The University of Sydney has awarded an honorary doctorate to Andrew Bell in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, legal scholarship, and service to the community.
"His Honour’s career reflects a rare combination of intellectual distinction, professional excellence, and deep commitment to public service,” said Sydney Law School Dean, Professor Fleur Johns in a ceremony on Monday.
“From his early academic brilliance to his leadership in the judiciary, he has left an indelible mark on the legal profession, legal scholarship, and the broader community. It is a privilege to recognise his outstanding contributions with this honour."
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the wider community or who have achieved exceptional academic or creative excellence. The University of Sydney has awarded the Honourable Andrew Bell, Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa).
Legal practice, public service and academia
Chief Justice Bell’s remarkable career has spanned the highest levels of legal practice, academia, and public service. A University of Sydney alumnus, he graduated with first class honours and was awarded the University Medal in both Arts and Law, as well as the Convocation Medal.
He went on to serve as Associate to the then Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, Sir Anthony Mason, before undertaking postgraduate study at Oxford as the NSW Rhodes Scholar.
There, he completed the Bachelor of Civil Law with distinction, earning the Vinerian Scholarship for the best performance in the program, followed by a doctorate in law.
Called to the NSW Bar in 1995 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2006, Chief Justice Bell built a distinguished practice in commercial and private international law.
He was appointed President of the NSW Court of Appeal in 2019 and, in 2022, became the eighteenth Chief Justice of New South Wales. He currently also serves as Lieutenant-Governor and President of the Judicial Commission of NSW.
His Honour’s career reflects a rare combination of intellectual distinction, professional excellence, and deep commitment to public service.
Sydney Law School Dean, Professor Fleur Johns
Beyond the courtroom
Widely respected for his intellect, work ethic, and collegiality, Chief Justice Bell has appeared in more than 30 matters before the High Court of Australia and has presided over numerous significant decisions in the Supreme Court.
He continues to be recognised for his integrity, civility, and leadership within the profession.
Throughout his career, Chief Justice Bell has maintained close ties with the University of Sydney, contributing as an adjunct professor at the Law School, teaching in the Master of Laws program, and participating in alumni and public engagement initiatives. He also serves on the selection panel for the Justice Peter Hely Scholarship.
An accomplished scholar, he is the author of several publications, including Forum Shopping and Venue in Transnational Litigation—based on his Oxford doctorate—and the co-author of Nygh’s Conflict of Laws in Australia, now in its 10th edition.
Beyond the legal realm, Chief Justice Bell has contributed to the community through a range of roles, including as Chair of Sculpture by the Sea, secretary of the NSW branch of the Australian Rhodes Scholars’ Association, and council member of St Paul’s College.
The honorary degree was conferred by Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew in a ceremony celebrating Chief Justice Bell’s extraordinary impact on the law, legal education, and public life.
Hero image: Professor Fleur Johns, Chief Justice Andrew Bell and Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew (left to right)
Chief Justice Bell’s remarkable career has spanned the highest levels of legal practice, academia, and public service.
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