InBrief

As members would be aware, the Bar Council is reviewing the Senior Counsel Protocol and the related administrative procedures to see where improvements might be effected. The council is to be informed by a report to be prepared on possible improvements by the Hon R V Gyles AO QC. The Bar Council is keen for Mr Gyles to have as wide an expression of views from the bar as possible. The deadline for submissions has just been extended to 19 February 2010.

The Bar Council is seeking views in particular, but certainly not to limit the generality of your comments, on the following questions:

1.� should the method of appointment of senior counsel be generally maintained in its present form; 2.� if so, what modifications do you suggest to improve the present system’s transparency and efficiency; 3.� if you believe an alternative system would be preferable, please outline that system and why you believe it would be preferable; 4.� are there any other concerns you have with the current protocol, such as the criterion to be taken into account by any selection committee ?

Submissions may be sent to the Bar Association's executive director, Philip Selth, or directly to Mr Gyles c/- Level 10, Selborne Chambers, 174 Phillip Street, NSW 2000 by not later than� Friday, 19 February 2010.

The current Senior Counsel Protocol is posted on the Bar Association’s web site at http://www.nswbar.asn.au/silks/protocol.pdf

5 February 2010