Justice Nicholas Andreatidis KC made a quirky admission when he was sworn in to the Supreme Court with Justice Darlene Skennar KC last week.
At the 12 October ceremony at Brisbane’s Banco Court– which doubled as a farewell to Court of Appeal Justice Thomas Bradley – he spoke of an experience many years ago involving Justice Skennar, which to her would have been “just another day in court of absolutely no significance”.
“But to me it was a very monumental occasion – it was the first time that I got to exercise the right of appearance with leave with a newly minted certificate issued to me,” Justice Andreatidis said.
“And the first barrister I ever appeared against was Justice Skennar.
“Now as I recall it, it was hard fought valiantly by me, and I was chipped at the end by a slightly more experienced and slightly more skilled barrister.
“But the truth of the matter is Justice Skennar was very kind and very courteous to someone who had no idea what he was doing.
“And she quite rightly got the outcome that was in accordance with law.”
Justice Andreatidis was appointed a District Court Judge in May 2023 after 20 years at the bar, including five as a silk.
Justice Skennar has spent 38 years at the bar, including nine as silk. She has particular expertise in wills, estates and trusts but broader experience in commercial and property law, and is also a mediator.
She said she was deeply grateful to the many members of the bar with whom she had worked, and against whom she had appeared.
“In particular I was fortunate to work with industrious, talented, and generous juniors whose tireless assistance, sound judgment and good humour I valued enormously,” she said.
“I also wish to thank the solicitors who supported me through my years of practice.
“Your wisdom, experience and careful preparation were invaluable, and I learned a great deal from working with you.”
Justice Skennar also paid tribute to the late Honourable Martin Moynihan, to whom she was an associate, and her late parents.
“I’m especially grateful to my mother, an extraordinarily strong and determined woman, whose example has guided me throughout my life,” she said.
“She encouraged me to pursue a tertiary education even though no one in my family had done so before, and gave me the confidence to imagine the possibilities beyond her own.
“Finally, and most personally, I wish to thank my partner Syd (Williams KC) for 30 very good years together.
“His companionship, patience and steadfast support have meant more to me than I can readily express and I look to the many years to come.
“Although today I do confess it does give me just a small amount of pleasure to indicate that I’ve finally outranked you.”
Justice Bradley will become Queensland’s 28th Governor on 1 November.
Chief Justice Helen Bowskill said the Court was sad to lose Justice Bradley “as a colleague, from every point of view” but delighted with his appointment as Governor.
“You are an inspired choice for this position to which you will bring not only legal expertise but also a warmth and generosity of spirit, genuine interest in a wide range of endeavours and people, and justifiable pride in our State,” Chief Justice Bowskill said.
Queensland Bar Association President Cate Heyworth-Smith KC said one of the new Governor’s first jobs may be to issue letters patent to the successful applicants for King’s Counsel.
“Our new silk will be delighted to receive their letters patent sealed and executed by a Governor so versed and knowledgeable in the criteria of excellence in advocacy and in conduct,” Ms Heyworth-Smith said.
“It will otherwise give us great conference to see that new legislation will have received royal assent from His Excellency, the Governor Thomas Bradley, and we will all be sure to thank Your Honour for each public holiday.”
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said Justice Bradley’s appointment as Governor had been met with “immense pride, admiration and genuine affection” by the solicitors’ branch of the profession.
“Your Honour has demonstrated that that authority is most respected when exercised with humility, kindness and grace,” Mr Jolly said.
“Your service as a Justice of the Supreme Court, and latterly as a Judge of Appeal, has been distinguished not only by scholarship, wisdom and impeccable judgment, but by a deep humanity that has enriched the administration of justice and elevated the culture of our profession.”
Mr Jolly said Justice Andreatidis’s appointment to the Court reflected both his Honour’s exceptional accomplishments and the confidence and esteem in which he had long been held by the profession.
“Your Honour is renowned for intellect, clarity of thought and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence,” he said.
“Yet you are no less esteemed for your courtesy, collegiality, and generous nature.
“Through these qualities, you have become not merely a leader of the profession, but one of its most trusted and admired figures, strengthening both the administration of justice and the life of the law through your example, mentorship, and service.”
He said Justice Skennar was known for intellectual sharpness, forensic precision and practical wisdom.
“Economical in expression yet formidable in persuasion, Your Honour’s advocacy has long been characterised by clarity of thought, mastery of principle and impeccable judgment,” he said.
“Your influence extends far beyond the cases in which you have appeared. It can be seen in the many practitioners whose understanding of the law has been enriched by your guidance, mentorship and leadership.
“Indeed, it is fair to say that your appointment has created something of a vacuum within the succession law community. There will be many practitioners this morning quietly considering who will now answer the most difficult questions that, for so many years, found their way to your door.”
Justice Bradley pointed out that the word “understanding” had its origins in the concept of people from a local community gathering to stand and discuss an issue under a big tree or trees.
“I’m very conscious in this room today that there are some very tall trees, and I see them on the bench with me, I see them in the audience today, particularly at the bar table, so I don’t have much to say except thank you to all of you,” he said.
“It helps me understand many of the things that have been important in the course of my career.”
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