The winter 2024 edition marks the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, as well as the 200th year of the New South Wales Bar. To celebrate this milestone, Bar News gives you an inside look at the Supreme Court's new gallery, speaks with the editors of "Constant Guardian, Changing Times" which documents the court's history, and publishes speeches by current and former Supreme Court chief justices. We also interview the Federal Court Chief Justice, the Hon Debra Mortimer, look into the high rates of harassment and discrimination in the profession, and report on the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes.
Read MoreTechnology is becoming an increasingly central feature of legal practice. The Autumn 2024 edition of Bar News delves into all things technology related. Edited with the assistance of the Media and Information and Technology Committee, this special edition covers various aspects of technology and advocacy, including artificial intelligence, virtual advocacy and neurotechnology, showcasing the modernity of the ever-evolving Bar. This edition also covers recent developments and features, including some helpful tips for readers and tutors, together with the paper delivered at the Maurice Byers Lecture. We welcome your feedback or contributions for forthcoming editions. An archive of Bar News editions, beginning in 1985, is available on AustLII and the Bar Association's website. [Member login required]
Read MoreThe Bar News Summer 2023 edition includes the NSW Chief Justice's compelling paper delivered at the Bathurst Lecture and the Sybil Morrison Lecture, in which the recipients of the 2023 Katrina Dawson awards pay tribute to the legacy of the Hon Justice Carolyn Simpson. The Summer edition also brings in a number of changes - the newly appointed president of the NSW Bar Association Dr. Ruth Higgins SC gives her first column on her perspective for the future of the Bar. Lastly we bid farewell to Ingmar Taylor SC, who has completed a remarkable 19 editions as the editor, and welcome Catherine Gleeson SC as the new editor for future issues.
Read MoreThis edition of Bar News covers a diverse range of climate change related issues, including litigation arising from climate change, greenwashing cases, indigenous-led climate movements and creating environmentally conscious chambers. Celebrated voices fill the interview section including the Hon. Justice Jayne Jagot, Justice Sarah Pritchard and Tony McAvoy SC. As the judicial bench witnesses a wave of appointments, Bar News reports each of them showcasing the talent the Bar brings to the Bench. We welcome your feedback or a contribution for our next edition. An archive of Bar News editions, beginning in 1985, is available on AustLII and the Bar Association's website. [Member login required]
Read MoreThis edition of Bar News published in May 2023 covers a diverse range of issues, including how to be a good junior, what is ChatGPT and how can it assist barristers, buying chambers, and how to deal with terrible witnesses. Following the decision of the Bar Council to support the Yes campaign for the Referendum for the Voice this edition carries a number of articles on the subject. There are wonderful interviews with barristers Tiffany Wong SC and Lee-May Saw and playwright Susie Miller, writer of Prima Facie and RBG. It covers recent events including the 2022 Tutors and Readers Dinner, the Janet Coombs Memorial, the celebration of the latest Women Silks and a lunch to honour seven Experienced Barristers. It ends with the Furies usual acerbic brilliance, this time answering the question: why is only 25% of the Bar women?
Read MoreWelcome to the Summer edition of Bar News for 2022. This edition discusses the Criminal Bar Strikes in the United Kingdom, drug decriminalization, coronial reforms, the legal world’s reaction to Queen Elizabeth II’s death and David Gonski AC's cyber security Bathurst Lecture. It also includes interviews with Robert Dubler SC, Sharyn Hall SC, Sally Dowling SC on their roles as Advocates for change and the Director of the ODPP. There are also book, movie and podcast recommendations for the Summer with a surprise cryptic crossword hidden inside.
Read MoreThis special edition of Bar News examines what constitutes ethical practice. There are articles on the medieval origins of a barrister's ethical obligations, the Bar Association's role in regulating the conduct of its members and aspects of ethical practice. There is an interview with Chief Justice Andrew Bell, in which he speaks candidly about his plans for the court and his hopes for the Bar. Our cover, front and back, honours the life and service of Sir Francis Gerard Brennan AC KBE GBS. As Chief Justice Bell said, Sir Gerard was the personification of decency and a man of deep principle, fierce intellect, profound empathy and strength of character. It is fitting that he is on the cover of this special ethics edition.
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