Ettalong man takes silk

A man, who was schooled on the Peninsula and has worked as a computer operator, an actuary and a radio announcer, has been appointed a Senior Counsel by the NSW Bar Association.

Ettalong resident Mr Graham Ellis was one of 23 barristers to be awarded with the prestigious title on October 4.

Mr Ellis said he was "extremely honoured" to have received the title.

"I was delighted, as it is a significant achievement which only comes after a number of years of hard work," Mr Ellis said.

"Appointment as Senior Counsel is also a great honour as it involves an extensive process of consultation with judges as well as experienced lawyers."

Mr Ellis grew up on the Peninsula and attended Woy Woy Public School and Woy Woy High School where he was school captain and dux in 1971.

"Any student should realise that the habits they form at school, whether good or bad, will have an impact when they move from learning to earning," Mr Ellis said.

"My advice to students on the Peninsula is in every position there is a necessary level of ability but I have found that the more important ingredients are hard work and perseverance."

After graduating high school, Mr Ellis then worked with MLC Assurance while studying at nights and weekends by correspondence with the Institute of Actuaries in London to become an actuary.

He later completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree while operating MLC's computers at night and on weekends.

That was followed by working on local radio station 2GO as an announcer while he completed his law degree at the University of NSW.

He began practicing law in NSW in 1980 and has been involved with a number of major inquiries, including a role as counsel assisting the Evatt (Agent Orange) Royal Commission from 1983-85.

He has practiced law in many countries including Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, where he served as a judge of the Papua New Guinea Nation Court and Supreme Court.

He was chairman of the Papua New Guinea Leadership Tribunal in 1991 which considered a number of charges brought against the then Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

Mr Ellis' principal areas of practice are alternative dispute resolution, commercial law, criminal law, and inquests, Royal Commissions and statutory tribunals.

Aside from legal practice, Mr Ellis has an interest in fostering poverty relief in the Philippines.

Mr Ellis now holds the senior qualification in three professions since he is already a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Society of Accountants.

Clare Graham, 12 Oct 2007 Media release, 4 Oct 2007 NSW Bar Association