Notice to the Profession

Next Generation Initiative

30 October 2024

This notice provides background to the Next Generation Initiative Practice Note (GPN-NGI) published on 30 October 2024.

While it is ultimately a matter for the parties to decide how arguments are presented, the Court is concerned to encourage practitioners and their clients to consider when and how junior counsel could receive further opportunities to develop and hone their advocacy skills.

Similar initiatives to promote the use of junior counsel have been implemented in other superior courts in Australia, as well in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Recognising the approaches taken by other jurisdictions and the apparently limited impact of the Court's Notice to Practitioners issued in 2019, the Court has now endorsed the Next Generation Initiative through the Practice Note.

To assess the effectiveness of this initiative, the Court will collect high level data on substantive speaking roles allocated to junior counsel during Full Court and Appellate sittings. General results (without any identifying details) will be published in the Federal Court's Annual Report with the objective of reporting on any impact of the Practice Note.

The Court is committed to supporting the professional development of junior counsel and fostering a more equitable distribution of advocacy opportunities. The Next Generation Initiative reflects this commitment.

D S Mortimer
Chief Justice
Date: 30 October 2024