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‘Icon of the Australian legal profession’ dies at 101
Former federal attorney-general Tom Hughes AO KC, one of Australia’s most respected and decorated legal leaders, passed away on Thursday (28 November).
Grace Robbie
Tom Hughes AO KC, the renowned Sydney barrister, former federal attorney-general, celebrated World War II pilot, and past president of the NSW Bar, passed away two days after celebrating his 101st birthday.
Hughes completed the first year of his law degree at the University of Sydney in 1941. However, his studies were interrupted the following year when he enlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force as a pilot during WWII. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2005.
He was admitted to the Bar in 1949 and took silk in 1962. The following year, he was elected to the Federal Parliament, where he held the seats of Parkes and Berowra for the Liberal Party.
In 1969, Hughes was appointed attorney-general of the Commonwealth of Australia, a position he held until 1971.
After retiring from politics before the 1972 election, Hughes returned to the NSW Bar and served as the president of the NSW Bar Association from 1973 to 1975.
Hughes appeared before the High Court 91 times between 1949 and 2010, representing clients in numerous landmark constitutional cases.
He retired from practice in 2013, having argued his final case in the High Court at the age of 87 in 2010.
Regarding the news of his passing, Chief Justice of NSW, Andrew Bell, stated that Hughes is “an icon of the Australian legal profession” who is “loved and admired by generations of lawyers for his forensic brilliance and legal acumen”.
“Preparing and appearing with Tom was a privilege and wonderful education for any junior barrister. His forensic mastery was underscored by hard work and great discipline.
“An early riser, he would travel by public transport to chambers before dawn and systematically work up the case, particularly spending his time crafting questions for witnesses or memorable phrases to deploy in opening or closing address to capture the essence of his client’s case or the weakness in that of his opponent,” Chief Justice Bell said.
“Tom Hughes was a wonderful man, of large spirit, great style and a true patriot. He had a deep love of country and Australian history in which he was an active participant and player. He will be greatly missed, but his legend will live on in the courtrooms of Australia.”
Brett McGrath, president of the Law Society of NSW, also expressed the deep sorrow felt by the society upon hearing of Hughes’ passing.
“Tom Hughes served his nation, in times of war and peace, with distinction, he served his clients with determination and his opponents with the utmost respect.
“The Law Society offers its sincerest condolences to Tom Hughes’ family and friends. He will be remembered always as a giant of the Australian law,” McGrath said.
