Sir Robert Menzies

Posted in 1919

  • Establishes law practice: individual briefs for cases combine with opinion work to keep Menzies busy and lay the basis for a sound income.
  • First appearance in the High Court in a case Troy v Wrigglesworth.
  • It is noted in Martin (1993) that Menzies' father came to sit at the back of the court and listen to the arguments. For a junior to appear alone for the first time before the High Court of up to seven judges could be a fearsome experience. Menzies enjoyed recounting the family sequel:

"Well you know, the Old Man went out, and afterwards went back to my mother and said: 'You know my dear, I have been underestimating Robert.' That was very good. It almost revolutionised his outlook on his third son's talents."