Victorian Bar Media Release - Victoria’s best and brightest learn about life as a barrister

More than 200 Victorian law students attended the Victorian Bar’s inaugural Open Day today to learn about career opportunities as a barrister.

The Open Day was oversubscribed, with law students from all major Victorian universities applying to participate.

Barristers at all levels of seniority spoke about their pathways to the Bar and their experiences as a barrister. Leading barristers Dr Matt Collins QC, President of the Victorian Bar and Caitlyn Dwyer and the Honourable Justice Andrew Keogh spoke about some of the exciting and at times controversial cases in which they have been involved.

“A career as a barrister is both challenging and rewarding,” Dr Collins said. “The Victorian Bar’s 2,100 plus practising barristers play a vital role in the administration of justice, with their specialist skills in dispute resolution, litigation, strategy and advice, and in advocacy before the court.

“The work of a barrister is built on the proud tradition of providing strong and independent legal representation and advice without fear or favour to all in the community.

“There are a number of pathways to becoming a barrister and our Open Day provided the best and brightest of Victoria’s law students with the opportunity to learn about becoming a barrister as well as working life at the Victorian Bar.”

The Open Day was organised by the Victorian Bar and its Student Engagement Committee, co-chaired by Kat Brazenor and James Waters.

Dr Matt Collins QC, President of the Victorian Bar

The Honourable Justice Andrew Keogh

Caitlyn Dwyer, Victorian Bar

James Waters and Kat Brazenor, Victorian Bar Student Engagement Committee Co-Chairs