Reward on offer for little-known barrister keepsake stolen from CBD chambers

For 128 years, Melbourne’s top barristers have had a little-known pro-bono tradition.

In recognition of a colleague’s work on significant cases, which they take on for no fee, barristers pass down a silver cigarette case.

It’s engraved with the name of all who’ve received it.

The case, which has 10 to 15 names on it, was stolen from Owen Dixon Chambers on William Street in March.

The thief has been caught, but the cigarette case has not been located and the Victorian Bar is desperate to get it back. They’ve put up a $2000 reward for its return.

The thief has told police he stashed the item somewhere in the CBD.

“It’s not really a lot of value and it doesn’t mean anything to anyone else, but it means a lot to us,” Victorian Bar president Roisin Annesley QC told Ross and Russel.

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