Justice Ian Pike was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales on Tuesday, 30 January 2024, before a packed Banco Court.

In attendance were Justice Pike’s wife, Sue, and their children, Ben, Nick and Henry, as well as his brothers, Stephen and Andrew, and sister-in-law, Kia.

Chief Justice Bell observed that that it was evident from the very large numbers of friends and colleagues in attendance that Justice Pike enjoyed genuine respect in the profession and that his appointment had been enormously well received. The Chief Justice also commented that Justice Pike’s appointment would serve to reinforce the enviable reputation of the court for its work in commercial and corporations law.

Justice Pike grew up in Bondi in the 1970s and 1980s, ten minutes from the beach. His parents, Fred and Judith, both worked in education. Fred worked for the Department of Education and then the Conservatorium of Music. Judith worked as a schoolteacher for children with special needs and later taught English as a second language. Both were fiercely proud of public education. They had an enormous influence on Justice Pike’s life and instilled in him the philosophy that hard work was the key to success, particularly hard work at school.

Justice Pike loved growing up in Bondi. He still loves the beach and the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, of which he has been a member since birth. He swims most mornings and is an active member of the Surf Club. He and his brothers are well known at the club and, as kids, were referred to as the ‘Pikelets’. Justice Pike did regular patrols and has assisted the club in a professional capacity whenever legal issues have arisen. As the Attorney-General highlighted at his swearing in, Justice Pike was proud to give back to an organisation that gave the Pike family so much joy and support.

Justice Pike attended Bondi Beach Public School and then Dover Heights Boys High School. He performed brilliantly in the Higher School Certificate and, although initially wanting to study accountancy, enrolled in a double degree in economics and law at the University of Sydney, where he was awarded first class honours.

After graduating from university, Justice Pike worked as associate to the late Justice Graham Hill of the Federal Court. He described Justice Hill as a brilliant lawyer and a fine judge. Justice Pike then joined Mallesons Stephen Jaques as a graduate solicitor, working primarily in competition and trade practices law. He worked closely with Justice Trish Henry and Roger Featherston, who were among Australia’s leading competition lawyers.

Justice Pike was called to the Bar in 1998 and read with James Stevenson, now Justice Stevenson, and Chris Hodgekiss, now Chris Hodgekiss SC. He took silk in 2011. As both a junior and a silk, Justice Pike had one of the largest commercial and corporations law practices at the New South Wales Bar, as commented upon at his swearing in by Ms Sylvia Fernandez on behalf of the Law Society of New South Wales. The Attorney-General described Justice Pike as a conscientious, hardworking and diligent practitioner whose mastery as an advocate was witnessed daily in our courts.

Justice Pike called Eleven Wentworth his professional home at the Bar. He was the heart of the floor, always putting the interests of the floor above his own. Approachable and caring, he was a mentor and a friend to all. He looked out for the junior members of the floor and was always happy to listen and answer questions, however difficult they may be. He will be greatly missed.

Justice Pike displayed the same qualities to other members of the Bar, particularly his juniors, and took a real interest in their learning and development. His influence across the Bar was apparent from the number of junior members of chambers across Sydney who attended his swearing in. As a silk, Justice Pike rolled up his sleeves and did the work. He was self-sufficient. He ensured that family and work–life balance, including that of his juniors, were prioritised and factored into the pressures and stresses of practice and preparation for hearings. He was a strong supporter of women at the commercial Bar and had many able female juniors whom he encouraged and supported.

Aptly describing Justice Pike as an ‘extraordinarily nice bloke’, the Attorney-General said that a particular conversation they had shared, in which his Honour reflected on his family and career and his desire to undertake public service and give back to the community, was one that he would always remember. Ms Fernandez said that those who knew and worked with Justice Pike described him as a warm, kind, generous and humble person, a ‘happily normal’ person.

Justice Pike’s attributes as a barrister will undoubtedly carry over to his role as a judge. He will make an outstanding commercial judge. He will be quick. He will be practical. He will be consistent and fair. Commercial parties who appear before Justice Pike will know that he will find the facts and apply the law to those facts in a considered, orthodox and rational way. He will not seek the limelight or make himself the focus of the case. He will not be rude or condescending. He will listen carefully, and his judgments and rulings will be decisive.

His friends and colleagues wish him all the best.