Judge Elizabeth Gaynor (County Court of Victoria) Interview 18/10/2005

What are your plans for the future? Will you stay on as a judge?

Yes, I think so. I’m fifty now. Being a judge is not usually something you leave. It’s usually something you do until you retire and I feel fairly comfortable with that concept. I don’t find being a judge as exciting or as vital as being a barrister. I really missed the Bar a lot when I first became a judge but I think I’d find it hard to go back now. I think my adrenalin pool has dried up and I like this work and I also have a more balanced life now. And I enjoy sitting in court and I enjoy watching it.

Like the scales?

Yes that’s right.

You’ve attained it (balance).

I’ve attained a bit more, that’s right. So I think this is what I’ll be doing very boringly until I retire.

Conducted for the Bar Oral History project by Juliette Brodsky, and filmed by Stewart Carter (People Pictures)