By Karl Hoerr -
The Chief Justice of NSW Andrew Bell has led tributes to WWII veteran and former Federal Attorney General, the Honourable Tom Hughes AO KC, who has died aged 101.
Hughes was admitted to the Bar in 1949 after his distinguished and courageous service in the Royal Australian Air Force, during which he commanded Sunderland flying boats, which were instrumental in D Day operations in France.
He later entered politics and during the 1960s and early 1970s, he held the seats of Parkes and Berowra for the Liberal Party and was Attorney General from November 1969 to March 1971.
After retiring from politics prior to the 1972 election, Hughes returned to the NSW Bar and was President from 1973 to 1975.
“The next three decades would cement his reputation as one of the finest trial lawyers and advocates in our nation’s history,” says Chief Justice Bell.
Hughes appeared in the High Court 91 times between 1949 and 2010 and retired from practice in 2013.
Bell was Hughes’ junior counsel at his second last High Court appearance in 2009.
“Preparing and appearing with Tom was a privilege and wonderful education for any junior barrister,” says Bell.
Hughes would travel to chambers by public transport before dawn and would “systematically work up the case,” according to Bell.
“[P]articularly spending his time crafting questions for witnesses or memorable phrases to deploy in (the) opening or closing address to capture the essence of his client’s case or the weakness in that of his opponent. At this and with the use of language more generally, he was an absolute master.”
Bell has offered his deepest sympathy to his cherished family and says Hughes will be greatly missed, but his legend will live on in the court rooms of Australia.
“Tom Hughes was a wonderful man, of large spirit, great style and a true patriot.”
Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath has joined the tributes, describing Hughes as one of the most formidable, talented and courteous lawyers to grace our justice system.
“Tom Hughes served his nation, in times of war and peace, with distinction, he served his clients with determination and his opponents with the utmost respect.
“The Law Society offers its sincerest condolences to Tom Hughes’ family and friends. He will be remembered always as a giant of the Australian law.”
