Chief Justice Niall: 15 Victoria New Senior Counsel Appointed for 2026

• Chief Justice Richard Niall announced 15 new Senior Counsel appointments for Victoria in 2026.
• The appointees were selected from 81 applicants following extensive consultation with the legal profession.
• The new Senior Counsel include Hilary Bonney, Rebecca Davern, and thirteen other distinguished legal practitioners.
• Chief Justice Niall emphasized that the title reflects their skill, integrity, independence, and standing in the profession.
• A ceremonial sitting will formally mark these appointments in the Banco Court on November 16, 2026.

Their new title reflects their exceptional skill, unwavering integrity, independence, and esteemed standing within the legal profession.

Chief Justice Richard Niall of the Supreme Court of Victoria has officially announced the appointment of fifteen new Senior Counsel for 2026, a significant development for the Victoria legal profession appointments. These distinguished individuals were chosen from a pool of 81 applicants, which included 59 men and 22 women, following a rigorous selection process.

The newly designated Senior Counsel, who will formally assume their roles in 2026, include Hilary Bonney, Rebecca Davern, Justin Brereton, Glenn Casement, Clare Cunliffe, and Thomas Warner. Also among the appointees are Sandip Mukerjea, Helen Tiplady, David Cronin, Andrew Barbayannis, Emma Peppler, David Seeman, Diana Price, Dean Luxton, and Alexander Solomon-Bridge. These Victoria new Senior Counsel 2026 appointments underscore the ongoing recognition of excellence within the state's legal community.

The selection of these Victoria SC appointments 2026 involved extensive consultation across various segments of the legal community. Chief Justice Richard Niall engaged with the Victorian Bar, the legal services commissioner, members of the judiciary, and the broader legal profession to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates.

Chief Justice Niall extended his congratulations to the appointees, acknowledging their considerable professional achievements and their vital contributions to the administration of justice. He emphasized that their new title reflects their exceptional skill, unwavering integrity, independence, and esteemed standing within the legal profession. He further highlighted their roles as respected leaders and advocates across diverse practice areas, diligently fulfilling their duties to both the courts and their clients on a daily basis. Fiona Ryan SC, President of the Victorian Bar, also welcomed the Victorian Bar new silks, commending their outstanding advocacy skills and the high regard in which they are held by the legal community, while also thanking Chief Justice Niall for his thorough evaluation process.

The elevation to Senior Counsel signifies not only a recognition of past accomplishments but also an expectation of continued leadership and commitment to legal principles. Chief Justice Niall encouraged the new Senior Counsel to reflect on their achievements and to embrace their future professional responsibilities, noting that as 'Silks,' they are expected to persistently advance the administration of justice through their advocacy and advice.

This cohort of Supreme Court Victoria Senior Counsel will be formally honored at a ceremonial sitting. This significant event is scheduled to take place in the Banco Court on November 16, 2026, marking their official induction into this distinguished rank within the legal profession.

This news informs legal practitioners in Victoria about the latest appointments to Senior Counsel. While it does not introduce new legal obligations or compliance requirements, it is relevant for identifying highly regarded advocates for potential future referrals, collaborations, or as opposing counsel, reflecting their recognized skill and standing in the profession.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer