The Law Society of NSW welcomes the appointments of two richly experienced and talented lawyers to crucial roles in the state’s justice system.

As Chief Magistrate of NSW, Judge Michael Allen will provide excellent leadership of the Local Court of NSW, the busiest jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere.

In his role as a Deputy Chief Magistrate, Judge Allen provided reliable and expert insights to the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee. 

His Honour’s broad experience, including in the regions, and as a former Law Society Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, means he is well acquainted with the challenges facing the justice system and the solicitors who work within it. I look forward to working with Judge Allen on behalf of the solicitor profession in NSW. 

The Law Society thanks the outgoing Chief Magistrate Peter Johnstone for his stewardship of the Local Court, and previously as President of the Children’s Court of NSW. His Honour was also a part time Commissioner on the NSW Law Reform Commission and Deputy Chair of the Medical Tribunal of NSW. I wish Judge Johnstone a happy and fulfilling retirement.

After two decades service to The Public Defenders and the last five years as its leader, Belinda Rigg SC has outstanding expertise in the criminal law. I join with the solicitors of NSW in congratulating Ms Rigg on her appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW. 

Ms Rigg has proven to be a trailblazer for women in the profession and her appointment to the bench further enhances the representation of accomplished women as judicial officers in NSW. 

The Law Society looks forward to welcoming both appointees to their respective courts at ceremonial sittings next month.