Inbrief
Postponed: Book launch of Law, Justice and Other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby
This event has been postponed.
Members are invited to the launch of Law, Justice and Other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby (edited by Dr Paul Vout KC), to be held in the...
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District Court Criminal Practice Note 36: Management of Criminal Proceedings listed in Wollongong District Court
The District Court has released Criminal Practice Note 36 - Management of Criminal Proceedings listed in Wollongong District Court.
Click here for more information.
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NSW Bar Association governance: Bar Council vacancy
Following his appointment to the Supreme Court, Greg Sirtes SC has resigned from his position on Bar Council, effective 11 December 2025. In accordance with the Bar Association’s Constitution,...
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Solution Focused Justice – A Cross Jurisdictional Symposium
Friday, 20 February 2026 AND Saturday, 21 February 2026
On the 20th and 21st of February 2026, the Bugmy Bar Book, the NSW Bar Association, Te Kura Kaiwhakawā (New Zealand Institute of Judicial...
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Member Advantage offers
Sponsored
The Bar Association has a partnership with Member Advantage, a leading provider of benefits programs. Bar Association membership entitles you to special savings on shopping, dining,...
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Anniversary of the Lindt Café siege
Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the Lindt Café siege.
On this occasion, we remember a much-loved and respected member of the NSW Bar – Katrina Dawson – who was tragically killed in the...
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BarCare: Confidential consultation, counselling and care
BarCare is an independent, professional counselling service, which helps the Bar to access appropriate psychological support when dealing with issues that may impact on their mental health and...
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Downing Centre reopening Friday, 19 December 2025
The Downing Centre will reopen to the public on Friday, 19 December 2025, with some courts returning from Monday, 22 December 2025.
Click here for more information.
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President's Message
On behalf of the NSW Bar Association, I offer my deepest condolences to those affected by the despicable act of terrorist violence perpetrated in Bondi on Sunday evening.
This reprehensible attack...
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Temporary relocation of the Land and Environment Court registry counter and courtrooms
During the court vacation from Monday, 22 December 2025 to Friday, 30 January 2026, the Land and Environment Court registry counter will temporarily be located on the ground floor of 50 Phillip...
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Mental Health First Aid Course
The next Mental Health First Aid course for New South Wales barristers and clerks will be run in a hybrid format with the in-person component to be held on 3 February 2026.
The day will begin at...
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Ceremonial Sitting to mark the retirement of Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson
A Ceremonial Sitting of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory to mark the retirement of The Honourable Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson will be held in Courtroom 3, Supreme Court on...
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Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, commences on Sunday, 14 December this year. Hanukkah is Hebrew for “dedication”, and the festival lasts eight days and nights. During...
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Craig Lenehan SC appointed to the Federal Court
Mr Craig Lenehan SC (5 St James' Hall) has been appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, commencing on 9 February 2026. Click here to view the media release.
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2026 Law Council Executive
The members of the Law Council Executive elected for 2026 are:
- Ms Tania Wolff, President
- Ms Elizabeth Shearer, President-elect
- Mr Lachlan Molesworth, Treasurer
- Ms Jennifer Ball, Executive Member
- Mr...
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District Court: Deputy Chief Judge appointments
Judges Stephen Hanley SC and Christopher O’Brien AM have been appointed Deputy Chief Judges of the District Court of New South Wales. Their Honours will commence their new roles on December 15....
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Reissue of IRC Practice Note 13 – Award Review Procedures
The Industrial Relations Commission has rescinded and reissued Practice Note 13 – Award Review Procedures. The reissued Practice Note 13 can be accessed via the IRC website here.
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Boulten SC and Sirtes SC appointed to the Supreme Court
Phillip Boulten SC (Forbes Chambers) and Gregory Sirtes SC (12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers) have been appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Mr Boulten will be sworn in on February 3 and...
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Tomorrow: Farewell ceremony for the Hon Justice Ian Harrison
After 18 years of service, the Hon Justice Ian Harrison will be retiring as a Judge of Appeal and Chief Judge at Common Law in January 2026. Justice Harrison was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme...
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Bar News Summer 25 is now online
Bar News Summer 2025 is now available to read online here. In this special anniversary edition, current and former editors, writers, illustrators and staffers reflect on the journal's 40 years of...
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Vale: Barry Michael Joseph Toomey KC (1935–2025)
Barry Toomey KC died on 9 December 2025, aged 90. He was called to the Bar in 1967, took silk in 1980 and practised full time at the Sydney Bar for 51 consecutive years.
In 1993 Toomey KC was one of...
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Volunteers sought for Legal Assistance Referral Scheme
The NSW Bar Association Legal Assistance Referral Scheme, which has formally existed since 1996, reflects the strongly held view of the Bar that a person’s rights and access to justice should not...
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CPD expressions of interest -19 March 2026
The Education Committee is seeking expressions of interest for attendees to participate in an interactive CPD session scheduled for 19 March 2026.
Given the critical importance of the content...
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Vale: Robert William Hunt (1947–2025)
Robert Hunt, formerly of 14 Wardell Chambers has passed away. He was called to the Bar in 1983 and practised in international and domestic disputes specialising in construction, engineering, marine,...
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Tonight: GayBar 2025 End of Term - 5 December 2025
The next GayBar will be held at Avenue on Chifley on 5 December 2025 from 5pm to 9pm.
All are invited, particularly LGBTQIA+ identifying members, but including all allies and staff.
GayBar provides...
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