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15Nov
In Brief

In Brief Issue #939

Bar Council elections

The Bar Council election results were announced yesterday afternoon.

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.

8Nov
In Brief

In Brief Issue #938

It's been a privilege

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. 

1Nov
In Brief

In Brief Issue #937

Finest traditions

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. 

25Oct
In Brief

In Brief Issue #936

New silks

Congratulations go to 18 of our number who, on Wednesday, were appointed as Senior Counsel in and for the State of Victoria by the Chief Justice, the Hon Anne Ferguson. They are, in order of seniority:

18Oct
In Brief

In Brief Issue #935

Dealing with the devil

Devilling­­—the practice of having another barrister carry out research or paperwork in chambers—can be an important source of income for members of the junior Bar, especially those who have recently joined.

11Oct
In Brief

In Brief Issue #934

Equitable briefing improving but more to be done

It was encouraging to read this morning that when barristers made briefing recommendations to law firms and clients in 2017–18, they recommended women barristers in 61 per cent of current matters and 60 per cent of new matters, according to the Law Council of Australia’s Equitable Briefing Policy Annual Report released today.

4Oct
In Brief

In Brief Issue #933

Supreme Court Pro Bono agreement

This week, the Supreme Court and the Bar signed a new protocol for court referrals in pro bono matters. 

The Bar operates two pro bono schemes in addition, of course, to the vast array of informal pro bono work which is done by individual members apart from the formal schemes. 

26Sep
In Brief

In Brief Issue #932

Bar Council elections are just around the corner

Next week, all members who are eligible to vote will receive formal notice of the Bar Council elections for 2019–20. The timetable this year is as follows:

20Sep
In Brief

In Brief Issue #931

Bumper Bar Council meeting

Last night’s Bar Council meeting had a longer agenda than usual, with a number of significant matters that have been underway in some cases for many months coming to fruition:

13Sep
In Brief

In Brief Issue #930

New Protocol to raise concerns about judicial conduct in Commonwealth courts

The Australian Bar Association has entered into a new protocol enabling members of the Bar to raise concerns about judicial conduct in the Federal Court of Australia, the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.