About Us

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Maurice Byers Chambers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Opened in 2000 by 31 founding members, Maurice Byers Chambers has since grown to approximately 60 barristers, including 13 senior counsel. It is recognised as a leading barristers’ chambers across a breadth of practice areas, including common law, criminal law, medical law, administrative law, and inquests and inquiries. 

Our past members have gone on to occupy positions on the Federal Court, Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court and Coroners Court, as well as taking appointments as Crown Prosecutors, Public Defenders and members of various state and national tribunals.

Our chambers is named after one of Australia’s most lauded advocates, the late Sir Maurice Byers. During his career, Sir Maurice argued at least two hundred cases in the High Court. His legal successes have left an indelible mark on the face of modern Australia, and speak to the impact barristers can have on the law from the advocate’s side of the bench. 

Amongst other achievements, his successful arguments in Koowarta and the Tasmanian Dam Case on the scope of the external affairs power paved the way for federal legislation implementing Australia’s international human rights and environmental obligations, and his appearance for the Thayorre People in the Wik litigation provided the foundation for greater native title rights for Aboriginal people throughout Australia. Sir Maurice expressed that the law “should reflect the values that sustain human societies.” 

Sir Maurice was also known for his kindness, humility, generosity, sense of humour, and support for his colleagues whatever their seniority. These are all qualities that we strive to embody at Maurice Byers Chambers.