Appointed QC in 1965, Ned Williams was an active participant in professional affairs. At the time of his appointment to the Bench in 1971 he was the President of the Queensland Bar Association, and an executive member of the Law Council of Australia. His contribution to the Queensland Bar was recognized in 1997 with a life membership.

Single Malt, Blended or Orange and Fizzy?

This story comes to us from Mr Robert Gotterson QC, who admits that although it is not first hand, it comes from a good authority.

Ned Williams and Harry Matthews (later Mr Justice R.H. Matthews) had adjoining chambers. The latter had moved an admission. Late that afternoon, the newly admitted solicitor visited the Chambers. Harry wasn’t there. Seeing an opportunity to assist, Ned asked if he could help.

‘What whiskey does he like?’ asked the young man.

‘Oh Harry doesn’t drink whisky,’ replied Ned. Compounding the mischief, he added, ‘But he does like Fanta.

To Harry’s chagrin, a case of Fanta duly arrived with the compliments of the grateful practitioner.

There was something very Australian in the style of Ned Williams, the barrister. He had a sound knowledge of the law and would get to the point quickly. Yet he had a ‘plain-speaking’ courtroom manner that could, at the one time, disarm an opponent and yet persuade effectively a Judge or jury…he was both sensible and realistic.

Mr Robert Gotterson QC, 10 February 1999