Bar Council has also appointed its officeholders and honorary secretary. The two Vice Presidents are Simon Marks QC and Sam Hay SC. The Treasurer is Stewart Maiden QC and Assistant Treasurer Gabi Crafti. The Honorary Secretary is Kat Brazenor. Thank you to everyone who voted in the election.
At the Declaration of the Poll following the Bar Council election held on 13 November 2019 the following candidates, in order of seniority, were declared elected:-
Commercial barrister Ms Wendy Harris QC has been elected President of the Victorian Bar, taking over from Dr Matt Collins AM QC who has completed a two-year term as President.
Expressions of interest are sought from those members of the Bar who wish to remain on, or become a member of, one or more of the Bar committees. A copy of the role descriptions and responsibilities of each of the committees of the Bar Council is accessed here, selection criteria are here and the online form is here (you need to be logged in to access the link).
Portraits of six eminent barristers have been added to the Victorian Bar's collection, including a 2013 painting by executed ‘Bali Nine’ drug trafficker Myuran Sukumaran of his barrister Julian McM
The Victorian Bar Council (Bar Council) has considered the status of public defenders employed by Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) on the Roll of Counsel, and in particular, whether the presence of public defenders on the Roll of Counsel is in breach of the Legal Profession Uniform Conduct (Barristers) Rules 2015 (the Conduct Rules), the Constitution of the Bar (the Constitution) or the Legal Profession Uniform Law (the Uniform Law).
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.
