The collection documents Temby's legal career between 1972 and 1988 and reflects his diverse interests and activities. The papers include documentation relating to Temby's involvement in local government (as Councillor of the City of Subiaco 1982-83, and as ALP candidate for the Western Australia Legislative Assembly for the seat of Nedlands in 1981), the Legal Advice Bureau (founded by Temby, Senator Fred Chaney and Peter Dowding), Law Council of Australia (President 1983-84), Law Society of Western Australia (President 1982-83) and occasional tutor and lecturer in Law at the University of Western Australia.