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New Chief Judge appointed in Western Australia
A would-be Mallesons Stephen Jaques lawyer has been appointed to one of Western Australia's highest courts.
The New Lawyer
A would-be Mallesons Stephen Jaques lawyer has been appointed to one of Western Australia’s highest courts.
Judge Peter Martino has been appointed the new Chief Justice of the states District Court, replacing Antoinette Kennedy, who will retire from her commissions from July this year.
In a game of musical chairs in the court, Justice Martino will officially take up the post from 1 July, but will act in the position from 26 March, while Justice Kennedy takes leave.
WA’s Attorney General Christian Porter announced that Justice Martino will be responsible for the overall management of the Court’s business and in providing leadership and direction for the Court’s members.
His experience as a solicitor of law firm Stone James & Co, now Mallesons Stephen Jaques, will put him in good stead for the role, A-G Porter said.
“His demonstrated experience in law office management with a major law firm will stand him in good stead for fulfilling this role,” Porter said.
“He is recognised as one of the leading lights on the District Court bench and has earned the admiration of his peers in the judiciary and members of the legal profession.”
The profession itself also handed the new Chief judge professional applause. The state’s professional body, the Law Society of Western Australia, said: “His Honour is renowned for his tireless work ethic, sounds judgments and dedication to serving the community.”
Law Society president Hylton Quail also paid his respects to the outgoing Chief Justice, acknowledging her “enormous contribution” to the law during her 25 years on the bench, including the last 6 years as Chief Judge.
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