Famous Australian Lawyers & Judges

Sir Edmund Barton was an Australian statesman, barrister, and jurist who served as the first prime minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. He was a key figure in the Federation movement and played a crucial role in drafting the Australian Constitution. Barton was instrumental in establishing national institutions such as the Australian Defence Force and the Commonwealth Public Service. He later became a founding member of the High Court of Australia, where he contributed to shaping the judicial interpretation of the constitution he helped create.

Julie Bishop is an Australian former politician who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and deputy leader of the Liberal Party. She was the Member of Parliament for Curtin and chancellor of the Australian National University. Before politics, she worked as a commercial lawyer, served as a director of the Special Broadcasting Service, and was involved in various ministerial roles in the Howard government. Bishop made history as the first female deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Australia's first female foreign minister. She later became the United Nations special envoy for Myanmar.

Dame Quentin Bryce is a prominent Australian academic and public figure known for her groundbreaking achievements. She made history as the first woman to serve as Governor-General of Australia, following a successful tenure as Governor of Queensland. Throughout her career, she held various notable positions, including Director of the Queensland Women's Information Service, Queensland Director of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, and Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner. Her distinguished service to the community earned her prestigious honors, such as Officer and Companion of the Order of Australia.

Herbert Vere "Doc" Evatt was an Australian politician and judge known for his significant contributions to Australian public life. He served as a justice of the High Court of Australia before entering federal politics and becoming Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs. Evatt played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and served as President of the United Nations General Assembly. He later led the Australian Labor Party as Leader of the Opposition, facing challenges related to communism before retiring from politics to become Chief Justice of New South Wales.

Gina Liano is a prominent Australian barrister, author, entrepreneur, and television personality. With a diverse professional background, she has made a significant impact in various fields. Her legal expertise as a barrister showcases her dedication to justice and advocacy. As an author, she has shared her insights and knowledge through her written works. Additionally, her entrepreneurial endeavors demonstrate her business acumen and creativity. Through her role on The Real Housewives of Melbourne, she has gained recognition as a dynamic and engaging television personality.

Sir Ninian Martin Stephen was an English-born Australian judge who served as the 20th governor-general of Australia from 1982 to 1989, after a decade as a justice of the High Court of Australia. With a background in the Australian Army during WWII, he later excelled as a leading constitutional lawyer. Known for his moderation, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1970 and the High Court in 1972. His tenure as governor-general saw him approve two double dissolutions, a unique achievement in the role.

Eric Abetz is an Australian politician with a long and distinguished career in government. He has served as a Senator for Tasmania, representing the Liberal Party, and as a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly. Throughout his career, Abetz has held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Employment, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Special Minister of State, and Minister for Fisheries, Forestry, and Conservation. He has a background in law and has been actively involved in political organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.

Bill Shorten is an Australian politician and former trade unionist who has served in various leadership roles within the Australian Labor Party. He has been a Member of Parliament for the division of Maribyrnong since 2007 and has held ministerial positions in the Gillard and Rudd governments. Shorten has been the Minister for Government Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme since 2022. He is known for his involvement in the Australian Workers' Union and for his leadership of the Labor Party from 2013 to 2019.

Robert Holmes à Court was a South African-born Australian businessman who rose to become Australia's first billionaire. He was known as one of the world's most feared corporate raiders during the 1980s, increasing his properties from virtually nothing to a diversified resources and media group valued at around A$2 billion before the 1987 stock market crash. Shareholders in his company experienced substantial investment growth. Holmes à Court's professional success culminated in his horse Black Knight winning the Melbourne Cup in 1984.

Waleed Aly is a prominent Australian television presenter, journalist, academic, and lawyer. He serves as a lecturer in politics at Monash University within the Global Terrorism Research Centre. Aly is known for his role as a co-host on Network Ten's news and current affairs program, The Project. Additionally, he contributes articles to Fairfax Media, co-hosts The Minefield on ABC RN, and plays lead guitar in the rock band Robot Child. Aly's achievements include winning the prestigious Gold Logie Award for Best Personality on Australian Television in 2016.

Robert Shenton French AC is an Australian lawyer with a distinguished career in the judiciary. He served as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia and later as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. In 2017, he took on the role of an overseas non-permanent judge at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. Additionally, he was appointed as the chancellor of the University of Western Australia. Throughout his career, French has been recognized for his expertise and contributions to the legal field.

Glenn McMillan is a versatile actor and lawyer, recognized for his role as Dustin, the Yellow Wind Ranger, on Power Rangers Ninja Storm. With a background in both entertainment and law, he has showcased his talent and dedication through various projects. McMillan's performances have captivated audiences worldwide, establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting career, he has pursued a successful legal profession, showcasing his diverse skill set and passion for both fields.

Andrew Peacock was an Australian politician and diplomat who served as a cabinet minister and leader of the Liberal Party on two occasions. He held various portfolios, including Minister for Foreign Affairs, and was known for his leadership roles during the 1980s and early 1990s. Peacock had a significant political career, challenging for and holding the Liberal Party leadership, and later serving as Ambassador to the United States. He played a key role in Australian politics, despite facing defeats in elections during his leadership terms.

George Brandis is an Australian former politician who served as a Senator for Queensland from 2000 to 2018 representing the Liberal Party. He held various cabinet minister positions in the Abbott and Turnbull governments, including Minister for the Arts and Sport, Attorney-General, and Minister for the Arts. After retiring from politics in 2018, he served as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom until 2022. Brandis then transitioned to academia, becoming a professor in national security at the Australian National University in June 2022.

Peter Costello is an Australian businessman, lawyer, and former politician who notably served as the Treasurer of Australia from 1996 to 2007, making him the longest-serving treasurer in the country's history. He was a Member of Parliament for the Division of Higgins from 1990 to 2009 and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party from 1994 to 2007. Costello later held prominent roles such as Chairman of the World Bank's Independent Advisory Board, Chairman of Nine Entertainment, and Chairman of the Board of Guardians of the Australian Future Fund.

Michael Kirby is an Australian jurist and academic known for his distinguished career as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1996 to 2009. Even after retirement, he has continued his contributions to the field of human rights, particularly highlighted by his leadership in the United Nations Human Rights Council's inquiry into human rights abuses in North Korea. His extensive legal expertise and dedication to upholding human rights have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the legal and international community.

Sir Guy Green OBE BSC was a highly accomplished English film director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer. His career was marked by numerous achievements, including winning an Oscar for his cinematography work on the film Great Expectations in 1948. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to British cinema, Green was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the BAFTA in 2002. Additionally, he was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2004 for his significant impact on the film industry.

Roma Mitchell was a trailblazing Australian lawyer and judge who broke numerous gender barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first woman judge, the first woman Queen's Counsel, a chancellor of an Australian university, and the Governor of an Australian state. Mitchell's contributions to the advancement of women's rights in Australia were significant, and she was widely recognized as a pioneer in the women's rights movement. Her professional achievements and dedication to justice have left a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Australia.

Garfield Barwick was an Australian judge and Chief Justice of Australia from 1964 to 1981. Prior to his judicial career, he was a prominent barrister, serving as president of the NSW Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia. He entered politics later in life, becoming Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs. As Chief Justice, he presided over significant constitutional cases, including those related to the corporations power and taxation. Barwick also played a role in advising on the 1975 constitutional crisis.

Mick Dodson is an accomplished Aboriginal Australian barrister, academic, and member of the Yawuru people in the Broome area of the southern Kimberley region of Western Australia. He has made significant contributions to the legal field, particularly in advocating for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Dodson's expertise and dedication have earned him recognition as a respected leader in his community and beyond. His professional endeavors have helped raise awareness and promote positive change for Indigenous peoples in Australia.

Nick Farr-Jones is a former Australian rugby union player who achieved great success during his career. He debuted for the Australia national team in 1984 and went on to lead the team to victory in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. He was also known for his leadership as captain of the Wallabies, retiring after a successful match against South Africa in 1992. Farr-Jones briefly returned to international rugby in 1993 before retiring for good. He currently works in finance, serves as chairman of the New South Wales Rugby Union, and appears as a TV rugby commentator.

Stephen John Gageler AC is an Australian judge and former barrister, known for his distinguished legal career. He has served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia since 2012 and later became the Chief Justice of Australia in 2023. Prior to his judicial roles, he held the position of Solicitor-General of Australia from 2008 to 2012. Gageler is an alumnus of the Australian National University and Harvard Law School, having practiced as a barrister before his appointment as solicitor-general.

Jonathan Donald Stanhope AO is a former Australian politician known for his tenure as Labor Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory from 2001 to 2011. During his time in office, he represented the Ginninderra electorate in the ACT Legislative Assembly. Stanhope holds the distinction of being the only ACT Chief Minister to have governed with a majority in the ACT Assembly. Following his term as Chief Minister, he served as Administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories from 2012 to 2014.

Julian Burnside is an Australian barrister, human rights advocate, and author with a focus on commercial litigation, trade practices, and administrative law. He is renowned for his strong opposition to the mandatory detention of asylum seekers and has offered legal counsel in numerous high-profile cases. Recognized for his advocacy work, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2009. Burnside also ventured into politics, running as an Australian Greens candidate in the 2019 federal election and achieving the highest vote for the Greens in that seat.

Wayne Goss was a prominent figure in Australian politics and law. He served as Premier of Queensland from 1989 to 1996, breaking a long period of conservative rule in the state. Before his political career, Goss worked as a solicitor, demonstrating his expertise in legal matters. After leaving politics, he continued to contribute to the community by taking on roles such as Chairman of the Queensland Art Gallery and Chairman of Deloitte Australia, showcasing his leadership and managerial skills beyond the political arena.

Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE GBS QC was an accomplished Australian lawyer and jurist, notably serving as the 10th Chief Justice of Australia. During his tenure on the High Court of Australia, he made significant contributions to Australian law, particularly through his lead judgement on the landmark Mabo decision. This judgement paved the way for the Native Title Act, marking a crucial development in recognizing indigenous land rights. Sir Gerard Brennan's professional legacy is characterized by his influential role in shaping legal precedents and promoting justice in Australia.

James Jacob Spigelman AC KC is a distinguished former Australian judge who held various significant roles throughout his career. He served as Chief Justice of New South Wales and Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales for several years. Additionally, he contributed to the legal system as a non-permanent judge on the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong. Furthermore, he showcased his leadership skills as the chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. His extensive professional life reflects a commitment to upholding justice and contributing to the legal and media sectors.

Mark Weinberg is a distinguished legal professional with significant experience in the Australian judiciary. He served as a judge on both the Federal Court of Australia and the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. With a tenure spanning two decades, he demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying the law at the highest levels. His contributions to the legal system have been notable, showcasing his commitment to upholding justice and fairness in the Australian legal landscape.

John Griffith Davies was an Australian-American swimmer who achieved success in the 1940s and 1950s, winning a gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics and setting world records in breaststroke events. Transitioning to law, he became a lawyer in California before being appointed a United States district judge by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Notably, he presided over the trial of Los Angeles Police Department officers charged with assaulting Rodney King, showcasing a diverse professional career spanning both sports and law.

John Leslie Toohey, AC, QC was an esteemed Australian judge known for his tenure as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1987 to 1998. Throughout his professional life, he demonstrated a deep commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Toohey's judgements were characterized by a keen intellect, a thorough understanding of the law, and a dedication to protecting individual rights. His contributions to the legal field have left a lasting impact on the Australian judicial system.

Peter Cadden Heerey was a distinguished legal professional with a career spanning from practicing as a solicitor to serving as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia. He earned accolades for his expertise in areas such as corporations law, defamation, and intellectual property. Throughout his career, Heerey held various prestigious roles including President of the Australian Defence Force Discipline Appeals Tribunal and published papers in professional journals. He continued his legal endeavors post-retirement, focusing on advice, arbitration, and mediation, leaving a lasting impact on the legal community.

Robin Millhouse, QC, had a distinguished career in law and politics. He served as the 39th Attorney-General of South Australia and was the first Australian Democrats parliamentarian. He also held significant judicial positions, serving as the Chief Justice of both Kiribati and Nauru, as well as being a judge of the High Court of Tuvalu. Throughout his professional life, Robin Millhouse made significant contributions to the legal and political landscape of Australia and the Pacific region.

Harry Gibbs was Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1981 to 1987, following his tenure as a member of the High Court from 1970 to 1981. He was recognized as one of Australia's prominent federalist judges, despite presiding over decisions that expanded Commonwealth powers over the states. Notably, he dissented from majority opinions in key cases. His contributions to the legal field are commemorated through the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre, Queensland's sole legal heritage museum, which celebrates his life and legacy.

Sir Anthony Mason had a distinguished career as an Australian judge, holding various judicial positions. He was appointed to the High Court in 1972 after serving on the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Mason went on to become the ninth Chief Justice of Australia, a position he held from 1987 to 1995. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to Australian jurisprudence, demonstrating a deep commitment to the legal system and upholding the rule of law.

Will Alstergren is an Australian jurist with a background in commercial law, tax law, industrial law, and family law. He started his legal career as a barrister in Melbourne in 1991 and became a Queen's Counsel in 2012. Alstergren has held various leadership positions in legal associations, including Chairman of the Victorian Bar Association and Chairman of the Australian Bar Association. He has served as Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, being recognized for his contributions to the judiciary and the law.

Sir Alfred Stephen was a distinguished Australian judge who served as the Chief Justice of New South Wales. He had a long and successful career in the legal field, making significant contributions to the development of the Australian justice system. With his expertise and leadership, he played a key role in shaping the legal landscape of New South Wales. Throughout his tenure, Sir Alfred Stephen demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law, leaving a lasting legacy in the Australian judicial system.