Senior practitioners join supreme, district and coroners courts

From July, Judge Paul McGuire SC and Dr Hayley Bennett SC will join the Supreme Court of NSW, replacing the retiring Justice James Stevenson and Justice David Davies.

Judge McGuire, who is currently at the District Court, will join the common law division, while Bennett will join the equity division.

Prior to joining the District Court bench, Judge McGuire appeared in some of Australia’s most complex criminal trials as a barrister.

He was known for simplifying intricate legal issues and was “widely praised” for a calm demeanour and meticulous preparation.

Attorney-General Michael Daley said Judge McGuire “has shown exceptional legal skill throughout his career” and has been widely respected at both the Bar and the District Court.

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“His appointment to the Supreme Court is richly deserved,” he said.

Bennett appeared in complex matters involving mental capacity, both in succession law disputes as well as guardianship and mental health law applications and appeals.

She has also practised extensively in the areas of legal and health discipline and appeared in coronial inquests and royal commissions.

Referring to Bennett’s interdisciplinary background with a PhD in clinical neuroscience, Daley said her career “reflects a strong commitment to justice and public service”.

“I’m confident she will be an outstanding addition.

“Dr Bennett and Judge McGuire bring unique perspectives and extensive experience that will enhance the court’s capacity to serve the people of New South Wales,” Daley said.

Replacing Judge McGuire at the District Court is the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Frank Veltro SC.

Veltro has more than three decades of experience in criminal law, having held senior roles in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, including deputy senior Crown prosecutor, acting deputy director, and deputy director from 2022.

Veltro was appointed senior counsel in 2020 and has been widely respected for his deep legal expertise and courtroom experience.

“This appointment reflects the calibre of legal professionals in New South Wales. Veltro will bring immense skill and integrity to his new role,” Daley said.

David Yang and Sarah Crellin will also commence as non-magistrate coroners at the Coroners Court of NSW in July.

Their terms will expire in January 2017.

Yang was acting principal solicitor at the Crown’s Solicitor’s Office, where he led complex civil litigation and advisory matters.

Crellin, also from the Crown’s Solicitors Office, is a solicitor advocate and was a former principal solicitor with the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Most coroners are magistrates, but the Coroners Act 2009 allows for the appointment of non-magistrates with suitable legal experience.

Daley said both appointees will bring “deep legal experience and a commitment to public service” to the Coroners Court.

“David Yang and Sarah Crellin are both exceptional lawyers whose appointments will support the court’s continued focus on integrity cases, care, and truth-finding,” Daley said.

“The work of coroners is essential to our community – not only in determining causes of death, but in identifying ways we can prevent similar tragedies in the future.”