New judicial appointments

Three District Court judges & judicial registrar appointed

Joana Fuller, Michael Burnett QC and Ian Press SC have recently been appointed to the District Court Bench following the retirement of District Court Judges his Honour Paul Rice, his Honour Jack Costello, and his Honour Sydney Tilmouth. Judge Fuller and Judge Burnett are also designated as judges of the Environment, Resources and Development Court and the Licensing Court.

Judge Fuller, who commenced her role on 10 December 2019, is experienced in criminal matters, traffic law, family law and animal welfare law. She has also served in the RAAF Specialist Reserve for 20 years and in March 2019 was appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force as a Judge Advocate/Defence Force Magistrate.

Judge Fuller was admitted to practice in 1994, joined the independent bar in 1997 and since then has been practising within Bar Chambers. She is also a former Chair of the Law Society’s Animal Law Committee.

Judge Burnett commenced his role on 3 February. His 35-plus years in the law have included specialist practice in civil and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the independent bar in 2004, Mr Burnett QC was Counsel and Director of Enforcement for the Australian Securities and Investment Commission in New South Wales and Queensland.

He worked as a solicitor in various private firms both in Adelaide and Sydney and until moving to the bench was practising at Bar Chambers.

Judge Joana Fuller Judge Michael Burnett QC Judge Ian Press SC Melanie Burton

Judge Press, and experienced prosecutor, commenced his role on 20 January.

While at the the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Judge Press served as a Managing Prosecutor, a Deputy Director, and most recently as Chief Counsel for Appeals.

Prior to that he worked in the Legal Services Commission’s criminal practice, War Crimes Unit, and as a Duty Solicitor.” The Law Society thanks Judge Paul Rice, Judge Jack Costello and Judge Sydney Tilmouth for their outstanding contribution to the justice system.

INAUGURAL JUDICIAL REGISTRAR APPOINTED

Melanie Burton has been appointed South Australia’s first Magistrates Court Judicial Registrar.

Ms Burton is a senior civil litigator with over 20 years’ experience in all areas of civil law and procedure in all South Australian civil jurisdictions, including the oversight of long, complex litigation.

Attorney General Vicki Chapman said the appointment of a Judicial Registrar to the Magistrates Court would help sitting magistrates devote their time to more complex matters.

“By appointing experienced legal practitioners as Judicial Registrars, we’re giving the courts an alternative way of dealing with simple or high-volume matters,” Ms Chapman said.

“Allowing a Judicial Registrar to handle these matters will enable Magistrates to focus on the more complex or significant matters and will aid in the overall efficiency of the Court.”

Ms Burton began her seven-year appointment in January. B

Jason Karas commences as LSC Chairman

Jason Karas has commenced his role as Chairperson of the Legal Services Commission, replacing Michael Abbott AO QC whose term ended in January.

Mr Karas was principal and co-founder of Lipman Karas firm. He is a graduate of the University of Adelaide and has practised law in SA since the early 1990s.

The Commission’s Director, Gabrielle Canny, welcomed the appointment of Mr Karas and also acknowledged Mr Abbott’s outstanding contribution.

“Michael’s energy, expertise, leadership and dedication have greatly assisted the Commission’s development since he joined its Board in late 2013,” Ms Canny said.

“Michael has helped to build and refine our operations and the services we provide to the community.

“Jason’s diverse skills will help the Commission build on its strong track record and meet the challenges of providing legal help in the next decade.”

Mr Karas said :“The Commission’s legal assistance ensures South Australians, particularly the most disadvantaged members of our community, have access to justice.” “This is essential work and I look forward to supporting the Commission’s delivery of those services.” B