News & Events

Yesterday I welcomed the September 2022 Readers to the Bar as they commenced their first day of the Readers course.  On behalf of the Bar, I thank the Bar Office staff, in particular Michelle James and Nikki Walker, for their efforts in the preparation for the course and coordination of the 46 readers and the more than 100 teachers/ barristers who will present at the course over the next eight weeks.  I thank Justin Graham QC, Chair of the Readers Course, and the Readers’ Course committee for their ongoing work to ensure the delivery of an excellent course.  I wish to acknowledge and thank all members who volunteer their time to teach at the Readers’ Course. In particular, the significant contribution of Andrew Palmer QC, Patrick Doyle SC, together with Jim Shaw, Rishi Nathwani and Sharon Lacy, who volunteer one full week of their time to teach during the Foundation of Advocacy Week to the Readers, ensuring that the Victorian Bar’s course remains the preeminent barristers training course in Australia. 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of representing the Victorian Bar at the Ceremonial Sitting of the High Court of Australia in memory of the late Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE QC. Chief Justice Susan Kiefel spoke of the enormous contribution to the law made by Sir Gerard over his long and distinguished career. The ceremonial sitting was attended by a number of members, including four of Sir Gerard’s former associates from our Bar, Justices Cavanagh and Elliott, Chris O’Grady QC and Richard J Harris.