The Law Society has expressed its warm support for the appointments of Justice Stephen Gageler AC as Chief Justice of Australia and current Chief Judge at Common Law in NSW Justice Robert Beech-Jones as a new High Court Justice.
President of the Law Society of NSW Cassandra Banks said the two widely respected jurists bring the experience of storied careers in the law to their new roles.
“Chief Justice designate Gageler has earned a reputation as having an unequalled knowledge and understanding of Constitutional Law, an expertise that was sharpened before and during his term as Solicitor-General of Australia,” Ms Banks said.
“Justice Beech-Jones has provided extraordinary service to the law in NSW, commencing practice as a solicitor in Sydney for the firm now known as Freehills, before being called to the Bar in 1992. His Honour’s appointment to the High Court of Australia, to replace the vacancy left by Justice Gageler’s elevation, will enhance Australia’s system of justice.”
Ms Banks said she looked forward to representing NSW’s 40,000 solicitors in farewelling Justice Beech-Jones from the Supreme Court bench in October and welcoming both new appointees to the nation’s highest court in due course.
