Stephen Free SC appointed to the Supreme Court of NSW and Court of Appeal

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Highly respected barrister Stephen Free SC will be appointed as a Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Over the past two decades, Mr Free has built a distinguished practice spanning commercial law, public law, regulatory matters and appellate advocacy.

He has acted in some of Australia’s most significant constitutional and commercial cases, regularly appearing in the High Court of Australia, Federal Court and superior courts throughout NSW.

His work has covered complex class actions, and competition, consumer and administrative law.

Mr Free has also appeared in various high-profile royal commissions and commissions of inquiry including as Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

He was called to the Bar in 2006 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2018.

Earlier in his career, he practised as a solicitor with the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office and at Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

Outside of court, Mr Free serves as a member of the Appeals and Disciplinary and Ethics Committees of Football Australia, contributing to the governance of professional football in Australia.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Stephen Free SC brings a wealth of experience from his work across some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile legal matters.

“He is widely regarded as one of the leading silks in the country and known for his intellectual rigour, sound judgment and a deep commitment to the law.

“I expect he will make a significant contribution to the court and the people of New South Wales, and I congratulate him on his appointment to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a Judge of Appeal.”