The occasion was the International Law Association Christmas party and Kirby, the former High Court Justice, gave an entertaining and thought-provoking speech that touched topics including the difficulties of an overly textual approach towards the interpretation of the Bible and the Koran and the human rights implications of religious intolerance towards homosexuals. 

Earlier in the evening Damian Sturzaker, a Marque partner specialising in international arbitration was elected the new president of the ILA. 

The over 70 guests included professors of law schools, in house counsel, members of New South Wales Young lawyers and private practice lawyers.