Media Release – The Victorian Bar welcomes the appointment of the Hon. Justice Simon Steward and the Hon. Justice Jacqueline Gleeson to the High Court of Australia

The President of the Victorian Bar, Wendy Harris QC, said, “The Victorian Bar welcomes both appointments very warmly. Justice Steward (a former practising member of our Bar) and Justice Gleeson are outstanding jurists who will make a significant contribution to the High Court for many years to come.

“The appointment of Justice Steward is especially significant for our members. His Honour signed the roll in 1999, following a successful career at Mallesons Stephen Jacques, now King & Wood Mallesons. His Honour read with Peter Cawthorn QC and took silk in 2009, after only 10 years of practice as a barrister. He was a preeminent tax specialist, appearing in many significant cases in the High Court and elsewhere before his appointment to the Federal Court of Australia in 2018.

“As an advocate, his Honour combined a natural flair with a much-admired intellectual rigour, a mastery of the law and an ever-courteous mien. These were qualities which fitted Justice Steward exceptionally for judicial office, as his service on the Federal Court of Australia has amply demonstrated. His Honour is an outstanding lawyer, and there is little doubt that he will serve the High Court of Australia with distinction, as members of our Bar have done on many occasions in the past and continue to do.

“The Victorian Bar is especially proud of Justice Steward’s appointment to our apex court. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to him in his new role.”