Inbrief

Court closures and holiday arrangements 2025–2026

Members can find details of court arrangements over the holiday period at the links below:

New South Wales courts

• NSW Supreme Court
• Land and Environment Court (also note temporary relocation over...

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.

Book launch of Law, Justice and Other Challenges: Selected Speeches and Papers of Michael Kirby

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 Banco Court on 16 December from...

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...

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....

Expressions of interest: NSWBA and AAI Train the Trainer workshop

The NSW Bar Association’s Professional Development department is seeking advocacy coaches to assist twice a year with the Bar Practice Course. Coaching sessions take place between 4.30pm and 6pm on...

Registrations open: 2026 Regional CPD Conference Series

The NSW Bar Association is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Regional CPD Conference Series. This is an exclusive opportunity to advance your professional development, gain expert insights,...

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The Industrial Relations Commission has rescinded and reissued Practice Note 13 – Award Review Procedures.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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The 42nd Great Bar Boat Race

The 42nd Great Bar Boat Race will be held on Monday, 22 December 2025 beginning near Shark Island at 11 AM and finishing at Store Beach. All enquiries should be addressed to Adrian Gruzman (0400 22...

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...

Wardell Chambers room for licence

Sponsored

Available 2 February 2026 Wardell Chambers has an external room (30.62 sqm) for sale. The room, which has a fabulous view of Hyde Park and loads of natural light, is fitted out with...

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...

Professional Standards Scheme mandatory disclosure statement

Every barrister who holds a NSW practising certificate, is a member of the Bar Association and has approved professional indemnity insurance, is covered by the NSW Bar Association’s Professional...

Supreme Court: Farewell sitting for the Hon Justice Garling

The Hon Justice Peter Garling will retire as a judge of the Common Law Division. An informal farewell sitting will be held on Thursday, 18 December 2025 in Court 13A, Law Courts Building at 9.15am....

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,...

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...

Commonwealth Law Conference – 27 February 2026

The Annual Commonwealth Law Conference will be held Friday, 27 February 2026 8:30AM - 3:00PM and will be followed by a networking function at the Hilton, 488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.

Click here...

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...

Last chance to submit expressions of interest: NSWBA float – 2026 Mardi Gras Parade

For the first time, the NSW Bar Association will have a float in the Mardi Gras Parade, which is taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The float intends to promote and celebrate the...