Murdoch University has renamed its Law Library in honour of the late Honourable Michael Murray QC AM, inspiring the next generation of law graduates.
A globally respected voice in the legal profession, the Honourable Michael Murray QC AM was a resolute advocate and champion of excellence in legal education.
The Law Library at Murdoch University, now named The Honourable Michael Murray Law Library, will ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said the Library, which contains important written legal works, is a vital resource for students and to name it after this champion of legal education is fitting.
Naming the Library in his honour is a tribute that will continue to inspire the next generation of Murdoch law alumni as custodians of legal knowledge."
Justice Murray was one of Western Australia’s most experienced Supreme Court judges. His career included appointments as Crown Counsel and President of the Law Society. He was also the youngest Chief Crown Prosecutor, taking on the high-profile role in his early 30s.
Throughout his life, he was a highly-valued and longstanding supporter of Murdoch University.
“Michael Murray was committed to passing on knowledge and experience to younger practitioners and building the skills and capacities of the Western Australian legal fraternity,” Professor Leinonen said.
It was his vision that helped redress the shortage of young lawyers at a time when there was only one law school in Western Australia. His contribution helped establish Murdoch University as a premier undergraduate law destination with a world-class teaching environment.
His extensive service to Murdoch University included serving as Deputy Chancellor (1993 – 1998) and a member of the University Senate (1991 – 1999). Throughout his nine years as a senate member, Justice Murray was a highly influential figure and leading custodian of academic values and standards for the University. Following his long and illustrious career in the legal profession and his outstanding contribution to Murdoch University, he was awarded an Honorary Law Doctorate in 1999.
Following his retirement from the Supreme Court in January 2012 after having served for 22 years as a judge, Justice Murray became an Adjunct Professor of Law.
In recent years, Justice Murray served as a member of the Banksia Association Advisory Committee, helping raise $250,000 to support Banksia Honours Degree Scholarships, which encourage Murdoch University’s highest achieving students to continue their education.
He was a figurehead of the Banksia Association and pivotal in maximising educational opportunities for Murdoch students, constantly drawing on his vast personal network to enhance the student experience.
Justice Murray will be sorely missed by the Murdoch University community, but his memory will live on, inspiring students seeking to follow in his footsteps and build a career in law.
Image above: Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen, Dale Murray (wife of the late Justice Michael Murray), Murdoch University Chancellor Gary Smith, The Hon. Justice Ralph Simmonds (Emeritus Professor)