The chambers was established in 1957 and now comprises 13 sets of autonomous barrister's chambers, the NSW Bar Association and two Supreme Court of New South Wales courts.
On 22 April 1952, New South Wales Cabinet approved the purchase of land located at 180 Phillip Street Sydney by the New South Wales Bar Association in order to erect a 13-storey building.
The building was intended to house two courts, judges' chambers, barristers' offices, and the staff of the Departments of the Attorney General and of Justice.
[3] Counsels Chambers Limited was subsequently formed with Sir Garfield Barwick QC as its chairman.
The building continues to be owned by practising barristers through Counsel's Chambers Limited.