PHILLIP BRETT WALKER CRACK

Margaret Cunneen has rightly earned a reputation as one of the Australian legal profession’s most high-profile crusaders against sexual crime. He has since stepped down from the role, but is still outspoken on the subject of Australia’s recent terror laws. Having served as the President of the NSW Bar Association, President of the Law Council of Australia, Chairman of LCA National Criminal Law Liaison Committee and Governor of the Law Foundation of NSW, Walker was also appointed the first Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. However, his out-of-court achievements are just as noteworthy. He has frequently attracted media attention for his work as a barrister – perhaps most notably in his representation of tobacco companies in their fight against plain packaging, or his defence of former Cronulla Sharks player Greg Bird against allegations he had assaulted his girlfriend. This High Court specialist boasts a resume as varied as it is extensive. His contributions to Australian law through both the public sector and private practice were recognised in 2000, when he was named an Officer of the Order of Australia. Currently the Head of Chambers at 3 St James’ Hall Chambers, Temby has formerly served as the first Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the first Commissioner of the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption, and a commissioner in the 2002 in the Temby Royal Commission into the Finance Broking Industry. The term “living legend” is tossed around a lot these days, however few barristers fit the role quite as comfortably as Ian Temby. For this reason, we have decided to shed some light on five of Australia’s most well-known barristers and prosecutors, what they’re currently doing, and why they’re considered the best at it.

PHILLIP BRETT WALKER CRACK

While Insights has previously detailed some of the most influential cases in Australian history, no landmark case would be possible without a crack team of lawyers pulling the strings. However, like any other competitive pursuit, the Australian legal scene has seen its fair share of historic moments and game changing events. Anyone who has needed to wade through law school essays, summer clerkships, and legal document reviews will know that the world of law can be more tedious than David E Kelly would have us believe.

Phillip brett walker