Thomas Frederick Bathurst was appointed Chief Justice of NSW on 1 June 2011.

Graduating with degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Sydney in 1971, he went on to practise as a solicitor in 1972. He was admitted as a barrister in 1977, specialising in corporate law and litigation and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1987. His considerable experience in corporate law saw his appointment as a member of the Australian Government's Takeovers Panel (2006-2011).

Prior to his appointment to the bench, the Chief Justice served as President of both the Australian Bar Association (2008-2010) and the New South Wales Bar Association (2009-2011). The Chief Justice was also a member of the Executive Committee of the New South Wales Bar Association (2002 - 2011).