New Chief Justice Richard Niall visits Bendigo

CHIEF Justice Richard Niall (the highest-ranking judge in Victoria) and Law Institute of Victoria CEO Adam Awty visited Bendigo on Tuesday and Wednesday to meet local law practitioners and delve into the issues they’re currently facing.

Taking up his position in February this year, Chief Justice Niall has made it a high priority to visit the regions to see how the profession is progressing across the state, already taking in Warrnambool and Colac.

Stopping by the Bendigo Law Courts in Hargreaves Street, which opened in February 2023, he said key concerns already raised included obtaining and retaining staff and the use of technology.

“But they were very positive about regional practice, both in Warrnambool and Colac,” he said.

“There was a real sense of optimism, a real sense of pride in the work that they’re doing, serving the local community and (securing) a good range of work.

“Certainly you find the law firms and the lawyers are pretty heavily integrated into the community in the regions.

“There’s that whole relationship and community focus. No matter what area lawyers are working in, there’s often a connection to the community that’s not always present with practice in Melbourne.

“You’ve got that opportunity to be a significant part of the community.”

Touching on the new Law Courts, he said it’s “a fantastic public building.”

“It works incredibly well,” he said.

“It’s responsive to the needs of the court and also the needs of the community, and has the incredible influence of the Dja Dja Wurrung, including the Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) overlooking the entrance.

“A court is very (arduos) for many litigants, so having an environment responsive to their needs is really important.

“This building certainly does that and makes it less traumatic and less difficult for (them).”