Vale - The Honourable Michael R B Watt KC

Michael was born in Scotland. In 1949 he and his family emigrated to New Zealand and later to Australia. He studied at the University of Western Australia where he obtained a BA. In 1967 he joined the RAAF, and during his time with the RAAF, he commenced studying law part-time at the University of Melbourne. In 1975 he graduated LLB with honours.

He served his articles with Hunt, Walsh & Co in Mornington and worked as a solicitor with that firm until 1978. During that time, he tutored part-time at Monash University and completed a Master of Law Degree.

In 1978 Michael signed the Bar Roll and read with the Hon Paul Guest KC. Michael practiced exclusively in the family law jurisdiction. He had one reader, the Hon Diana Bryant KC. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1994 and on 14 December 1998 he was appointed to the Family Court of Australia. He retired from the Court in December 2008.

At the Bar, Michael was a sought- after barrister, particularly in appellate matters. He was renown for his intellect, the quality of his advice, his grasp of complex matters and his attention to detail. As an advocate he was forceful, logical, extremely well prepared, sensible and always courteous and fair.

Michael served on the Law Council of Australia, both on the Family Law Committee and the Family Law Section in an executive role and subsequently as its Deputy Chair. He was the first editor of The Australian Family Lawyer which he edited for many years until his wife Cecilie Hall, also a member of the Victorian Bar, followed him as editor. Michael and Cecilie also established and published a high-quality periodical, Current Family Law.

On the Bench he was well prepared and unfailingly patient and courteous with counsel, witnesses and self-represented litigants alike.

Michael was a loyal friend and his serious demeanour belied a very fine sense of humour. He took his role seriously, but never himself.

He is survived by his wife Cecilie, his children Jennifer and Daniel and two grandchildren.

At his request he was remembered at a small private gathering of family and friends.