President of the Law Society of NSW, Elizabeth Espinosa, today welcomed the appointment of two new magistrates to the bench of the Local Court of NSW.

The two new roles will be funded as part of the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. 

NSW Attorney General, Mark Speakman, today announced the two new judicial roles, plus the appointment of another six magistrates to replace retiring judicial officers in the Local Court of NSW.  

The eight new local court magistrates are solicitors Sally McLaughlin, Kevin Hockey, Lisa Viney, Jillian Kiely, Janine Lacy and Michael Love and barristers Holly Kemp and Allison Hawkins. 

In congratulating the eight new magistrates, Ms Espinosa said she was particularly pleased to learn that six of the eight appointments would be filled by solicitors. 

“As solicitors and able officers of the Court, we have a primary stake in the administration of justice,” she said.

“The Law Society has long been an advocate for the appointment of more solicitors to the bench in NSW. 

“Members of our profession play a valuable role in the community and in providing access to justice. 

“It is pleasing to see that this contribution has been reflected in these latest appointments."

Ms Espinosa said the Law Society of NSW has also been advocating on behalf of the legal profession for more judicial officers and resources for our Local Courts.

“So, I am pleased to see that the NSW Government has announced two new magistrates for the Local Court,” she said.

“This will help relieve the pressure on the Local Courts and I know members of the legal profession will welcome this announcement. 

“With the vast majority of criminal justice matters dealt with in the Local Courts, they really are the engine room of justice,” she said.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sue Finn | Media and Public Relations Manager
The Law Society of New South Wales
T: +61 2 9926 0288 | M: +61 413 440 699 | E: media@lawsociety.com.au