Only 30% of members who applied were appointed
The Victorian Bar has welcomed the appointment of 25 senior counsel by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the state of Victoria, the Honourable Anne Ferguson.
Dr Matt Collins QC, Victorian Bar president, said that the new silks reflect the breadth of skills and outstanding talent of the Bar.
“The new silks build upon the professionalism and diversity of the modern Bar at its most senior levels. The Victorian Bar has more than 2,100 members providing legal expertise and independent advocacy across many areas, including criminal, commercial, tax, family, human rights and common law,” Collins said.
“The Victorian Bar is increasingly culturally diverse: 15% of barristers were born overseas in more than 30 countries; members speak more than 30 languages; women now comprise more than 29% of Victorian barristers; more than 40% of barristers under 15 years’ call are women; and more women barristers are earning higher incomes,” he said.
“We thank Chief Justice Ferguson, her court and senior members of the profession for their valued work and commitment in the process of appointing senior counsel.”
The appointment round consists of 18 men and seven women, an increase from last year’s 18 men and five women. A total of 84 Victorian Bar members applied, of whom only 30% were appointed. Women barristers accounted for 21% of applicants and 28% of appointments. The youngest new senior counsel is 43 and the oldest is 61.
Victoria’s new silks, by order of the year they were admitted, are:
