InBrief

In view of the General Meeting to be held on the topic of incorporation of barristers’ practices on 17 September, members should be aware of the voting rights that attach to different classes of membership under the Constitution of the New South Wales Bar Association.

Pursuant to clause 8.2.1 of the Constitution, notice of a General Meeting must be given to all members of the Association. The notice of the upcoming General Meeting was sent to all members on 2 August 2013.

Pursuant to clause 9.3.2, all Ordinary members – Class A present at a general meeting have one vote on a show of hands and one vote on a ballot. Clause 9.5.1 provides that any such members who are entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting may appoint a person as proxy to attend, speak and vote on their behalf at the meeting.

The category of Ordinary members - Class A is constituted by Local Practising Barristers who are also members of the New South Wales Bar Association (Clause 4.2.1). Life members of the Association have the same voting rights as Ordinary members - Class A.

All other (Class B) categories of membership do not have the right to vote or appoint proxies at a general meeting. Class B membership includes other legal practitioners, retired practitioners and judicial officers.

Accordingly, only NSW PC holders who are also members of the Association or Life members have the right to vote at the General Meeting or to appoint a proxy, although Class B members are, of course, welcome to attend the meeting.

P.A.Selth Returning Officer

2 September 2013