The president of the Queensland's Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret McMurdo, has announced her resignation after 18 years in the position.

Justice McMurdo became the first woman to be appointed to the bench of the district court in 1991.

The Supreme Court judge was at the centre of a stoush with former Chief Justice Tim Carmody last year, when she said she could no longer work with him.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath paid tribute to Justice McMurdo, who will leave the job in March next year.

"Justice McMurdo has been an exemplary servant of justice in this state," she said.

"Eighteen years ago, when she was appointed president of the Court of Appeal, she became the first woman to preside over an appellate court in Australia.

"The tenor of her term stands as testament to her legal acumen and leadership over that significant period.

"She has brought dignity, leadership and intellectual rigour to this vital role, and rightly has the respect of the legal profession and the judiciary, across this state and beyond."

After being admitted to the bar in 1976, Justice McMurdo spent time as an assistant public defender and at the private bar.

She was also a founding member of Women Lawyers Association.

Justice McMurdo is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003.