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19May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1103

Friday night last week was spent at the NSW Bench & Bar Dinner. Catherine Gleeson of New Chambers gave an excellent Ms Junior speech about the various types of ‘super juniors’ one finds at the NSW Bar. It was very funny and could have been written about our ‘super junior’ members. Greg Sirtes S.C. gave the Mr Senior speech with real skill and fantastic comedic timing. He then introduced the Honoured Guest and main speaker, the Honourable Justice Jacqueline Gleeson, who gave a very funny, typically humble speech. It was an excellent evening. My thanks to Gabrielle Bashir S.C. and the NSW Bar for the kind invitation to represent our Bar at their annual event.

12May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1102

On Monday morning, I met with Remy van de Wiel KC, Chair of the International Advocacy Training Committee, to discuss the current operation of the Committee and a potential new initiative designed to build upon the excellent work it does in the Pacific region. The idea will be discussed at Bar Council next week. We have a long and proud history of engagement with our Pacific neighbours. The work the Committee does is good for the Bar, and good for those who receive the training. That is particularly so in countries where the rule of law is fragile. My thanks to Remy for his time and bringing a new idea for us to consider.

5May
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1101

On Monday afternoon, together with Gina Schoff KC, Peter Chadwick KC, Amanda Utt and Kai Li Zhu, I met with Fiona McLeay (Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner) and her team to discuss the delegated functions we perform for the Board. I’m very pleased to report that our respective teams are working very well together. It is important that the decisions we take as delegate are consistent and in accordance with the Board’s policies and guidelines that apply across both branches of the profession. To make sure that occurs, we collaborate closely with the Commissioner and her office. It is an excellent working relationship, and it is one that we will continue to prioritise. I’m very grateful for all of the support we receive from the Commissioner and her office. There is no question that it directly benefits our members in material ways.

28Apr
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1100

On Wednesday morning, along with the Chair and immediate past Chair of the Bar’s Library Committee, Dr Paul Vout KC and Mark Robins KC, I met with Ms Laurie Atkinson, Director of the Law Library Victoria and Supreme Court Librarian. We discussed the impressive range of services and resources available to support barristers, particularly those in the early stage of their careers. By way of reminder, there are three ways to access the library’s collection:

21Apr
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1099

On Monday, along with many of you, I attended a ceremonial sitting of the Federal Court of Australia to welcome the appointment of Chief Justice Mortimer. The Victorian Bar was represented by Vice President Elizabeth Bennett S.C. who spoke of the Chief Justice’s many achievements as a member of our Bar and of her judicial acumen in marrying the dignity, seriousness, and importance of the work of the Court with empathy and mutual respect for all who come before it. Her Honour’s dedication to community, justice and legal issues concerning our First Nations people was recognised by all speakers. In response, the Chief Justice noted the presence in Court of representatives of the Cape York Land Council, the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council, the Kimberley Land Council, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council. She also acknowledged the presence on the bench of the Hon. Michael Black AC KC, who as Chief Justice was inspired to have the words of the Constitution written on the windows of the Court. I know I sound parochial, but it is pleasing to once again have a member of our Bar at the head of our national Court.

14Apr
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1098

On Wednesday, Amanda Utt and I met with Louise Glanville (CEO) and Julia Munster (Chief Counsel) from Victoria Legal Aid to discuss issues of mutual interest. Our two organisations enjoy a very good working relationship and we have agreed to meet regularly for the balance of the year. It is very useful to have such direct and open lines of communication with one of our most important external stakeholders. I would like to thank Louise and Julia for taking the time to meet with us.

6Apr
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1097

It was announced last Friday afternoon that her Honour Justice Debra Mortimer will be the new Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia. The Bar officially welcomed the appointment last week in a media statement in which I noted how proud we are that Chief Justice Mortimer is a member of our Bar. Her Honour is an outstanding jurist who has already made a significant contribution to the Federal Court over the last 10 years. There is no doubt that her Honour will make a further lasting contribution as its leader in the years to come. Her Honour’s welcome as Chief Justice will take place at 9:30am on Monday, 17 April.

31Mar
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1096

On Friday night last week, I attended the Queensland Law Society’s Legal Profession Dinner in Brisbane. Luke Murphy, President of the Law Council, gave the keynote address. He spoke about his attendance at the 23rd Commonwealth Law Conference in Goa, India, which was held early in March this year. Luke talked about some of the serious threats to the rule of law that currently exist in many countries in the common law world. He also spoke about the efforts that our Bar and the LIV have been making to oppose various provisions in the Human Source Management Bill which allow for the registration of lawyers as informants against their clients. It is an issue that has captured the attention of practitioners nation-wide. Everyone is concerned about it, particularly given the potential for clients to lose faith in their lawyers. It is very good to have Luke’s support on the issue.

24Mar
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1095

A lot of time this week has been spent working very closely with the LIV and the Centre for Public Integrity (the CPI) on our response to the Human Source Management Bill 2023. A number of amendments have been introduced in the Legislative Council including by the Government and the Opposition. Yesterday afternoon we were informed that Government had withdrawn the Bill from debate after the Greens informed the Attorney-General and the Shadow Attorney-General that they were unable to support it in its current form and were considering the rival amendments. Parliament has now adjourned and will not resume until 2 May. That being the case, we will continue to work with the LIV and the CPI to convince legislators that allowing for the registration of lawyers as informants against their own clients is a bad idea. I will let members know as things develop.

17Mar
In Brief

In Brief Issue #1094

I hope you had a relaxing Labour Day public holiday on Monday, and that you enjoyed the slightly shorter working week.

On Monday afternoon, I met (electronically) with Professor Matthew Harding, Dean of Melbourne Law School (MLS). We spoke about current projects between the Bar and MLS, and some potential ways they could be expanded. Matthew also reminded me about an excellent online resource that the Honourable Chris Maxwell AC talked to me about late last year. On its website, the Judicial College of Victoria has a curated selection of research summaries of recently published academic articles of interest to practising lawyers. The resource aims to foster greater engagement between the judiciary, the academy, and the legal profession. The relevant page on the College’s website can be found here. My thanks to Chris and Matthew for telling me about it.