A couple of weeks ago in my message about ANZAC Day, I mentioned the long tradition of NSW solicitors serving in the Australian military. On Friday, I was able to be part of a function in honour of those among our profession past and present, serving in the three branches of the Australian Defence Force.

The Tri-Services Reserve Legal Panels event was led by the Law Society’s 2018 President Doug Humphreys CSC OAM, now a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The Hon Justice John Logan RFD of the Federal Court of Australia delivered an address.

The latter is also the President of the Defence Force Appeals Tribunal. Judge Humphreys, a Colonel in the Army Reserve, earned a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 2023 for his work as Panel Leader of the NSW Australian Army Legal Corps Panel and the Army Command Support Panel.

The Australian Defence Force is fortunate to have access to a huge range of members of the legal profession, many of whom give up their time freely to serve in the Reserve forces of each branch of the military.

Their service isn’t limited to the application of legal skills but also in arms and services units of the forces. A prominent example being the Hon. Justice Paul Brereton AM RFD’s service in the Royal Australian Infantry and then as a senior commander, ultimately at the rank of Major General, as well as his work of a judge of the NSW Supreme Court system, which he left, last year (to head the National Anti-Corruption Commission).

As Judge Humphreys told us, service in the Reserve forces not only allows lawyers to undertake work that is completely different from their day-to-day careers, but it also helps to develop valuable skills that can be applied in legal practice.

Our profession played a foundational role in the establishment of the Australian Imperial Force, as lawyers were regarded highly as leaders in their communities; among them Sydney solicitor Charles Melville Macnaghten.

He was appointed second-in-command of the 1st AIF’s 4th Battalion in 1914, wounded at Gallipoli and eventually repatriated home. Not to be prevented returning to the front, he reenlisted as a private under an assumed name and was sent to France.

Judge Humphreys started his military career in 1976 in the University of NSW Regiment, receiving his officer’s commission in 1979. He credits the training and opportunities he received in the years following as being key to the achievements he has made in his civilian career.

His Honour continues to serve, as his CSC citation says, with “technical excellence, dedication and highly effective leadership”. Fortunately, he has kept his original name!

I thank him for the privilege of being able to share the experience of this annual event, which enables the Law Society to express its gratitude to those who serve their country and the law.

Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW