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Victoria’s new Chief Justice named
A new Chief Justice of the Victorian Supreme Court has been named.
Naomi Neilson
Effective from 3 February 2025, Justice Richard Niall will become the 13th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, taking over from Chief Justice Anne Ferguson, who has held the role since October 2017.
“His deep understanding of the law and extensive experience will ensure that the Supreme Court continues to deliver fair and effective justice for all Victorians,” Symes said in a statement.
Earlier in his illustrious career, Justice Niall was appointed Queen’s counsel and went on to appear in the High Court of Australia, where he covered human rights law and environmental law.
He entered legal practice in 1990 and joined the Victorian Bar in 1995.
Ferguson CJ has extended her warmest congratulations to Justice Niall.
“Justice Niall brings a wealth of experience to the role and I’m confident the Court is in good hands,” Her Honour said.
“I know the Court, the profession and the community will be very well served by this appointment.”
Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) president Matthew Hibbins warmly welcomed Justice Niall’s appointment.
“A widely respected jurist, Justice Niall’s extensive experience and knowledge will serve the court and the Victorian community extremely well into its next chapter,” Hibbins said.
“In welcoming Justice Niall as Victoria’s 13th Chief Justice, we are confident that his leadership will only further enhance and shape the future of the court and its critical role in the administration of justice and upholding the rule of law for all Victorians.”
Hibbins also thanked Chief Justice Ferguson for her leadership and “remarkable service” to the Victorian community.
“We wish her well in her retirement,” Hibbins said.
And new Victorian Bar President Justin Hannebery KC – who, as reported earlier this week, is the first criminal barrister in decades to lead the member association – warmly welcomed the appointment.
“We are very proud that Justice Niall is a member of our Bar and congratulate him on this excellent appointment,” Hannebery said.
“Justice Niall is an outstanding jurist, who will no doubt continue to make a substantial contribution to the Supreme Court.”
“Justice Niall has been an outstanding contributor and one of the nation’s leading advocates across a number of areas of law and this appointment will be of significant benefit to the legal profession and Victorian community,” he went on.
“We also offer our sincere gratitude to the Honourable Chief Justice Anne Ferguson on her retirement and for her incredible contribution to the Court over many years.”
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
