Forbes Chambers was established in 1989 by 28 independent-minded barristers who broke the mould of traditional chambers by setting up a specialist criminal chambers, located south of King Street, with no traditional ‘head of chambers’ hierarchy. 

The aim was, and continues to be, to provide an environment of professional excellence for criminal practitioners and to provide a pool of barristers who are available to be briefed in all forms of criminal matters: large or small, at first instance or appeal, for the defence or prosecution. 

Members of Forbes Chambers aim to provide service of the highest quality to a broad range of clients, in accordance with the promotion of human rights and the rule of law.

Forbes Chambers, located in Elizabeth Street above Bambini Trust, now has 31 members, including 12 senior counsel. The work of Chambers has diversified into other areas such as disciplinary matters, administrative law, and coronial and other inquiries.  

Past and present members of chambers have been involved in many important cases, and some of our past members have gone on to occupy positions on the New South Wales Supreme Court, and the District and Local Courts. 

The Chambers is named after the first Chief Justice of New South Wales, Sir Francis Forbes.