Law Courts Building, Brutalist skyscraper in Sydney, Australia

The Law Courts Building is a skyscraper in central Sydney characterized by raw concrete surfaces and geometric brutalist design. The structure rises 27 floors with massive concrete forms and bold architectural lines that define the building's character.

A purpose-built law courts complex was first proposed in the late 1930s, but the 1938 Peddle Thorp and Walker design was shelved after war broke out in 1939. The present building, designed by Geoffrey Atherden of McConnel Smith and Johnson, was completed in 1977, with courts operating from 17 January and Premier Neville Wran opening it on 1 February 1977.

The lobby's Royal and Commonwealth coats of arms were carved in 1971–1975 by sculptor Michael Kitching, who gave the lion and unicorn a guardant pose and the kangaroo and emu more natural stances than heraldic tradition allows. He also designed 64 smaller arms for the judges' chambers and courtrooms.

Visitors can enter the building during designated hours and may observe court proceedings from public viewing areas. It is best to check ahead about current access times and rules, as these can vary depending on court activity.

Sculptor Michael Kitching gave the Royal and Commonwealth coats of arms in the lobby a personal reading: the lion and unicorn stand guardant, while the kangaroo and emu are posed as he saw them in life. He called the result "officially wrong" but more sensible, and with 15 art students he produced 64 smaller arms for the judges' chambers and courtrooms.