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1st female president of Victorian Court of Appeal named
The Victorian government has appointed a new president of the state’s Court of Appeal, who will be the third judge, and first female, to assume the role in the court’s history.
Jerome Doraisamy
Justice Karin Emerton has been named as the new president of the Victorian Court of Appeal. She will assume the role when she succeeds Justice Chris Maxwell AC, who recently announced his retirement.
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Justice Emerton has served as a judge of the Court of Appeal since 10 July 2018, before which she was a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria from 2009. She was also a member of the Victorian Law Reform Commission from 2010 to 2011.
Prior to her career on the bench, her honour served as Crown counsel for more than two years and was appointed senior counsel in 2007.
She was called to the Victorian bar in 1993 and worked as a solicitor at Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst).
Justice Emerton brings, the Victorian Attorney-General’s Department said in a statement, “vast knowledge across the law [following a] distinguished career spanning over 30 years”.
Speaking about the appointment, Victorian A-G Jaclyn Symes said: “I congratulate Justice Emerton on her appointment and look forward to her continued contribution to Victoria’s justice system. She brings impressive legal experience and significant knowledge to the role of president, which puts her in an excellent place to make a strong contribution.
“I would like to also extend my thanks to Justice Maxwell for his service and commitment. I wish him well for the next chapter of his life.
“Our state is fortunate to have such extraordinary judicial officers willing to serve the people of Victoria by leading its highest court.”
