New judges welcomed

Queensland Law Society has welcomed two new judges to the District Court and a judge to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Cairns.

QLS President Elizabeth Shearer spoke at a ceremony welcoming judges Deborah Holliday QC and Amanda McDonnell to the District Court this morning.

She noted that Judge McDonnell, a highly experienced solicitor, had been a leader in the solicitors’ branch of the profession, contributing generously over many years to the QLS Planning and Environment Law Policy Committee.

“Your contribution is deeply appreciated by Queensland Law Society and its members,” she said. “Your breadth and depth of experience, both in planning and environment law and more recently in decision-making for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, makes you ideally suited for the many challenges to be found in the proceedings before this court.”

President Shearer highlighted Judge Holliday’s formidable skills as an advocate, but also emphasised her Honour’s generosity in providing collegiate advice to solicitors.

“That spirit of cooperation and sharing of your deep expertise with our branch of the profession is much appreciated,” she said.

Advertisement

In Cairns on Friday morning, QLS Vice President Kara Thomson welcomed Judge Patricia Cope to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Vice President Thomson recalled the comments of President Shearer when Judge Cope was appointed to the Federal Circuit Court in July, noting her Honour’s outstanding leadership and its inspirational value for young female practitioners throughout regional Queensland.

“Not only has Your Honour devoted herself to professional advancement, including through the well-deserved recognition as an Accredited Specialist in family law and family violence matters, you have recognised the value of your experience and expertise and worked closely with and at the coalface of the community with those in need, including through your work with Legal Aid Queensland as well as through your volunteer work with the North Queensland Womens Legal Service,” she said.

Read President Shearer’s welcome to Judge McDonnell and Judge Holliday.

Read Vice President Thomson’s welcome to Judge Cope.