Elections - Timing

The Bar Council is elected each year. The elections are normally announced to members around late July and held in late August or early September.

The timing of the election is generally as follows:

Step 1: On a nominated date in August, the election is announced to members of the Bar by the distribution to members of a notice calling for nominations as candidates for the election and a nomination form.

Step 2: Some 2 weeks later, nominations must be received by the Secretary.

Step 3: The Secretary then announces the candidates to members and distributes a ballot paper and voting instructions. Voting commences.

Step 4: At 5.00 pm on the nominated closing date in September, voting closes.

Step 5: Votes are counted on the evening of the date when voting closes.

Step 6: The following day, the Bar Council considers the report of the election scrutineers and declares the result of the poll. The new Bar Council meets later that day.

The Bar Council office holders are appointed at the first or second meeting of the new Bar Council.