New leaders appointed to Victorian Bar Council

16 new silks also joined the bar last week

New leaders appointed to Victorian Bar Council

The Victorian Bar Council has appointed its new leaders for 2021-2022.

Róisín N Annesley QC has been named president of the council, with Charles E Shaw QC and Darryl J Burnett serving as vice presidents. Mark A Robins QC has been elected honorary treasurer, while Robyn W Sweet has been appointed assistant honorary treasurer.

Joining the officers on the council are the following:

  • Peter A Chadwick QC
  • Robert Hay QC
  • Paul J Hayes QC
  • Marylyn L Smallwood S.C.
  • Sam D Hay QC
  • Dr Michelle Sharpe
  • Maria Pilipasidis
  • Benjamin J Murphy
  • Amy L Wood
  • Dr Robin Smith
  • Nawaar Hassan
  • Daniel D Nguyen
  • Raini Zambelli
  • Nicholas J Phillpott
  • Lana Collaris
  • Andrea Skinner

Annesley, Burnett and Hassan had worked together to establish a revised code of conduct for the Victorian Bar that addressed workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination. The policies were launched last month.

Victorian Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson also named new senior counsel to the bar last Wednesday.

“I am pleased to welcome 16 new silks to the Victorian Bar. This appointment recognises their high degree of skill, integrity and honesty, independence and diligence. I wish them all the best for the next phase of their outstanding careers,” Victorian Bar President Christopher Blanden QC said.

According to the bar, the group was drawn from a 114-strong candidate pool. The 2021 silks are as follows:

  • Siobhan Ryan
  • Graeme Hill
  • Angus Macnab
  • Lisa Hespe
  • Daniel Aghion
  • Marc Felman
  • Meghan O’Sullivan
  • Nicholas Wood
  • Fiona Ryan
  • Kathleen Foley
  • Emily Porter
  • Elizabeth Bennett
  • Patrick Doyle
  • Ruth Shann
  • Charles Parkinson
  • Barbara Myers

A virtual ceremony will be held on 29 November to welcome the new silks.