‘Formidable’ but fair

HIGHLY respected former magistrate Ian von Einem has been remembered as a compassionate man who embodied a strong but fair sense of justice.

Mr von Einem was born in Geelong on November 21, 1942, and raised in Torquay.

He was known as a ‘ wild child’ in his younger years but studied hard before starting his legal career as a court clerk.

Determined to progress his career, Mr von Einem studied a Bachelor of Law part-time at the University of Melbourne while raising sons Ben and Adam with beloved wife Jill and was eventually admitted to work as a barrister.

He worked his way up and was sworn in as a magistrate and coroner in 1982 and before being appointed in other areas, including as a magistrate of the Children’s Court.

After a short period at the Melbourne Magistrates Court he was assigned as the Regional Co-ordinating Magistrate for Barwon South West where he sat from 1984 until his retirement in 2012.

Senior members of the legal community have remembered Mr von Einem, who died peacefully over the weekend, as a straight talker willing to share his experience and knowledge with registrars and magistrates.

Sitting Geelong Magistrate Michael Coghlan recalled Mr von Einem as a man with “significant presence” who was at his best in the “theatre of the courtroom”.

Mr Coghlan said while he had a reputation for being tough on crime, Mr von Einem showed great compassion and understanding when it was justified.

“He made common sense decisions and it was rare for an accused to be justifiably aggrieved by the sentence he or she received,” Mr Coghlan said.

President of the Victorian Magistrates Association and family friend Magistrate Timothy Bourke said Mr von Einem was an “excellent lawyer and court administrator” who was a natural leader of the Magistrates Court.

“He was one of the most respected members of the Magistrates Court, from registrars to his colleagues and the various chief magistrates he served under,” Mr Bourke said.

“The communities of the Western Districts of this state were served so well by his straight talk and strong but fair style of justice.

“He was seen as formidable on the bench and one was best to be well-prepared if appearing in front of him. He was a highly intelligent man.”

Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Beard said Mr von Einem, known as The Von, imparted his wisdom and knowledge fairly and judiciously.

“All who knew The Von during his time on the bench would agree that he could at times be strict, determined and resolute with his approach, but he could also be generous, sympathetic and empathetic when it was required,” Sgt Beard said.

Out of the courtroom, Mr von Einem was known as a skilled golfer who held a singlefigure handicap for many years.

He was a passionate Geelong Football Club supporter and filled his chambers with premiership memorabilia.

“No doubt he is now chasing Polly Farmer around wanting to give him advice on some area of his game or get his autograph,” Mr Bourke said.