The Law Society of NSW is pleased to note a number of solicitor judicial appointments made by the NSW Government today.

The Law Society of NSW congratulates solicitor Penny Musgrave and Peter McGrath SC on their appointments as judges of the District Court of NSW. The Law Society also congratulates Magistrates Sharon Freund and Theo Tsavdaridis who have been appointed as Deputy Chief Magistrates of the Local Court of NSW and three new Local Court magistrates, Emma Manea, Catherine Samuels and Stephen Barlow.

“The state’s 36,000 solicitors will be particularly happy to learn that there will be three new magistrates commencing in the Local Court early in the new year,” Ms Warner said.

“The Local Court is the frontline of our justice system, dealing with more than 94 per cent of all criminal prosecutions and almost all domestic and family violence matters in NSW.

“While our courts and tribunals have proved agile in the public health crisis of COVID-19, there has been a pressing need for additional magistrates in the Local Court.”

Ms Warner said she was also pleased to learn that solicitor Penny Musgrave had been appointed directly to the bench of the District Court of NSW.

“Penny Musgrave has worked in both Commonwealth and State jurisdictions for more than 30 years and is considered one of our state’s most experienced criminal law solicitors and legislative advisors,” Ms Warner said.

“She has made a significant contribution to the legal profession and will bring a broad perspective to her new role as a District Court judge.

“The Law Society has also been extremely fortunate to have benefited from Penny’s expertise - she has been a volunteer member of our Criminal Law Committee since 2016, helping to inform and shape important policy submissions on criminal law reforms.

“Catherine Samuels has also made a significant contribution over a number of years on a range of Law Society Committees, including the Family Law, Government Solicitors, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Public Law and Children’s Legal Issues Committees.

“The Local Court will derive enormous benefit from her legal and public sector background.

“Solicitors play a valuable role in the community and in providing access to justice and I am happy to see this contribution reflected in today’s appointments.

“I warmly congratulate each and every one of these members of our judiciary and wish them every success in their new roles administering justice in our state.”