After two unforgettable years, my time is up. This is my last In Brief. Next Friday, a new face will adorn this end-of-week institution.
It has been one of the great privileges of my professional life to serve as President of our remarkable Bar. As I step down, with effect from next Thursday, I have a greater appreciation—and love—for this place than when I started.
I was pleased, but not surprised, to learn this week that at least 11 barristers from our Bar have accepted instructions to act pro bono for the families of the Bourke Street victims at the inquest which is scheduled to commence on 18 November 2019 and expected to run for 8 weeks—one of the biggest inquests in Victorian history. The team comprises Áine Magee QC, Sue McNicol QC, Nick Papas QC, Barbara Myers, Marko Cvjeticanin, Fiona Spencer, Fiona Ryan, Kylie Weston-Scheuber, Liz Ruddle, Maria Pilipasidis and Mathew Kenneally. Much work has already been done on a pro bono basis in responding to various issues and in preparation. Needless to say, this is very much in the finest traditions of the Victorian Bar, providing access to justice for those most in need.
A General Meeting of the Barristers' Benevolent Association of Victoria will be held on Thursday, 14 November 2019 at 4:45pm in the Bar Council Chamber, Level 1, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Congratulations go to 18 of our number who, on Wednesday, were appointed as Senior Counsel in and for the State of Victoria by the Chief Justice, the Hon Anne Ferguson. They are, in order of seniority:
It is with deep regret that the Bar Council informs members of the death of John Higham OAM, barrister and athlete, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 67.
Funeral: Thursday 31 Oct at the Boyd Chapel, Springvale Cemetery, 11.00am for an 11.30am start.
The Victorian Bar welcomes the appointment of 18 of its members as Senior Counsel by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Victoria, the Honourable Anne Ferguson.
Victorian Bar President Dr Matt Collins AM QC said “The new senior counsel reflect the expertise and leadership of the modern Bar.
