Interview with The Honourable Samuel Jacobs - Chief Justice of South Australia

Sam Jacobs began his association with the University in 1939 as student in the Law School, but his studies were interrupted by the Second World War and a posting to the Middle East in 1941. After completing his tour overseas with the 2nd 27th Battalion, Sam returned to Australia to discover he had contracted tuberculosis, requiring a six month stay in hospital. After completing his degree in 1946, Sam was articled to George McEwin at law firm Baker McEwin and mentored by George Ligertwood, beginning an illustrious career in law in South Australia. Sam was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1965 and Supreme Court Judge from 1973 to 1990. He presided over the Royal Commission into the collapse of the State Bank between 1991 and 1993, and was President of the Law Society of South Australia from 1972 to 1973. He also played a significant and instrumental role in University life as a representative on the National Union of Australian University Students in 1947, helping to form the first Student Representative Council in 1947, sitting on the advisory committee for the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme, and being a member of the University Council in 1961 - going on to hold the office of Deputy Chancellor from 1984 to 1992