Gratitude for support was a key theme at the swearing-in of four new magistrates in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Elisa Kidston (Brisbane), Elizabeth Daniels (Rockhampton), Andrew Peel (Townsville) and Sophie Robertson (Southport) thanked all those who helped them on their journey to becoming judicial officers, at the Brisbane Magistrates Court ceremony.
Magistrate Roberston spoke of being fortunate to work alongside solicitors and barristers of exceptional skill and character, and said she would carry lessons learnt into judicial service.
She had particular praise for Ben Cohen, Managing Partner of Bartley Cohen Litigation Lawyers, with whom she had worked for nearly 12 years.
“I am profoundly grateful for the support and opportunities you afforded me, and for your generosity of spirit which allowed me to practise in a field I loved while raising three children,” she said.
“You have never hesitated to say yes to my invariably last-minute, outlandish or expensive requests, lengthy hours on pro bono matters, permitting your PAs to accompany me to court to hold my newborn babies during hearings, or occasionally permitting the office to descend into a state of chaos – at least one unconnected to the practice of law.
“Encouraging the creation of a miniature creche, with bottomless Tim Tams, I would return from court to find enormous archive-box constructions, computer games installed on the office computers, new uncommissioned art installations on the office walls, and every PA in the office fully engaged in the essential task of entertaining my children.
“Your patience and kindness made possible a balance that would otherwise have been beyond my reach.”
Magistrate Robertson is an experienced litigation lawyer and Special Counsel of 15 years, having worked in areas including defamation, media law, insurance and professional liability matters.
Magistrate Daniels started her legal career with a student placement in Kingaroy, working her way up to Principal Legal Policy Officer with the Department of Justice in Brisbane.
She has held senior legal and leadership roles in the public sector, including as a Senior Prosecutor in the Queensland Police Service, and has made major contributions to criminal justice and domestic and family violence reforms.
In her address, she included a tribute to her three siblings, who she said were “the people I can always rely on and my biggest supporters”.
“Importantly, you’ve always ensured that any hint of an inflated ego, or dangerous ideas about my own importance, are extinguished well before they get a chance to take hold,” she quipped.
Magistrate Peel joins the bench from being Director at Townsville firm Purcell Taylor Lawyers for the past 14 years.
He has extensive expertise in criminal law, including fraud, drug, traffic and property offences, and has appeared across the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.
In his address, he made special mention of his wife Jess, “who has seen it all unfold before her and has put up with the late nights, the constant phone calls, and the on-call nature of running a legal firm and being a criminal lawyer”.
“I couldn’t imagine where I would be without that support. It’s been unwavering and I really appreciate it,” he said.
Magistrate Kidston’s background includes 13 years in commercial and property at Clayton Utz, and being a sessional member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and general member of the Administrative Review Tribunal.
She has extensive expertise in administrative law and merits review, as has a commitment to public interest law through her work with LawRight and other professional organisations.
In her address, she included a thank-you to colleagues who had taught and supported her throughout her career.
“Many of them may not realise the effect that they have had in moulding my professional development, not by what they said, but by the manner in which they performed their craft with skill, diligence and integrity,” she said.
Chief Magistrate Janelle Brassington said there was no doubt the four possessed the experience and temperament to serve the people of Queensland.
Queensland Law Society President Peter Jolly said there was a sense of inevitability about the appointments.
“While each of Your Honours have travelled a different professional path, a common thread unites these appointments: careers distinguished by excellence, integrity and a commitment to justice,” Mr Jolly said.
“Particularly notable is the breadth of experience now represented in this Court.
“In a state as vast and diverse as Queensland, stretching across bustling metropolitan centres, regional cities and remote communities, the administration of justice is immeasurably strengthened by judicial officers who bring with them a deep understanding of the many communities they serve.
“The varied experiences that Your Honours have accumulated across different areas of practice and different corners of this State will enrich not only this Court, but also the broader administration of justice for years to come.”
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