Josie DempsterThe List
“I’m a big picture person, so I can look at an enormous matter and get a feel for it really quickly.”
T +61 2 9188 9622
j.dempster@thelistaustralia.com.au
Chambers: Key Chambers
- Appellate
- Commissions, inquests & public inquiries
- Common law
- Criminal
- Discrimination
- Medical negligence
- Professional negligence
- Public & administrative
Josie loves the analytical side of the law and the fact that her diverse practice always keeps her on her toes. She originally wanted to be an actor and chose law after finishing high school and realising it combined a flair for the dramatic with a line of work that was incredibly intellectually stimulating. She’s not one to back away from a challenge and she’s known for giving pragmatic advice.
Josie won the NSW Bar Association’s Katrina Dawson Award for female barristers and the ACT Bar Association’s Women’s Scholarship in 2018. She was also named as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 awards in 2019. She enjoys finding exactly the right balance between being driving a point home and knowing when to change tactics and to achieve the best result for her clients.
Josie’s work list
Why I do what I do…
- I love that being at the bar allows me to work flexibly and think creatively while solving client problems.
- Providing pro bono assistance to the family of a deceased prisoner at the inquest into his death was rewarding.
- Defending an application for leave to appeal out of time from a vexatious plaintiff, while appearing for a charitable association, was a highlight.
Josie’s play list
When I’m not in court…
- Staying active is important to me, especially running, hiking, and playing touch football. I play a lot of sport.
- I love cooking and it’s not unusual for me to do up a three-course menu for my family when we’re together.
- Going home and being barefoot on the beach in Tuross, NSW, always grounds me. It’s my happy place.