NSW Barrister Lindsay Ellison Removed as Legal Committee Head After Pronoun Controversy

Lindsay Ellison SC, a prominent barrister at the NSW Bar Association, was recently removed from his position as the chair of the Succession and Protective Law committee. This removal came after Ellison listed his own pronouns in a derogatory manner, citing them as 'HeHaw HeHaw HeHaw and Ha Ha Ha'.

Ellison's departure from the committee was prompted by complaints about his conduct during a meeting in April, where he questioned the usage of the non-binary pronoun 'Mx'. Mx is a title used by those who do not wish to specify their gender. The meeting in question was chaired by Ellison and attended by his peers.

NSW Supreme Court Chief Justice Andrew Bell had previously circulated a memorandum advising on the appropriate use of pronouns in court, including titles like Ms, Mr, Mrs, Mx, Dr, and Prof. Ellison's dismissal highlights the increasing awareness and sensitivity surrounding pronouns and inclusivity.

Following the meeting, Ruth Higgins, the president of the NSW Bar Association, contacted Ellison to discuss his 'tone and content'. Despite agreeing initially to step down, Ellison later reconsidered his resignation, expressing a desire to continue chairing the committee until his planned retirement in two months.

“Firstly, I would like to chair the final two 'Judges Talks' in late June. These have been a hallmark for the three years of the committee and have been spectacularly successful,” Ellison wrote in an email to Higgins. “Secondly, the Supreme Court Practice Note Equity 7 (Succession and Probate List) is being rewritten by the Chief Judge. Over the next two months, I believe I can provide guidance and leadership in any contribution the committee may make.”

However, his request was declined, with Higgins stating that his earlier indication to resign necessitated his immediate removal from the chair position under the Committee Tenure Guidelines.

This incident sheds light on the growing importance of inclusivity and appropriate use of pronouns within legal settings. Ellison, who has been practicing since 1985 and became senior counsel in 2005, has a notable history in equity and probate law. Despite his professional achievements, his apparent disregard for the inclusivity principles led to his dismissal.

Ellison’s profile on Wardell Chambers, where he humorously lists his interests and preferred pronouns, has been the subject of scrutiny recently. The profile reads:

“He practises principally in Equity and Probate and has appeared in many leading NSW Wills and Estates cases. He frequently lectures barristers and solicitors, and occasionally Judges, on aspects of law and practice. He knows nothing about cars or sport. He is one of the least interesting persons you might ever meet.”

Ellison’s removal and replacement by Ian Davidson SC as chair of the committee highlights a significant shift toward ensuring respectful and inclusive practices within professional legal environments.