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One of Australia’s most high-profile lawyers and the brother of one of the victims of the Lindt cafe siege dies of brain cancer aged 50
High-profile attorney Sandy Dawson, brother of Lindt Cafe victim Katrina Dawson, has died of brain cancer at the age of 50.
Dawson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the day nearly eight years after his sister was killed in a shooting in central Sydney on December 16, 2014.
The acclaimed defamation lawyer – who has represented Erin Molan, Ray Hadley and Emma Husar – was fondly remembered by his colleagues after news of his passing came out Monday.
High-profile attorney Sandy Dawson (pictured left with Emma Husar), brother of Lindt Cafe siege victim Katrina Dawson, has died of brain cancer at the age of 50.
Mr Dawson died peacefully, surrounded by his family, almost eight years to the day his sister was killed in a shooting in Sydney city center on December 16, 2014.
“Sandy holds a special place in the hearts and consciousness of the NSW Bar,” said NSW Bar President Gabrielle Bashir.
“His exceptional talent, breadth of knowledge, practical and tactical brilliance, and legendary wit and sense of humor have all characterized Sandy as a great leader of our profession.
“Sandy was a lawyer 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 second to none.”
Mr Dawson’s family was devastated when his sister was caught in the tragic siege of Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD in 2014.
Katrina Dawson, who was also a lawyer, was one of the hostages held by ISIS sympathizer Man Haron Monis during his 16-hour standoff with police.
She was caught in the crossfire and shot at least seven times when police finally stormed the cafe in the early hours of the morning.
Sandy Dawson’s family was devastated when his sister was caught during the tragic siege of Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD in 2014 (Sandy Dawson is pictured at center with his mother Jane and father Alexander during the 2016 inquest into the death of his sister and the siege)
“Sandy faced his final battle against cancer with his usual grit, fierce determination and dedication to those he loved,” Ms Bashir added.
“The profession will never forget Sandy’s fortitude and resilience during the siege of Lindt, after Katrina’s death and during the protracted inquest, all of them unbearable.
“Sandy’s return to practice was an example of his courage and dedication to the profession.”
Admitted to the Bar in 2003 and appointed senior counsel in 2016, Mr. Dawson was known for his razor-sharp wit and intellect, and terrifying cross-examination.
He specialized in media defamation litigation and has appeared for Fairfax, ABC and Channel 7, as well as Nine against Victoria Cross winner Ben Roberts Smith.
Ms Bashir added: ‘Sandy was born to be a lawyer. He loved the practice of advocacy and was a master of our craft.
‘He was a true gentleman with the sharpest intellect. He was an extraordinary friend to many in the business.
Many of us will have lasting memories of having to control fits of laughter after a whispered quip from Sandy at the bar table, his entertaining tales upon returning to the rooms, or witnessing one of his hilarious impersonations.
More to follow