Deputy Chief Magistrate and Supreme Court Justice appointees announced
The Law Society of NSW has welcomed the appointment of two judicial positions in the NSW justice system.
Judge Michael Allen has been named the new Chief Magistrate of NSW. He will oversee the Local Court of NSW, which is known as the busiest jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere.
Judge Allen has previously served as Deputy Chief Magistrate, providing expertise to the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee. H has experience in regional practice and as a former Law Society accredited specialist in Criminal Law.
The outgoing Chief Magistrate, Peter Johnstone, was commended for his leadership of the Local Court and his previous role as President of the Children’s Court of NSW. His tenure also included contributions as a part-time commissioner on the NSW Law Reform Commission and deputy chair of the Medical Tribunal of NSW.
Meanwhile, Belinda Rigg SC has been appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW after two decades with and five years as the leader of The Public Defenders. The Law Society said her appointment marks an improvement in the representation of women in the NSW judiciary.
The Law Society conveyed its best wishes for Judge Johnstone's happy retirement and said it looks forward to officially welcoming Judge Allen and Rigg at ceremonial sittings next month.
