Former ACT Supreme Court judge John Gallop dies

He was 87.

Justice Gallop was a partner at one of Canberra's oldest law firms, Snedden Hall & Gallop, and went on to become one of the longest-serving judges on the ACT Supreme Court and the Federal Court of Australia.

He was also a keen and accomplished cricketer.

He left Snedden Hall & Gallop in 1973 and went on to become a barrister, taking silk in 1976, just three years after he was called to the bar.

The next year Justice Gallop was appointed to the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.

In 1982 he became a judge of the ACT Supreme Court.

He retired in July 2000 on his 70th birthday.

He also served as presidential member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, president of the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal and a judge of the Supreme Court of Christmas Island.

Justice Gallop was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998.

He was president of the ACT Law Society from 1976 to 1978 and was a lifelong member and long-time supporter of the ACT Bar Association.

Richard Faulks, managing director of Snedden Hall & Gallop, said Justice Gallop had remained engaged with generations of lawyers at the firm since he helped found it more than 55 years ago.

"He always spoke of the need for all lawyers to show respect for their clients and the court, and to strive for excellence in representing our clients' interests and fighting for their rights," Mr Faulks said.

"We were proud of the legacy he gave us and honoured to retain his name as part of what we stand for."

ACT Law Society president Sarah Avery said members had been saddened by the loss of "such a distinguished man".

"John Gallop has been an integral part of Canberra's legal community

"He was dedicated to upholding the rule of law, and he excelled. Most importantly, he was dedicated to his family and and friends.

"The ACT Law Society and its members hope that his family and friends accept our deepest condolences."

ACT Bar Association president Ken Archer described Justice Gallop as "a much-loved and respected giant of the ACT legal fraternity, the Bar and the bench".

"Intellectually he was very bright. He's remembered for his court craft, he just cut absolutely to the chase."

Mr Archer said he expected high standards from lawyers who appeared in front of him, particularly of prosecutors, and was "quite scary, quite frankly".

"He was much-admired and I think the stern appearance belied he was a warm and roguish character off the bench."

Mr Archer recalled his first Supreme Court appearance before Justice Gallop, when he had mistakenly addressed him as Your Worship, a title then used to address magistrates in the lower court.

"He said, 'You're not in the Magistrates Court now, Mr Archer.'"

Justice Gallop was social and enjoyed good company and red wine, he said.

"He was a very loyal friend, a good friend I think. No airs or graces."

Paul Walshe, who came to know Justice Gallop through their mutual association with the Carbine Club of the ACT, said one memorable brush with the judge was when he forgot to turn up for jury duty.

Mr Walshe, then about 21, was summonsed by the sheriff, and put in the witness box before Justice Gallop. He said the judge "really gave it" to him, to ensure he took his commitments to society seriously.

He remembered the judge as a kind-hearted man and said he will be missed.

Justice Gallop, a lifelong association member and long-time supporter of the Bar, often travelled to Canberra from his home on the coast to attend ceremonial sittings of the court.

In the 1960s and 1970s Justice Gallop played for the Kingston Cricket Club, and captained the ACT representative team from 1962 to 1966.

He played for the Prime Minister's XI against South Africa in 1964 and was named ACT Cricketer of the Year in 1964/65 for his achievements as a captain, wicket keeper and batsman.

He was a long-term president of the ACT Cricket Association.

He was inducted into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame in 2002.