Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced the appointment of John Boersig, pictured, as the latest head of the legal service for disadvantaged Canberrans on Tuesday.

Dr Boersig replaces Andrew Crockett who will retire in November after seven years in the role.

Dr Boersig has vast experience in law and has worked as an assistant secretary in the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department, as a senior lecturer in law and as an advocate with the Aboriginal Legal Service of NSW.

"Dr Boersig has spent many years working in the legal profession and will bring extensive experience as a lawyer and administrator to the role of [chief executive]," Mr Corbell said.

The appointment comes just three months after Dr Boersig started as the deputy chief executive of Legal Aid ACT.

The Legal Aid Commission ACT is an independent authority that gives legal assistance in the territory, including legal information and advice, duty lawyer services and grants of financial assistance.

Mr Corbell said the service helped ensure Canberra was a safe and secure community, by helping those who could not afford legal advice and representation.

"I congratulate Dr Boersig on his appointment and look forward to him leading Legal Aid ACT into the future," Mr Corbell said.

He paid tribute to Mr Crockett, who during his time in charge led reforms to improve access to Legal Aid services in the ACT.

"Mr Crockett has been a distinguished leader of Legal Aid ACT," Mr Corbell said.

"I would like to thank Mr Crockett for his service to Legal Aid ACT and the legal profession over many years." Michael Inman