Vale — William (Bill) Francis Lally KC

Bill Lally was admitted to practice on 1 April 1969.  He signed the Bar Roll on 7 May 1970.  Bill read with the late Honourable Justice Kenneth J Jenkinson commencing on 4 May 1970.  

His areas of practice were commercial, wills and estates, construction, insolvency, insurance law, licensing, mediation and trade practice.  His readers were J Garner, Robert J Bair, Michael J F Sweeney, S G R Wilmoth, Neale A James, Marcus Clarke, Lisa E Kennett and Kenneth G Howden. Bill took silk on 30 November 1993.

Bill was a highly regarded counsel.  He was always prepared and conducted his practice with precision and clarity. His quiet manner was a great weapon. Those that underestimated him did so at their own peril. Whether in court or negotiating, Bill would often adopt his characteristic pause followed by a substantive response to a proposition put by either opposing counsel, or sometimes, the judge.  His approach was always polite, yet firm and decisive.  Throughout his practice Bill’s door was always open and he gave generously of his time to his colleagues. 

He was appointed as a member of the Supreme Court Board of Examiners in January 1998 when he became a deputy member of the Board.  He was deputy to Berkeley QC and subsequently to Meldrum QC.  In January 2002, Bill became a principal Board member and then served as chairman of the Board in 2005.  He retired from the Board on 1 January 2006. 

The measure of Bill’s determination and compassion can be seen from a special sitting of the Full Court.  Bill was concerned that a young terminally ill applicant may not survive until the admission date.  As a result, he contacted the then Chief Justice.  A special admission ceremony for the young applicant, via video link, was arranged with the Chief Justice presiding with the President and Justice Nettle.

On 28 November 2001, Bill was appointed a member of the Ethics Committee. This committee is one of the most important committees of the Victorian Bar. Bill’s contribution to the Committee was formidable.  As with the Board of Examiners, the Committee’s work was done out of hours.  Bill’s contribution and commitment to the many issues addressed by the Committee were invaluable. 

Bill Lally was a person of profound integrity, and he contributed much as a barrister and for the Bar throughout his life.  It is fitting that a photograph portrait of Bill hangs in the Peter O’Callaghan QC Gallery.

While Bill cared for his work, his family and friends were his life.  He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He retired from practice on 11 August 2011 to care for his beloved wife, Sue.  He is survived by his four children, Matt, Andy, Simon and Amy, and his grandchildren.