Vale – His Honour Glenn Waldron AO QC

30Sep2020

Bar Roll No: 527

It is with deep regret that the Bar informs members of the death yesterday morning of His Honour Glenn Waldron AO QC at the age of 89. Glenn would have turned 90 next month.

Please click here for the Service to Celebrate the life of the late Mr Glenn Royce Donal Waldron.

The Livestreaming service will commence on Monday 5th October at 10am.

Glenn was born on 25 November 1930. He was educated at Wesley College and the University of Melbourne, where he graduated with honours in law and obtained an exhibition in private international law. He completed articles with E Edgar Davies and Co.

Glenn was admitted to practise law in February 1954 and signed the Bar Roll in March 1955.  Glenn read with Olaf Moodie-Heddle and built up a large common law practice.

Glenn was elected to Bar Council in 1976 and served for over five years.  He also served as Chairman of the Ethics Committee and Bar Fees Committee.

Glenn mentored six readers—Brian Barter, Stan Fookes, His Honour Chester Keon-Cohen AM, His Honour Ian Robertson QC, Noel Ross and His Honour Magistrate Gregory Levine OAM.  He took silk on 7 November 1973.

In 1982, Glenn Waldron QC was appointed Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria.

As Chief Judge, he commenced leading significant reforms needed to guide the County Court of Victoria towards the 21st Century, both in function and spirit with more judges, more courtrooms and a reduction in the delays in cases. 

This included redevelopment of the County Court, from a building not fit for purpose to the court we know today. The opening of the new building took place in May 2002, 17 years after the work began.  Glenn retired from the Bench in November 2002.

Shortly before retirement, Glenn reflected “Maybe I would say that on a subjective level I am a very conservative person who has, I suppose, overcome that inclination to help reform the practices of the Court.” He counted case management including pre-trial hearings, increased use of technology, and the new building as his most significant reforms.  He was especially satisfied with the functional nature of the new court building.

Glenn was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1990 for service to the law. He was also awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 for “outstanding leadership of the County Court, Victoria’s principal trial court”.

Glenn was known as a person of sound judgment, common-sense, patience and thoroughness. He was a good sportsman—he played cricket and football and was, in football, an effective rover.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Glenn’s friends, colleagues and family.

Media Enquiries: 

Elizabeth Gray on +61 401 561 554 or by email to elizabeth.gray@vicbar.com.au

News Category: 
Obituary