Chief Justice Alan Blow announces five top Tasmanian lawyers to take the esteemed rank of silk

Five top Tasmanian lawyers from across the state, and from a variety of backgrounds, have been appointed as silks in recognition of their standing and excellence.

Chief Justice Alan Blow. Picture: Supplied

Five top Tasmanian lawyers have been appointed as silks, in recognition of their standing and excellence.

The Chief Justice of Tasmania, Alan Blow, announced the five lawyers would officially become entitled Senior Counsel as of Monday.

They include Launceston barrister Chris Dockray, who specialises in insurance and corporate law, and Leigh Mackey, a partner at Ogilvie Jennings specialising in injuries and compensation, who is also thechair of the Parole Board of Tasmania.

Devonport barrister Matthew Verney, who mainly practices in family law and child protection, with a history of sitting on tribunals and currently a Commissioner of Legal Aid, also made the grade.

Tom Cox, a civil and commercial litigation specialist and current president of the Tasmanian Bar Association, along with Mark Rapley, the Tasmanian State Litigator, have also been appointed silks.

Chief Justice Blow noted the system of appointing outstanding barristers as Senior Counsel was introduced in Tasmania during August 2000, replacing the former practice of appointing Queen’s Counsel by the Governor-in-Council.

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