InBrief

Collegiality

Bar Council resolved last night to award Helen Barrett life membership for her long and exceptional service to the Bar Association and to the profession of the law.

Helen Barrett began her employment at the Bar Association as education officer in 1985, when the Hon Murray Gleeson QC was president. In 1990 she transferred to the Professional Conduct Department and in the ensuing years rose to become its director. In 2001-2002 she reduced her duties in order to meet family commitments and took on the role of deputy director; a position she had retained until today. Helen has been, at one time or another, secretary to each of the four professional conduct committees. She has served with distinction many eminent members of the NSW Bar who have chaired those committees. Some of those with whom she has worked have since been elevated to the bench. Sadly, others like Bob Toner SC, have since passed.

Speaking in response to the award of life membership for Helen Barrett, Bar Association President Arthur Moses SC said: "Those who have served on a PCC know that professional conduct matters are inherently delicate, difficult and time consuming matters that weigh on us when having to undertake the grave responsibility of assessing the conduct of our peers. Yet, Helen has persevered and grew to become the primary repository of institutional memory in respect of professional conduct matters for Australia’s largest and oldest independent referral bar". "It is unlikely that there will ever be another officer of this association who will surpass the long and dedicated service of Helen Barrett. Since assuming the presidency, I have relied on Helen’s measured, reasoned and calm advice when dealing with difficult matters relating to the professional conduct of members. I will miss her wise counsel", he said.

"Helen's declared ambition now is to indulge her love of travel, art and walking – concurrently, perhaps. On behalf of the staff of the Bar Association and all its members – past and present – I moved this resolution in support of life membership as due recognition of her exceptional service", Mr Moses concluded.