About University Chambers

University Chambers is a leading floor of barristers in Sydney, headed by Bernard Coles QC, whose thirty years as silk bring unprecedented depth and breadth of experience to the floor and its history. Bernie has overseen the development of University Chambers since its genesis and the floor has benefited from the richness of his experience as the pre-eminent commercial silk in Sydney.

University Chambers has a long and distinguished history of understated excellence. Hidden fifteen years in anonymity behind the façade of the Reserve Bank building, the floor’s emergence into new premises at Level 9, 167 Macquarie Street herald the coming of age of this eminent chambers. The variety of expertise and prowess on offer is unparalleled and showcased by the new premises.

The 27 barristers on the floor exemplify the standards University Chambers holds as a leading provider of excellence in advocacy in the areas of commercial law. Philosophies of accessibility to the wider public of deft and knowledgeable practitioners, inclusivity of the cultural breadth of Australia and the need to allow the highest quality legal representation for all, and maintaining an attitude of constant learning that keeps our Chambers contemporary and relevant in fast moving times are the hallmarks of our practice.

Our counsel have a wide experience and specific expertise and accept briefs in a diverse range of areas, including corporations, property and building and construction. We have specialists in alternative dispute resolution, international law, environment and planning, real property, conveyancing, and in insolvency and bankruptcy matters, insurance and reinsurance, and in taxation matters. In addition, a range of practitioners specialise in matters of estates, wills and trusts. Our barristers regularly provide advice and appear in first instance and appellate matters and have appeared at all levels of courts, including the High Court of Australia and the Full Federal Court, as well as the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and appeals courts at all levels. We also have practitioners who have acted for matters at tribunals, independent inquiries and royal commissions.

Browse the profiles of our barristers, from senior counsel to newly admitted barristers, and be in touch with the Clerk of Chambers, Michael Read, with any queries regarding our barristers’ areas of practice, availability, fees, etc.