Fiona Leonard has been appointed as the new Chief Parliamentary Counsel, from 7 May 2015.

Ms Leonard will undertake the dual role which includes being the principal advisor and chief executive of the Parliamentary Council Office for the next five years.

She'll be responsible for ensuring the Parliamentary Council Office, which drafts most of New Zealand's legislation, provides high quality services and advice to the Government and Parliament.

Ms Leonard has an extensive academic background and holds a Master of Law gained from the University of Cambridge.

She also has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree.

Professionally, Fiona Leonard has been the Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel since 2013.

She has also previously worked as an adjunct lecturer at Victoria University, a legal advisor for the Ministry of Justice and as a legislative consultant in the Pacific region.

Furthermore, Ms Leonard has worked in various litigation roles, including commercial property litigation for London Borough of Hackney, general litigation for Young Hunter, and commercial and civil litigation for Kensington Swan.

The Prime Minister, John Key describes Ms Leonard as a highly qualified legal drafter and her experience in the Parliamentary Counsel Office will give the agency consistency and certainty of leadership.

Fiona Leonard will replace the current Chief Parliamentary Counsel, David Noble from May 7th.