A retiring “Energiser Bunny” of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was given a fond farewell in Brisbane on Friday.
Justice Michael Baumann AM was lauded for his enormous capacity for work and boundless energy, as well as his goodwill towards all people, at a ceremony at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts Building.
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said Justice Baumann’s legacy was defined by “legal excellence, compassion, humility and a profound understanding of the human condition”.
“Your contemporaries describe you as the embodiment of genuineness and sincerity – always ensuring people feel valued and acknowledged,” Genevieve said.
Her sentiments were echoed by other speakers at the event, as they chronicled his achievements.
Justice Baumann was admitted in 1979. He worked as a sole practitioner, then partner, of the Gold Coast firm now known as Bell Legal Group for 21 years.
In 1991, he was awarded the Australian Young Lawyer of the Year by the Law Council of Australia. From 1995 to his appointment to the Federal Magistrates Court, he was chair of Legal Aid Queensland.
From late 2007, Justice Baumann was the National Coordinator of Case Management for the Federal Magistrates Court, working with the Chief Federal Magistrate to enhance the efficiency and delivery of service by the court.
He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012 in recognition of his contributions to the law, case management, legal aid and sporting organisations.
Genevieve spoke of Justice Baumann’s tenure as QLS president in 1993, during which he visited every city and town in the state which had a legal practice and asked to meet with all solicitors.
“This was an extraordinary undertaking and one which has not been repeated since,” she said.
“The fact alone that you did it is remarkable, but so I am told, was the way your Honour did it.
“In some locations, animosities between local adversaries posed an obstacle to them meeting together with you, but your Honour found a way to bring practitioners together, some of whom had not shared a civil word in years.”
Genevieve said Justice Baumann ensured the law was not just applied but understood.
“You reminded us that behind every file lies a person, behind every submission a story, and behind every argument a life affected,” she said.
“You brought to the bench not only a formidable intellect and deep legal insight, but also a rare empathy that will be missed by the profession and litigants who appear in this court.
“Late night sittings so parties could get their matter heard and determined on the day of their listing were common, and the rumours of a camp bed in your chambers (so Your Honour did not have to brave the drive back to the Gold Coast after long days in court) became legend.
“I conclude by saying that your Honour’s legacy will not only be found in the pages of reported judgments, but in the quiet confidence you instilled in young practitioners, the fairness you extended to all who appeared before you, and the example you set for what it means to serve the law with both head and heart.”
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