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Richard Niall QC Appointed Solicitor-General

09 June 2015

Attorney-General Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Richard Niall QC as Victoria’s new Solicitor-General.

Mr Niall replaces former Solicitor-General Justice Stephen McLeish, who was appointed to the Court of Appeal in early March 2015.

One of Victoria’s most outstanding and respected advocates, Mr Niall brings more than 24 years of legal experience to the role.

Mr Niall has regularly appeared in the High Court, the Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court in a wide range of proceedings.

Mr Niall’s clients have included large corporations, government agencies and individuals. In addition to a strong public law focus he has wide experience in industrial law, acting both for employers and employees at state and federal levels.

His advice to governments has ranged across constitutional law, education, freedom of information, discrimination, coronial inquests and planning, customs, tax, patents, migration, fisheries management, environmental protection, financial regulation and trade practices.

Mr Niall has previously served on a number of Victorian Bar committees – including the Access to Justice Committee and Pro Bono Committee – and is the current Chair of the Public Law Section of the Commercial Bar Association.

He completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics from Monash University in 1989 before signing the Bar Roll in 1995.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula

“Richard Niall is recognised as one of Australia’s leading advocates and public lawyers, boasting significant experience and an outstanding reputation in constitutional and administrative law.”

“Mr Niall brings a wide range of skills to his new role. His legal expertise, strategic approach and unique capacity to provide legal advice across government will be invaluable to our State.”

“I know he will do an exceptional job as Solicitor-General, and I am confident the interests of the Victorian Government and community will be well represented.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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