The 25 new silks were selected from 90 applicants (64 of whom are men and 26 of whom are women).

Victoria’s new silks are Gary Hevey, Peter Matthews, Georgina Connelly, Justin Lewis, Dugald McWilliams, Robert O’Neill, Karen Argiropoulos, Kate Beattie, Stephen Rebikoff, Samuel Hopper, Premala Thiagarajan, Andrew Woods, Michael Stanton, Neill Hutton, Christopher Nehmy, Catherine Pierce, Justin Tomlinson, Maree Norton, Andrew de Wijn, Meredith Schilling, Andrew Meagher, Benjamin Jellis, Catherine Burke, David Yarrow, and Matthew Hooper.

In October of last year, Victoria also appointed 25 new silks.

In a statement, Ferguson CJ said: “Our newest silks should be extremely proud of this significant career accomplishment.”

“The title of senior counsel is an acknowledgment of their integrity and standing within the profession. It is recognition of their years of distinguished legal service and skill.

“They have all made outstanding contributions across many areas of practice, and it is the expectation of both the profession and the judiciary that they continue to serve the administration of justice in Victoria and across Australia through the excellence of their advocacy and advice. Each of them has benefited from collegial assistance and experience as they’ve grown as lawyers, and the baton has now passed to them to be leaders and mentors for the betterment of all.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate the 2024 silks.”

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Victorian Bar president Georgina Schoff KC said: “I extend my sincere congratulations to the 25 distinguished members of the Victorian Bar who have been appointed senior counsel in and for the state of Victoria.

“This prestigious appointment recognises their exceptional skill as advocates and their esteemed position within the legal community. We take great pride in their achievements and wish them continued success in this new phase of their careers.

“I also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Honourable Chief Justice Anne Ferguson for her considered evaluation of this year’s senior counsel candidates.

“Her dedication to this demanding process, which involves extensive consultation and careful deliberation, is deeply valued. We are truly grateful for her ongoing commitment to this important task.”

A ceremonial sitting will be held on Thursday, 29 August, to mark the appointment of the new silks.