The Victorian Bar Council names Mark Costello KC as president for 2026-2027, succeeding Fiona Ryan SC, with a new team of officers.
Mark Costello KC has been announced as president of the Victorian Bar Council for the 2026-2027 term, succeeding Fiona Ryan SC, Australasian Lawyer reported on 9 November 2026. The new executive was announced on Friday 6 November, after the final meeting of the 2025-2026 Bar Council on Thursday 5 November.
Costello leads officers including vice presidents Albert Dinelli KC and Raini Zambelli. Anthony Strahan KC is honorary treasurer and Ffyona Livingstone Clark is assistant honorary treasurer.
Costello described Ryan as "an outstanding leader" in the 6 November issue of the Victorian Bar's In Brief. Ryan said the Bar Council year included supervising an extensive education program, upholding the ethical practice of barristers and administering the pro bono program. Shortly before her term ended, she criticised the Victorian government's decision to cap fees paid to barristers briefed on government matters. She said it would disproportionately affect women barristers and could affect litigation outcomes for the state.
The Bar Council also welcomed new members across three categories of years' standing, including Stewart Maiden KC, William Lye OAM KC and Kylie Evans KC. Outgoing members include Julian McMahon AC SC and Georgina Costello KC.
