Michael Taussig --- "In the news" [1997] LawIJV 35; (1997) 71(2) The Law Institute Journal 18
In the News- Michael Taussig
Michael Taussig, family law practitioner and senior partner with Barker Gosling.
Why is he in the news?: One of 19 new Queen's Counsel announced on 26 Nov-ember. Only the third solicitor to be appointed QC in modern times and the first non-advocate solicitor. In 1994, David Grace and Garry Bigmore were the first solicitors to take silk since 1899.
Reason for applying: A notice published in the Journal about applications prompted him to make an attempt. "It was a mountain to be climbed so I decided to have a try." Reaction: "I was surprised and a bit numb - then very elated. I'm absolutely delight-ed. It made my year and is one of the highlights of my career."
Background: Mr Taussig has been practising for nearly 34 years and was managing partner at Barker Gosling from 1992 until last November.
After graduating with an LLB degree from Melbourne University in 1961, he did articles at Sackville Wilks & Co. From 1963 to 1967 he was an employee solicitor then associate with Sackville Wilks & Co. He was a partner with the firm from 1967 to 1974, then ran a sole practice in West Melbourne for four years. In 1978 he became a partner with Barker Gosling (formerly Barker Harty & Co).
Career: His practice has spanned all areas of law, but in recent years he has specialised in family law. He has a large practice in financial/property cases and in child abduction cases to which the Hague Convention applies. Currently chairman of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, he is also an executive member and former chairman of the Institute's Family Law Section. He is accredited by the Institute as a family law specialist.
Thoughts on his appointment: He hopes it will open the doors for other solicitors. "Although personally I'm delighted, I'm also pleased for family lawyers and solicitors. I have received a number of cards and letters from junior solicitors who think it's fantastic and say it gives them some-thing to strive for in the future." He has also received a "terrific reaction" from family lawyers and Family Court judges, registrars and court personnel.
"There are not many QCs in the family law area and to have three appointed in one year is very important.
"With barriers being broken down in the profession, there has to be recognition of hard-working, competent solicitors as well as hard-working, competent barristers.
"Taking silk should be a benchmark of excellence and dedication to the law and the profession generally.
"It should not be easily obtained. I can understand if the Bar feels some reserve about a non-advocate solicitor being appointed because it is not what they traditionally were. But it is not as if it's something easy to achieve."
Future plans: "I'll do more advocacy work. In a congratulatory card, the Chief Justice of the Family Court said he would look forward to seeing me in the Full Court. That's a challenge, if ever I heard one! And I will take up the challenge."