About

Banco Chambers was opened on 10 March 2005 in the Reserve Bank Building by the Hon. J.J. Spigelman AC Chief Justice of New South Wales. It then consisted of 15 members, made up of 3 silks and 12 juniors. The current Head of Chambers is Cameron Moore SC. The inaugural head of Chambers was Justin Gleeson SC, followed by Robert Newlinds SC. 

Banco Chambers expanded in January 2009, taking a floor in Chifley Tower and 15 new junior barristers. In 2020, further growth culminated in another transformative relocation and expansion in which Banco Chambers moved to two levels in a newly developed modern office building at 60 Martin Place, Sydney. There was a further addition of 14 new barristers, bringing the total number of barristers to just over 50, including 22 of Australia’s leading Silks and some of Australia’s most talented junior barristers.

The 2020 expansion consolidated the Chambers in one location in close proximity to the Law Courts Building, and affirmed its place as one of Australia’s leading barristers’ chambers.

Four of our foundation members have been elevated to the Bench. Justice Christine Adamson and Justice Fabian Gleeson are Judges of the New South Wales Court of Appeal, and Judge Andrew Coleman was appointed to the District Court of NSW in 2021, followed by the appointment of Judge Robert Newlinds, also to the District Court of NSW, in 2023.

Banco has always been and remains a youthful progressive floor committed to providing the highest level of service to individuals, companies and institutions. All of our barristers strive to be leading court room advocates and advisers who can add value to any case. Our barristers are also specialists in various fields where they provide sensible, commercial, objective and accurate advice.

Former Members

Amongst Banco Chambers 15 founding barristers were Simon Kerr SC and Sandy Dawson SC, whose lives were both tragically cut short by illness.

Simon Kerr passed away in 2011, aged 39. At the time he was called to the Bar, aged 21, he was the 6th youngest person to have ever been admitted to the NSW Bar. He was instrumental in the establishment of Banco Chambers and achieved astonishing professional success culminating in his appointment to Silk in 2009. His exuberance for the Bar and its traditions are fondly remembered. Simon is survived by his son James Kerr.

Link to obituary for Simon Kerr

Sandy Dawson passed away on 28 November 2022, aged 50. Sandy is survived by his wife Alex, his four children, his brother Angus, and his parents, Jane and Sandy (Snr). Sandy was a prodigious talent who combined fierce intellect with brilliant advocacy. He was a leader of the defamation bar, but was adept in cases of all kinds. He was known for his wicked sense of humour and impersonations of colleagues, judges, witnesses and many others. As a floor member of Banco he was loyal supporter of junior barristers and a kind and thoughtful friend. His approach to the Bar and practice were instrumental to the culture and ethos of Banco Chambers.

Link to obituary for Sandy Dawson

Link to recording of memorial for Sandy Dawson

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