Victoria Chief Justice Richard Niall announces appointments following consultation with legal profession
Richard Niall, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, has announced the appointment of 15 new senior counsel for 2026, selecting the successful candidates from a pool of 81 applicants.
The applicants comprised 59 men and 22 women. The selection process involved extensive consultation with the Victorian Bar, the legal services commissioner, the judiciary, and the broader legal profession.
The newly appointed senior counsel were Hilary Bonney, Rebecca Davern, Justin Brereton, Glenn Casement, Clare Cunliffe, Thomas Warner, Sandip Mukerjea, Helen Tiplady, David Cronin, Andrew Barbayannis, Emma Peppler, David Seeman, Diana Price, Dean Luxton, and Alexander Solomon-Bridge.
Chief Justice Niall congratulated the appointees, recognising their professional achievements and contributions to the administration of justice.
“Your new title is reflective of your skill, integrity, independence and standing in the profession,” the chief justice said in a statement.
He acknowledged their leadership and advocacy across diverse practice areas, as well as their ongoing responsibilities to the courts and clients.
“You are respected leaders and advocates across diverse fields of practice, diligently performing your duties to both the courts and your clients day in and day out,” he said.
Chief Justice Niall also encouraged the new senior counsel to reflect on their achievements and consider their future professional responsibilities.
“As Silks you are expected to continue to advance the administration of justice through your advocacy and advice,” he said.
Victorian Bar President Fiona Ryan SC welcomed the appointments in the following statement: “On behalf of the Bar, I warmly congratulate the 15 members of our Bar who have been appointed Senior Counsel in and for the State of Victoria. Their appointment recognises their exceptional skill as advocates and the high regard in which they are held across the legal community.”
Ryan also thanked Chief Justice Niall for his evaluation of the candidates, acknowledging the consultation and deliberation involved in the selection process.
The Supreme Court of Victoria will formally mark the appointments at a ceremonial sitting in the Banco Court on 16 November 2026.
