Slattery has 31 years' experience as a barrister and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1992. He has appeared in a number of high profile cases, including the Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of James Hardie Industries in relation to its asbestos liabilities.

He is also a navy reservist who served in the Northern Persian Gulf at the end of the Gulf War in 2003. He was the principal counsel assisting a Navy Board of Inquiry into the 2005 Sea King Helicopter crash that killed nine on Nias Island, Indonesia, and he received Admiral's commendations for exceptional service to the navy in 1994 and 2007.

In announcing the appointment, NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said that Slattery - who has practised across a broad range of legal areas - would bring a wealth of experience to the Supreme Court. "He has made significant contribution to the legal profession and his elevation to the bench of the Supreme Court is well deserved," Hatzistergos said.

Slattery served as both the president of the NSW Bar Association and as the director of the Law Council of Australia from 2005 to 2007. He will be sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge on 25 May.