The Victorian Bar Constitution, clause 39, states that as soon as practicable after it takes office following the annual election, the Bar Council shall appoint a member of the association who is not a member of the Bar Council as Honorary Secretary and, from time to time if considered necessary, one or more Assistant Honorary Secretaries of the Bar Council.
At its meeting on 11 November 2021, the Bar Council resolved to seek expressions of interest for both positions of Honorary Secretary and Assistant Honorary Secretary.
Expressions of interest must be received before 5:00pm on Thursday 25 November 2021.
The Honorary Secretary and Assistant Honorary Secretary:
- assist in the administration of membership matters, which includes dealing with applications to sign the Roll of Counsel and transfer requests from existing members;
- interview prospective readers prior to each Readers’ Course;
- attend Bar Council and management meetings of officeholders and staff when required;
- assists the Bar Council Officeholders and members particularly in respect of the constitutional responsibilities of the Bar Council.
The time required to perform the role varies from week to week. On average, about 3-4 hours should be allocated each week, however the time required will be greater at certain times during the year, especially when reader interviews are being conducted prior to each Readers’ Course.