Patrick O'Sullivan

The life and times of Patrick O'Sullivan QC ... On the Couch with the new president of the Australian Bar Association ... Issues confronting the ABA ... Where to from here? ... Adelaide or bust 

Patrick O'Sullivan QC - "Hmmm, alright"

Patrick O'Sullivan QC was admitted to practice in Adelaide in 1981. Seven years later he took up a job at the attorney general's department in Hong Kong where he was responsible for the conduct of complex commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation arising from government infrastructure contracts. He appeared as counsel in the High (Supreme) Court and Court of Appeal in Hong Kong and put in an appearance before the Privy Council.

Patrick returned in 1992 to private practice in Adelaide before going to the bar in 1997. He took silk in 2008. He practises in commercial litigation and specialises in commercial construction. He has appeared in major litigation in the Supreme and Federal Courts as well as in arbitrations.

He is a member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and in 2009 he was appointed chair of the Dispute Resolution Board for the $1.8 billion Adelaide desalination plant project.

He was president of the South Australian Bar Association between 2012 and 2014 and is now president of the Australian Bar Association.

He is a qualified mediator and arbitrator.

Describe yourself in three words.

Practical, reasonable, measured. 

What are you currently reading? 

"All the light we cannot see" by Anthony Doerr. 

What's your favourite film?

Les Intouchables. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? 

My Father. 

When were you happiest? 

When my children were born and whenever the Wallabies defeat the All Blacks. 

What is your favourite piece of music?

Money for Nothing - Dire Straits. 

What is in your refrigerator? 

Sourdough starter, cheeses, a mixture of dips, jams and spreads, vegetables. 

What is your favourite website? 

I don’t have a favourite website.

Who would you most like to be with on a desert island? 

My wife – Vienna. 

What is on your bedside table?

Books, a radio, an alarm clock and a light.

Why law, and not another worthwhile pursuit in life? 

I considered medicine but was attracted to law by my older brother, Michael, who was later a silk and a judge in WA. I was always interested in what he was doing and why he thought his clients were in the right.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a barrister? 

Analysing complex issues and facts, then being able to explain why it is that a party is or is not entitled to the relief they seek. 

What might the Australian Bar Association achieve during your term as president? 

Twelve months is not long. I think that we need to take a medium to long term view of some issues and keep pursuing them, such as indigenous incarceration, engaging more with parts of Asia and equitable briefing. Shorter term issues are the appointment of judges to the Family, Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court and, of course, legal aid funding. I would hope we can address the shorter term issues and start making some progress on the medium to long term issues.

What was the most important opportunity you didn't take? 

Not learning a musical instrument. 

What has been your most memorable case? 

Trevorrow v State of South Australia -  [2007] SASC 285

State of South Australia v Trevorrow - [2010] SASC 56

If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal?  

I had a sensational dish once - roast duck with caramelise figs and shitake mushrooms. 

If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?

Red wine (on the basis it is a food stuff). 

Who do you most admire professionally?

Those barristers who do criminal law and legal aid work. 

What is your favourite word?

Hmmm, alright. 

What would you change about Australia?

Not a great deal, but there are things we can do a lot better. I think we need to lift the standard of political debate for a start.

What would your epitaph say?

Don’t go back for your hat. 

What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "law"? 

Challenging.