About
As members of Koiki Mabo Chambers, we each acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which our chambers is situated, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to their elders past and present. We also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.
Koiki Mabo Chambers opened its doors as an independent barristers’ chambers in February 2023. Located on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation at 66-68 Dudley Street West Melbourne, it overlooks Flagstaff Gardens and is currently home to 20 barristers.
The chambers is named after Koiki Mabo, known to many as Eddie Mabo, with the permission of his daughter, the celebrated artist and curator Gail Mabo. Naming chambers after Koiki Mabo is intended to honour him and his work in advocating for the land rights of First Nations people within Australia’s colonial legal system.
It was because of Koiki Mabo’s courage, determination and optimism over the course of years, that the case of Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (1992) 175 CLR 1 came before the High Court of Australia and resulted in the finding that “The common law of this country would perpetuate injustice if it were to continue to embrace the enlarged notion of terra nullius and to persist in characterizing the indigenous inhabitants of the Australian colonies as people too low in the scale of social organization to be acknowledged as possessing rights and interests in land. Moreover, to reject the theory that the Crown acquired absolute beneficial ownership of land is to bring the law into conformity with Australian history. “
For those in Koiki Mabo Chambers, recognition of this legacy prompts contemplation of how the legal system can be best used and developed in a way that is accessible and serves the broader community.
OUR CHAMBERS
Koiki Mabo Chambers offers an opportunity for its barristers to work in a welcoming and communal environment. The building was chosen with a view to developing community amongst its members. Most members work in group work-spaces of varying sizes, with easy access to private space, online hearing rooms and meeting rooms as needed. The design of chambers (which spans three levels of a stand-alone building) promotes interaction and collaboration through shared space.Koiki Mabo Chambers strives to be diverse, down-to-earth and community minded. While the barristers at Koiki Mabo Chambers have different practices and backgrounds, all share an interest in making the Bar a place where everyone feels welcome. The chambers are a welcoming and relaxed environment where people share ideas and support each other. Its members also seek to build community beyond chambers and beyond the Victorian Bar, through collaborations with others connected to the legal world (such as community organisations, community legal centres, and academics).
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
If you are interested in joining chambers, please email our office administrator (Nicole) directly, and she will provide you with information about any vacancies and the process for applying
