The Law Society of NSW will lobby for more resources for Legal Aid and look at "alternatives to imprisonment" as part of a list of priorities revealed at NSW Parliament on Wednesday night.

In a speech to mark the opening of the law term, Doug Humphreys – who became president of the professional body of solicitors in January – said there is "much more" to be done to reduce lengthy waiting times in courts.

Law Society of NSW President Doug Humphreys. Credit:Twitter/@LawSocietyNSW

He called for greater focus on local courts, where "the vast majority of criminal justice is dispensed within our justice system", funding for "crucial" legal aid, and for a large court complex to be quickly built in south-west Sydney.

"Delays in the trial courts as well as the Family Court because of a backlog in matters and the increasing workloads of the judiciary are symptomatic of a justice system that is struggling to keep up with the needs of the community," Mr Humphreys said.