Graduating in law from the University of Sydney in 1969, John was admitted to practice as a barrister in New South Wales in 1971. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1989 and admitted as a Member of the Honorable Society of Kings' Inns in Dublin. Mr Foley has over 30 years' experience in the gold mining industry, has been a guest speaker at the World Gold Council in New York and was a Director of the Australian Gold Council for eight years.