Mr Dawson, Ms Bashir proclaimed, “was born to be a barrister”.

“He loved the practice of advocacy and was a master of our craft. He was a true gentleman with the sharpest of intellect. He was an extraordinary friend to many in the profession. His presence brightened our courtrooms and chambers,” she espoused.

“Many of us will have enduring memories of having to control bursts of laughter following a whispered quip from Sandy at the bar table, Sandy captivating the court, his later regaling colleagues with entertaining stories on return to chambers, or being witness to one of his hilarious impersonations.”

Mr Dawson was called to the bar in 2003 and appointed senior counsel in 2016, and he was a founding member of Banco Chambers in Sydney in 2005. He was a prominent media and defamation practitioner, having acted for Fairfax Media Publications, Channel 7, Ray Hadley, Nine Entertainment, Australian Financial Review journalist Joe Aston, and former Labor MP Emma Husar.

In a tweet, Ms Husar wrote that Mr Dawson was “witty and with the heart of pure gold. Lawyers don’t often come with such regard...you, my friend, were a great [emphasis added]”.

“My love to your family, your amazing kids and my gratitude indebted to you always for the sensitivity in which you conducted my defamation case,” she said.

He was also a member of the NSW government’s Defamation Expert Panel from 2019, which he continued to contribute to even after being diagnosed with illness. His was, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman remarked, a “major contribution to defamation law reform”.

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“Sandy holds a special place in the hearts and consciousness of the NSW Bar. His exceptional talent, breadth of knowledge, practical and tactical genius, and legendary wit and sense of humour all marked Sandy out as a great leader of our profession,” Ms Bashir continued.

“Sandy was a barrister of impeccable integrity who was absolutely committed to his duty to the court and his clients. He was a brilliant and engaging advocate whose thorough preparation and formidable cross-examination skills were unrivalled.”

In a statement, NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell expressed “deepest condolences” on behalf of the Supreme Court of NSW to members of the Dawson family.

“His premature death is a tragedy and devastating loss for all who were touched by the magic, warmth, strength and sincerity of his personality,” His Honour said.

“The legal profession has lost one of its finest. He was one of its most loved, respected and esteemed members — not only a barrister profoundly accomplished in his broad areas of professional practice but a dear, dear friend of so many and a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, uncle and father.

“Sandy was a man of rare wit and a raconteur without parallel who would always light up any room he occupied, including the courtroom. But he was so much more: generous, courageous, brave, strong, thoughtful and kind.

“We honour his life and career as we struggle to cope with the unbearable sadness of his passing.”

Law Society of NSW president Joanne van der Plaat added that the society joined its friends at the bar in mourning Mr Dawson: “He was held in high esteem by colleagues with whom he worked and those he opposed as a barrister of utmost integrity and warmth,” she tweeted. 

Mr Dawson was the brother of barrister Katrina Dawson, who was tragically lost during the Lindt Café siege in December 2014.

“The profession will never forget Sandy’s fortitude and resilience during the Lindt siege, following Katrina’s death and at the lengthy inquest, all excruciating in turn,” Ms Bashir submitted.

“Sandy’s return to practice exemplified his courage and dedication to the profession. As a director of the Katrina Dawson Foundation, Sandy for years supported the education of women, with the foundation providing scholarships for female undergraduates to attend the Women’s College at the University of Sydney.”

Ms Bashir said that Mr Dawson’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers or meals, those wishing to do so make a donation to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, and for condolence notes for the family to be sent via Banco Chambers.

“Sandy faced his final battle with cancer with his customary grit, fierce determination and devotion to those he loved,” Ms Bashir concluded.

“While Sandy was committed to the bar, it was love for his wife, children and wider family that was of foremost importance to him. The bar, bench and our wider members deeply mourn his passing. Vale Sandy.”