Criminal barrister joins Vic County Court bench
Mandy Fox QC, who was the counsel assisting the coroner for the Bourke Street inquest, is the newest judge to be appointed in Victoria.
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Experienced criminal barrister Mandy Fox QC has been appointed to the bench, following the retirement of Judge Jane Patrick from the County Court. Justice Patrick stepped down from judicial office in April after 10 years serving on the bench.
“I thank Judge Patrick for her tireless service to the County Court over the past decade,” the AG said.
“I congratulate Ms Fox on her appointment and look forward to watching her contribution in the County Court,” he added.
Over 20 years in practice, Ms Fox has extensive trial experience. She has appeared before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the County Court. More recently, she served as counsel assisting the coroner for the Bourke Street Inquest last year.
In 2016, Ms Fox took silk and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017. She was admitted to the legal profession in 1995 and signed the Victorian Bar Roll two years later in 1997.
According to a statement issued by the AG, Ms Fox has acted for the prosecution and defence in a wide range of criminal matters including murder, fraud, slavery, foreign bribery, drug matters, sex offences, culpable driving and occupational health and safety cases. She has also appeared at the Bushfire Royal Commission and a number of coronial inquests.
“Ms Fox has extensive experience as a criminal barrister, and brings a wealth of experience to her new role as a judge of the County Court,” Mr Pakula said.
Ms Fox was also a member of the Criminal Bar Association, serving on both the ethics committee and the indictable crime certificate committee. She has previously taught advocacy workshops to law students on behalf of the Victorian Bar in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.