Alex Chernov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alex Chernov
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Chernov at an Anzac Day ceremony in 2013
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| 28th Governor of Victoria | |
| In office 8 April 2011 – 30 June 2015 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Premier | Ted Baillieu Denis Napthine Daniel Andrews |
| Lieutenant | Marilyn Warren |
| Preceded by | David de Kretser |
| Succeeded by | Linda Dessau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 May 1938 Vilnius, Lithuania |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Hopkins |
| Education | University of Melbourne |
| Profession | Barrister, judge |
Alex Chernov (born 12 May 1938) is an Australian lawyer and judge. He served as the 28th Governor of Victoria from 2011 to 2015. The Governor is the King's representative in the Australian state of Victoria.
Before becoming Governor, Mr. Chernov held several important roles. He was the Vice-President of the Australian Bar Association from 1986 to 1987. He also led the Law Council of Australia as its President from 1990 to 1991. From 2009 to 2011, he was the 20th Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
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Early Life and Education
Alex Chernov was born in 1938 in a city called Wilno, which was then part of Poland. Today, this city is known as Vilnius and is the capital of Lithuania. His parents were Russian.
When the Soviet Union invaded Lithuania, his family moved to Salzburg, Austria. This is where he started his schooling. In 1949, his family moved again, this time to Australia. He finished his school education at Melbourne High School.
Mr. Chernov went on to study at the University of Melbourne. He earned a degree in Commerce in 1961. Later, in 1968, he completed a Law degree with Honours. He lived at Ormond College during his university years.
Legal Career
In 1968, Alex Chernov became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents people in court. He mostly worked on cases related to business law and fairness in legal matters.
He became a Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1980. This is a special title given to experienced barristers. He held leadership positions in several legal groups. He was Chairman of the Victorian Bar from 1985 to 1986. He also served as Vice-President of the Australian Bar Association and President of the Law Council of Australia.
In May 1997, Mr. Chernov was appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of Victoria. He later moved to the Court of Appeal in October 1998. He retired from being a judge in February 2008.
After his time as a judge, Mr. Chernov was chosen as the 20th Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. This is a very important leadership role at a university. He started this job in January 2009 and left it to become the Governor of Victoria.
Governor of Victoria
On 21 February 2011, it was announced that Alex Chernov would become the 28th Governor of Victoria. He officially started this role on 8 April 2011. As Governor, he represented the King in Victoria and carried out important duties for the state.
In 2014, he also took on an extra role as the Administrator of the Commonwealth. This meant he could act as the Governor-General of Australia when the Governor-General was away or unable to do their job.
Mr. Chernov's term as Governor ended in June 2015. Another former judge, Linda Dessau, took over the role after him.
Personal Life
Alex Chernov is married and has three children.
Honours and Awards
Alex Chernov has received several special awards for his service.
- In 1980, he was made a Queen's Counsel for the State of Victoria.
- In 2007, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his important contributions to law and education.
- On 26 January 2012, he received an even higher award, becoming a Companion of the Order of Australia. This is one of Australia's highest honours.
- In May 2014, Monash University gave him an honorary doctorate of laws. This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things, even if they didn't study for that specific degree at that university.
