Statement from the Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Australia & New Zealand, Jackie Rhodes

I was saddened to learn of the death of James Merralls AM QC, Editor of the Commonwealth Law Reports and a senior member of the Victorian Bar.

On behalf of Thomson Reuters, publisher of the Commonwealth Law Reports, I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife and children on their loss.

Mr Merralls was a modest and humble man. However, his achievements were considerable and remarkable:

• Longest-serving Editor of the Commonwealth Law Reports, the authorised reports of the High Court of Australia.
• Editor from 1969-2016, comprising 138 volumes across 47 years.
• A reporter on the series since Volume 103, with cases from 1959-60.

In addition to his extensive legal expertise, Mr Merralls demonstrated the highest level of personal integrity, dedication and commitment. He was a meticulous hands-on Editor, involved in all aspects of producing the Reports.

One of the great strengths of the Commonwealth Law Reports was Mr Merralls’ ability to select and mentor a pool of talented reporters of the highest calibre. Most of his reporters have been appointed senior counsel and a number have gone on to judicial appointments.

Mr Merralls understood the significant role that authorised law reports play in our legal system. We owe a debt of gratitude for his decades of service and could not have asked for a better custodian of the Commonwealth Law Reports.

James Merralls AM QC will be deeply missed.