WA's DPP becomes a Supreme Court judge

9/11/2016

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

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Joe McGrath SC appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of WA
New role begins on November 28, 2016

The Western Australian Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Joseph (Joe) McGrath SC, has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said Mr McGrath was well-known in the legal profession as being hardworking and fair, two traits that would serve him well in his new judicial role.

"His more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and nearly seven years as DPP make him an excellent choice as a Supreme Court judge," Mr Mischin said.

"He has an intimate knowledge of complex criminal and civil matters and possesses a thorough understanding of the Western Australian judicial system."

Mr McGrath was admitted to practice in 1991 after completion of articles of clerkship at Freehill Hollingdale and Page, Barristers and Solicitors. He was then the associate to the Hon. Justice Lee of the Federal Court of Australia in 1992.

From 1993 to 1998, he was a senior legal officer, then principal legal officer, at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. He served as the senior assistant director from 2000 to 2001.

In 2001, Mr McGrath joined Francis Burt Chambers as a barrister. He was appointed as the Western Australian DPP in January 2010.

His appointment to the Supreme Court will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the Hon Justice Simmonds earlier this year.

Senior and consultant State prosecutor Amanda Forrester will act as the Western Australian DPP until the position is advertised.

Fact File

Mr McGrath was a member of the Law Reform Commission of WA from 2008 to 2009 and was Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission into Corrupt or Criminal Conduct in the WA Police Force and the Finance Broking Industry
He was a member of the Council of the WA Bar Association from 2003 to 2010 and served as its Vice President and Treasurer and was also Chairman of its Junior Counsel Sub-Committee

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