 20 years who drove change in a period of globalisation, growth and technological disruption. 

After retiring from legal practice at the end of 2024, Stuart has continued to contribute to the legal and business communities. He currently serves as Chair of Asia Society Australia and completed his final term on the UNSW Law Advisory Council in October 2025, of which he has been Chair since 2022.

Stuart has been an invaluable guiding presence on the Law Advisory Council. His deep experience, sharp insights and kindness have enriched our discussions and helped shape the strategic direction of the Faculty. We are especially grateful for his commitment to supporting our students as they prepare for their careers in law. - Andrew Lynch, Dean Law & Justice