Two District Court Judges appointed

Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman has today announced two experienced South Australian lawyers will be appointed as judges of the District Court, replacing Judge Paul Rice, who retired earlier this month, and Judge Jack Costello, who will retire in January next year.

Joana Fuller and Michael Burnett QC will both be appointed as Judges of the District Court of South Australia, and also designated as judges of the Environment, Resources and Development Court and the Licensing Court.

Both are well known and respected lawyers, with Ms Fuller experienced in criminal matters, in addition to specialising in motor vehicle and animal welfare law. She has also served in the RAAF Specialist Reserve for 20 years and in 2019 was appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force as a Judge Advocate/Defence Force Magistrate.

Ms Fuller was admitted to practice in 1994, joined the independent bar in 1997 and since then has been practising within Bar Chambers.

Mr Burnett’s 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 is currently practising within Bar Chambers.

Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said the appointments filled the vacancies created by the retirements of Judge Paul Rice and Judge Jack Costello.

“Both lawyers bring significant expertise and experience to their new roles, and are highly respected by their colleagues, the judiciary and the legal profession generally,” Ms Chapman said.

“In welcoming them to their new roles, we also acknowledge the contribution of Judges Rice and Costello to the District Court of South Australia and thank them for their service.”

Ms Fuller will formally commence in her new role on 10 December 2019, while Mr Burnett QC begins on 3 February 2020.