Justice William Charles Crockett AO - Victorian Bar

News and ViewsNew Silks’ Ceremony inHigh Court of AustraliaTim Margetts S.C.On 29 January 200712 of the 13 Victoriansilks appointed on 28November 2006 tooktheir bows upon theannouncement of theirappointment before theHigh Court.BY early afternoon, many who hadtravelled up earlier in the day hadgathered in the Garden TerraceRestaurant of the Hyatt Canberra forsome “light” refreshment before the formalitiescommenced. Time moved quicklyand around 2.30 pm all counsel madetheir move to the High Court robing roomwhich, for many of us, was a first experience(and possibly the last!).Whilst robing, we met some of ourcolleagues from New South Wales andQueensland who, like all of us, were abit uncertain how the afternoon wouldunfold, but unanimously “relieved” thatwe had not been given “speaking” roles.The Victorians were also somewhatchallenged by our counterparts from NewSouth Wales and Queensland who robedin their full bottomed wigs.We were ushered into the High Courtand took up our nominated seating,which for the Victorians was behind thenew silks from New South Wales andQueensland. At this time, our Chairman,Mr Michael Shand QC, emphasised thatthe rosettes (a Victorian tradition) weremuch more becoming than a full bottomedwig and indeed far less expensive. We allfelt better, having been reminded of theeconomic implications of the different wigand robing traditions.The announcement of the appointmentsof Queen’s Counsel and SeniorBack row: Michael Shand, Ian Martindale, Mark Gamble, Christopher Caleo,James Mighell, Anthony Kelly.Front row): Mark Taft, James Montgomery, Jane Dixon, Timothy Margetts,Richard Smith, Matthew Connock.Counsel by the Chairman of the respectiveBars proceeded smoothly, there being oneQueen’s Counsel from the State of SouthAustralia who wore no wig. Chief JusticeGleeson, on behalf of all the membersof the Court, congratulated the newlyappointed Senior Counsel and made ashort speech noting that the announcementof the new silks in the High Courtat the commencement of the law termhad come about with the developmentof a national bar, and the ceremonial sittingitself signified the national characterof the legal profession. The Chief Justicetouched briefly upon the debate currentlyreceiving some attention in the media overthe process of selection of Senior Counsel.After the Chief Justice’s address the Courtwas adjourned and a reception was heldin the foyer of the High Court. Cheese andtomato sandwiches and French pastrieswere in abundance, as well as Australiansparkling wine!The new silks from all States were not62