Susan McCormack, a partner at Christchurch law firm Mortlock McCormack Law, will become Chancellor of the University of Canterbury on 1 January 2019.

Ms McCormack has been the university’s Pro-Chancellor since 2013 and a member of the Council since 2009.

She chairs the Vice-Chancellor Employment Committee and led the search and appointment process for Canterbury's next Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, who takes up the role on 1 February 2019.

Ms McCormack also serves on the UC Council’s Audit and Risk Committee, Finance, Planning and Resources Committee, Honours and Appointments Committee, and is one of three members of the Executive Committee.

In her professional practice Ms McCormack specialises in corporate and commercial law and, following the 2010-11 earthquakes, has had a leading strategic role in the CBD development The Terrace.

She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in January 1987 after graduating with BA and LLB degrees from the University of Canterbury.