Complete issue - Legal Aid Queensland - Queensland Government

Cover Story“It’s a lot to live up to… but I’ll be working hardto meet these standards and provide outstandingrepresentation for disadvantaged Queenslanders.”Brian DevereauxPUBLIC Defender Brian Devereaux was recentlyappointed as Senior Counsel (SC) recognising hisprofessional eminence and achievements as a barrister.Mr Devereaux, who began work with Legal AidQueensland in 1998, was officially designated SC byChief Justice Paul de Jersey at a ceremony in Brisbaneon December 14, 2005.Senior Counsel were previously known as Queen’sCounsel or QC and are often called “silks” - a referenceto their silk gowns. The tradition dates back to the early1600s when barristers were first appointed as KingsCounsel.Junior barristers are appointed to the rank of SeniorCounsel based on their legal skills and expertise, aswell as personal qualities like integrity and honesty,independence, diligence and experience.The Queensland Bar Association, in its criteria forappointing Senior Counsel, says the title SC provides “apublic identification of barristers whose standing andachievements justify an expectation on the part of thosewho may need their services… that they can provideoutstanding services as advocates and advisers, to thegood of the administration of justice”.Mr Devereaux said he was honoured to have beenrecognised for his achievements and was proud to bepart of a legal tradition dating back 400 years.“Being appointed SC is an acknowledgement ofbeing a barrister of quality and a leader within theprofession. What goes with this is an expectation thatyou will always produce top quality work and behave inan exemplary manner.“It’s a lot to live up to… but I’ll be working hardto meet these standards and provide outstandingrepresentation for disadvantaged Queenslanders.”“It’s fantastic that our traineelegal officers and more juniorpractitioners have the chance tolearn from someone like Brian...”John HodginsLegal Aid Queensland CEO John Hodgins said MrDevereaux’s appointment to SC highlighted the qualityof the organisation’s criminal law practice.“Our criminal law practice is the biggest in thestate and is staffed by solicitors and barristers whooffer quality services and are dedicated to helpingdisadvantaged people access justice,” he said.“It’s fantastic that our trainee legal officers andmore junior practitioners have the chance to learn fromsomeone like Brian who is clearly an outstanding legalmind and a fine example of the personal attributesrequired of a Senior Counsel like honesty, integrity,independence and dedication.”>> Head Note June 20069