O'Connor, Richard Edward, 1851 – 1912

Richard Edward O'Connor (1851-1912), barrister, judge and parliamentarian, was born at Glebe, Sydney, son of Richard O'Connor, parliamentary librarian. He was educated at Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (1871) and Master of Arts (1873). O'Connor worked as a copying clerk in the Legislative Council (1871-1874) and after studying law was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1876.

O'Connor was appointed Crown Prosecutor for Northern District (1878-1883) and after returning to private practice was appointed QC in 1896. He was Justice of the High Court of Australia (1903-1912) and appointed to the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (1905-1908). A supporter of the federation movement O'Connor attended Federal Conventions at Bathurst in 1896 and Adelaide in 1897. At Adelaide he was elected to the constitutional and drafting committees.

O'Connor was a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1887-1898). During this time he was Minister of Justice (1891-1893) and Solicitor-General (1893). O'Connor was elected a member of the federal Senate (1901-1903).[ADB 11]