Former New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma told the Sydney Morning Herald that if Carl Scully wanted to know why he did not become Premier he should look in the mirror. Well Carl Scully has been doing a lot of reflecting. [...] Continue Reading…

… symbiosis; n; 1 Living together. 2 Biol. An interaction between two dissimilar organisms living in close physical association; esp. one in which each benefits from the other. 3 transf & fig. A relationship or association of mutual advantage between people, organisations, etc.

For centuries, barristers and solicitors in most legal professions based on the English model have had a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. It largely still exists in Australia, but it is breaking down. [...] Continue Reading…

This is an article i wrote which was recently published in The Australian newspaper.

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The Civil Justice System, unlike almost all other areas of human endeavour in Australia, has not yet had an effective major productivity review. Like many other industries courts need a touch of disruption to the way things have always been done.

The need is obvious as was identified by the Federal Attorney-General, George Brandis, QC, a few weeks ago when he acknowledged the need for a far reaching review of the Family Law system focusing on its undeniably adversarial, costly and delay ridden processes. [...] Continue Reading…

During the 1970s Garrick Fay was the mainstay of the Wallaby forward pack. In this article he gives a fascinating insight into how Australian Rugby pulled itself out of an international slump. I recently caught up with Garrick with barrister and Gordon Rugby Football Club’ prop Chris Micali for lunch at the Union, University and Schools Club in Sydney . Garrick Fay has been in business all his life and is a celebrity speaker.

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How we got out of the Rugby Slump in the 70s

By Garrick Fay [...] Continue Reading…

New South Wales barristers will this week receive their ballot papers for the Bar Council 2017/2018.

I am standing to provide an alternative opinion to the zeitgeist of recent Bar Councils . A complete re-think of the challenges and the direction of the Bar is urgent.A variety of opinions is vital to find a way through the current difficulties.

The Bar is in apparent numerical decline against the increasing numbers of our colleagues in the solicitors’ branch of the legal profession . That fact has meant a loss of work and in turn less necessary advocacy experience for the junior Bar. That is not good for the Bar or the solicitors who rely upon a skilled band of advocates available to all . The celebrated ‘cab rank rule’ does not apply to solicitors, particularly the big firms who can pick and choose sides and clients . The symbiotic relationship between the two branches of the profession is a result of long held wisdom.

This relationship is in danger of fracture . The Bar Councils of recent times have done little to restore it . Instead have engaged like university SRCs in peripheral political issues or behaved like Brahmins pretending all is well .

I stand for the re-introduction of QC.

I support a full embrace of mediation and the role of mediator as a skill for the Bar. My friend Mary Walker must be commended for her tireless campaign to bring this issue to our attention and benefit.

I am opposed to the Bar expressing a view concerning Same Sex Marriage and similar matters of personal choice and conviction. This issue is a very personal one about which the Bar Council did not consult its members.

The Equitable Gender Briefing policy should be abandoned and more focused assistance be given to those at the Bar who need help.

I would be delighted to receive your support. [...] Continue Reading…