Top defamation lawyer Sandy Dawson dies after fight against brain cancer
High-profile defamation barrister Sandy Dawson SC, whose sister Katrina Dawson was shot dead in the Lindt Cafe siege, has died after losing his fight against a brain tumour.
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High-profile defamation barrister Sandy Dawson SC, whose sister Katrina Dawson was shot dead in the Lindt Cafe siege, has died after losing his fight against a brain tumour.
Mr Dawson, 50, has been described as a barrister of “impeccable integrity” who had a wicked sense of humour who was in the news most recently acting as lead counsel for Nine Entertainment in defamation proceedings brought by Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts Smith.
He had to hand over the case when his tumour was diagnosed.
He became a founding members of The Katrina Dawson Foundation, set up in the name of his sister, also a barrister and a mother-of-three, who was shot aged 39 as police stormed the Martin Place cafe in December 2014.
His devastated family including his mother Jane, his father former Arnotts chief executive officer Sandy Dawson, and brother Angus have asked for privacy.
“I know that many in our profession will be deeply affected today, particularly following the loss of Katrina at such a young age, and that is why I make this exceptional message,” NSW Bar Association president Gabrielle Bashir SC, said in a statement on Monday.
“Our heartfelt condolences and the thoughts of the profession are first and foremost with his wife, children and the Dawson family. I also extend condolences to his close friends and colleagues, not least Banco Chambers.”
Mr Dawson, whose clients included 2GB’s Ray Hadley, media companies. Labor MP Emma Husar and personality Erin Molan, was a founder of Banco Chambers along with other legal heavyweights in 2005 after being called to the Bar in 2003.
Ms Bashir said he died peacefully surrounded by his family.
“Sandy faced his final battle with cancer with his customary grit, fierce determination and devotion to those he loved,” Ms Bashir said.
“It is of the utmost importance that as a profession we strictly adhere to respecting the privacy of Sandy’s family at this time.
“This is especially so given what the family have already endured in the public eye following the death of Sandy’s sister, our colleague, Katrina.
“The profession will never forget Sandy’s fortitude and resilience during the Lindt siege, following Katrina’s death and at the lengthy inquest, all excruciating in turn. Sandy’s return to practice exemplified his courage and dedication to the profession.”
Born Alexander Sandy Tamerlane Sinclair Dawson, he played a major role in defamation law reform and as a member of the NSW Government’s Defamation Expert Panel from its formation in 2019.
“He loved the practice of advocacy and was a master of our craft. He was a true gentleman with the sharpest of intellect,” Ms Bashir said.
“He was an extraordinary friend to many in the profession. His presence brightened our courtrooms and chambers.
“Many of us will have enduring memories of having to control bursts of laughter following a whispered quip from Sandy at the bar table, Sandy captivating the court, his later regaling colleagues with entertaining stories on return to chambers, or being witness to one of his hilarious impersonations.”
His family has suggested making a donation to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers.
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