About the Association

The Criminal Bar Association of Victoria was established in 1978 and currently has a membership of almost 400. Its members occupy all levels of seniority at the bar as well as a substantial portion of the judiciary. It exists as the peak professional body for barristers practising in criminal law at the Victorian Bar.

For all the details and activities of the Association, go to their dedicated website.

The Association is regularly invited to make written or oral submissions (either in its own right, or jointly with or on behalf of the Bar Council) to major inquiries or reviews of the criminal justice system, including proposed legislative changes both nationally and within Victoria.

It consults regularly with the Department of Justice, Victoria Legal Aid, Office of Public Prosecutions and other professional bodies including the Law Institute of Victoria on matters touching upon the operation of the criminal law. Remuneration and working practices are areas of major concern to the Association. It consults on national issues with the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Bar Association and many other bodies.

The Association runs regular seminars for its members on practice issues and changes to the law, as well as organising an annual dinner amongst numerous social functions throughout the year. It publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and hosts a website at www.crimbarvic.org.au.

Membership costs $25 per year, plus a once-only joining fee of $200, or $100 for members of the Bar under three years call. Applications and inquiries as to membership should be directed to the Secretary of the Association.