Harvey, whose resignation took effect on April 5, acted as CEO since October 2004, serving as a representative for the Bar before numerous professional bodies.

Both Harvey and the chairman of the Victorian Bar Council, Michael Shand QC, declined to give reasons for her resignation to Lawyers Weekly.

However, Shand issued a statement on the Council’s website in which he said Harvey will continue to provide representation for the Bar in a consultancy role for at least the remainder of 2007.

“Christine has been invaluable in representing the interests of the Bar at the Law Council of Australia, and the Australian Bar Association and other national and state legal bodies,” the statement said.

Shand also pointed out that Harvey took office at a time of considerable change in the staffing of the bar office and was effective in introducing systems to the office that saw it operate more efficiently.

“The Bar thanks Christine for her significant contribution to the Bar and wishes her well in her new endeavours,” the statement said.