Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Joins Chambers

Atkin Chambers is delighted to announce Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, has joined the set as a door tenant.

Initially appointed Governor in May 2019 for a period of five years, Her Excellency has had her term extended on two occasions and will now continue in the role until 1^st May 2028. At the end of her tenure, she will be available for appointments.

Prior to her appointment as Governor, Her Excellency enjoyed a long and distinguished legal career spanning 43 years. Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1989, in 1993 she was made a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, the first woman to sit exclusively in that Court. In 1996, she achieved the distinction of being the first woman appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal and, subsequently, as the first woman to be appointed as its President. She served, on a number of occasions, as Administrator of the Government of the State of New South Wales.

Her Excellency was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day’s Honour List on 26th January 2020 for eminent service to the people of New South Wales, particularly through leadership roles in the judiciary, and as a mentor of young women lawyers. Her Excellency was previously made an Officer in the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on 12 June 2006 for service to the judiciary and the law.

From 2^nd May 2028, Her Excellency will accept appointments as an arbitrator, mediator, chair of inquiries and legal expert. Her practice will be managed by David Barnes, Atkin Chambers’ Chief Executive and Director of Clerking.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC says “I am delighted and honoured to join Atkin Chambers as a door tenant. Although as Governor of New South Wales I do not directly practice law, I have never left the law. In particular, my role as governor involves being concerned with constitutional issues under the Constitution Act, (NSW) 1902.  I have maintained a close association with my judicial and legal colleagues and continue to give legally based addresses as the occasion arises and keep up with current legal developments including arbitration. I look forward to practice on completion of my commission on 1 May 2028.”

“Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC’s contribution to the legal profession has been exceptional. She has served as a role model for women in law for over 40 years and it is an honour to have her join Atkin Chambers,” adds Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC, Head of Atkin Chambers.

Read The Global Legal Post’s coverage here.