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Victorian Bar president says criminal law background a ‘benefit’
For the first time in almost four decades, a criminal law barrister will sit at the helm of the Victorian Bar. In a discussion with Lawyers Weekly, Justin Hannebery KC shares how his background could be a benefit to the Bar and his goals for the next 12 months.
Naomi Neilson
Just a few weeks into his vice presidency, Justin Hannebery KC was promoted to the top of the Victorian Bar to replace predecessor Justice Elizabeth Bennett, who was appointed to the Federal Court.
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Hannebery said it was important the whole of the Victorian Bar was represented by the president.
“I hope the Bar gets the benefit from having a slightly different perspective in terms of the type of practice I am bringing to the role, and I would also hope it will not be another 38 years before somebody else in criminal law follows me,” Hannebery said.
In his career, Hannebery has worked in occupational health and safety matters, coronial inquests, Supreme Court trials, professional disciplinary tribunals, and royal commissions.
Hannebery has been at the Bar Council for 16 years but has also been a director of the Law Council of Australia and has served multiple terms on the Criminal Bar Association’s committee.
With criminal law making up about a quarter of the Bar, Hannebery said there was “no doubt” this would “occupy a substantial portion of the type of issues that arise within the judicial system in Victoria”.
“I would hope that, coming from my perspective, I have at least got a strong background in [criminal law] and will be able to understand and react to those issues as they arise,” Hannebery said.
Those issues could include anything from delays in the court system, reforms to bail laws, Legal Aid fees, and ensuring Victorian barristers continue to run a successful practice post-pandemic.
Looking at broader issues, Hannebery said he would also focus on diversity and inclusion at the Bar and safeguarding workplaces so barristers can operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.
With the renewal of the Reconciliation Action Plan coming up, Hannebery added he would mark the “very proud achievement”, particularly given the Victorian Bar was the first of all Australian bars to adopt and implement the plan.
Having served on the Bar Council for 16 years, Hannebery said he also intends to contribute to the Victorian Bar’s good reputation and to ensure it remains an “important and respected voice”.
“I have been the most junior, I have been in the middle division, and I have been at the most senior division, so I have had a perspective on the Bar and the Bar Council in a lot of different stages of my career.
“I have certainly been fortunate to observe those matters since 1998 when I first came to the Bar, and I would endeavour to continue to be part of that,” Hannebery said.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
