Media Release – Victorian Bar welcomes the appointment of 25 new Senior Counsel

Victorian Bar President Dr Matt Collins QC said “The new senior counsel reflect the breadth of skills and outstanding talent at our Bar.

“The new silks build upon the professionalism and diversity of the modern Bar at its most senior levels. The Victorian Bar has more than 2,100 members providing legal expertise and independent advocacy across many areas including criminal, commercial, tax, family, human rights and common law. 

“The Victorian Bar is increasingly culturally diverse: 15 per cent of barristers were born overseas in more than 30 countries; members speak more than 30 languages; women now comprise more than 29 per cent of Victorian barristers; more than 40 per cent of barristers under 15 years’ call are women; and more women barristers are earning higher incomes.

“We thank Chief Justice Ferguson, her Court and senior members of the profession for their valued work and commitment in the process of appointing senior counsel.”

New appointments

• Of the new senior counsel appointed, 18 are men and seven are women, compared to 18 men and five women in 2017
• Women barristers were 21 per cent of applicants and 28 per cent of appointments; seven of the 18 women who applied were appointed
• The age range of appointments was 43 to 61 years old
• 84 members applied, of whom 30 per cent were appointed

Victoria’s newest silks are:

Raymond Gibson
Andrew Ingram
William Lye OAM
Francis O’Loughlin
Peter Rozen
Andrew Palmer
David McAndrew
Colin Mandy
Richard Dalton
Elizabeth Brimer
P Justin Hannebery
Tomo Boston
Jennifer Firkin
Diana Piekusis
Christopher Archibald
Dr Andrew Hanak
Fiona Forsyth
Anthony Strahan
Cam Truong
Dr Catherine Button
Frances Dalziel
Dr Michael Rush
Juliet Forsyth
Scott Smith
Eugene Wheelahan