Barristers’ chambers open in Geelong

GEELONG has made legal history, with the first barristers’ chambers outside Melbourne opening near the Town Hall last week.

Walsh Chambers, located in the Focus Five building on Gheringhap Street, is named for retired judge Frank Walsh, who served for more than 24 years in the Criminal and Civil jurisdiction at the Geelong Court.

Mr Walsh helped to officially open the chambers on Friday alongside Daniel Crennan QC – representing his mother, former High Court Justice Susan Crennan QC.

Gary Taylor, a barrister specialising in personal injuries law who will be based in the building, said that Walsh Chambers Geelong would provide services to solicitors and clients in Geelong and south-west Victoria, as the first chambers of its kind outside Melbourne.

“We’re excited to offer a permanent barristers’ chambers in the heart of Geelong, along with mediation facilities, conference rooms, so that clients can confer with counsel here in Geelong, and a hot desk facility for solicitors and counsel when appearing in Geelong.

“With the TAC, WorkSafe and the NDIA already present in Geelong, and the prospect of Comcare being relocated to Geelong, Walsh Chambers is ideally placed to build on the growing need for quality legal and professional services.”

Two of the barristers live in the Surf Coast – Mr Taylor is in Torquay, while planning and environment, local government and compensation law specialist David O’Brien lives in Bellbrae.

Mr Taylor said there was now no reason for solicitors and clients from western Victoria to incur long travel times to Melbourne to meet with a barrister representing them in court.

“These chambers will build on Geelong and regional Victoria’s proud legal history, and its services are available to the many quality law firms based in the region.”

The other barristers at Walsh Chambers are Matthew Walsh and Katharine Gladman, who primarily specialise in personal injuries compensation.