She was in charge of legal aid for the Pilbara from 2019 to 2021
The Attorney General of Western Australia, John Quigley, has announced the appointment of former legal aid solicitor Melita Medcalf as a magistrate of the Magistrates Court of Western Australia.
Medcalf is a criminal law specialist who began her legal career in Sydney in 2011 at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She later moved to Western Australia's Pilbara region to work for the Aboriginal Legal Service. She later served as solicitor in charge of legal aid for the Pilbara from 2019 to 2021.
Medcalf also worked for a not-for-profit organisation on Martu land, developing an on-country diversionary program. She served as the director and principal solicitor of a legal firm she founded, providing counsel and advocacy across all court jurisdictions, including the children's and appeal Courts.
Medcalf's work was recognised by the Women Lawyers (WA) Rural, Regional and Remote Woman Lawyer of The Year in 2021. She has worked on Martu land developing an on-country diversionary program, indicating a dedication to innovative solutions for legal issues in the region.
According to Quigley, Medcalf's unique cultural competency, having practised law in remote and regional areas, and her broad legal experience will make her a valuable addition to the Magistrates Court.
Quigley said, "I congratulate Ms Medcalf on joining the Magistrates Court of Western Australia. Her broad legal experience and dedication will make her a valuable addition to the Magistrates Court.”
The Law Society of Western Australia congratulated Medcalf on her appointment in a social media post. She has been an active member of various law society committees, including the Indigenous legal issues and mental health and wellbeing committees.
Medcalf’s appointment as the new Western Australia magistrate is effective March 20. The government said in a press release that Medcalf’s appointment follows important legal work in regional and remote Western Australia areas.
