The College is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor the Honourable George Hampel AM KC, a legal luminary whose distinguished career spanned decades.
Professor Hampel, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, served with distinction from 1983 to 2000, presiding over both trials and appeals during his 17 years on the bench.
After matriculating from Melbourne High School, he completed his law degree at Melbourne University and was articled to a prominent criminal solicitor. He was admitted to the Victorian Bar on 1 April 1958, reading with the late Judge Harold Ogden QC. His early practice focused on criminal law, extending from the Magistrates’ Court to the Supreme Court, and he was later admitted to the bars of several states and the UK.
In 1976, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel, broadening his practice to civil trials and appeals. He served as Vice President of both the Victorian Bar Council and the Law Council of Australia before his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Professor Hampel was a founding member of the Victorian Bar Readers' Course, Chairman of the Leo Cussen Institute, and held leadership positions in education, including on the Victorian Council of Legal Education and the Victorian Council of Adult Education. His passion for teaching advocacy spanned both universities in Australia and professional training programs internationally, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and South Africa.
As Founding Chairman of the Australian Advocacy Institute, established in 1991, Professor Hampel developed globally adopted advocacy training methods. He was the principal author of the Australian Advocacy Manual, an essential resource for the Victorian Bar Readers' Course and beyond. His Honour’s dedication to advancing advocacy has benefited countless students, advocates, and trainers, all of whom have gained from his expertise and passion for raising standards across the profession.
In recognition of his contributions to advocacy and legal education, his Honour was made a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia. He received numerous accolades, including the Centenary of Federation Medal and the Monash University Teaching Award.
The College extends its deepest condolences to Professor Hampel’s family.
A funeral service will be held at Carousel, 22 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park on Friday, 18 October 2024 at 10:30 am.