Western Australia Attorney General Christian Porter

New District Court Judge

Victor P Taffa

Barrister Gillian Braddock SC has been appointed as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia to replace Judge William Groves who will retire from the court on January 11, 2011.

Attorney General Christian Porter said Ms Braddock’s vast experience across criminal and civil litigation in WA and abroad ensured she was well placed to take on the new role.

“Ms. Braddock commenced her career in the United Kingdom but has also held senior roles in Hong Kong and WA and comes to the District Court with a well balanced and judicious career history.” Mr. Porter said. 

Ms. Braddock completed her law degree at Girton College in Cambridge in 1978 before commencing her articles with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in London.

In 1981, she was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales and spent the next three years practising in criminal litigation, commercial litigation, banking and broking.

From 1985 to 1987, Ms. Braddock was employed at the Director of Public Prosecution’s chambers in Hong Kong as Crown Counsel conducting prosecutions in all jurisdictions.

Ms. Braddock moved to Perth in 1987 and worked for two years with Downing and Downing practising civil litigation, with an emphasis on personal injuries insurance and workers’ compensation.

In 1989, she moved to the Legal Aid Commission of WA as solicitor/counsel in the criminal law section. 

In 1990, Ms. Braddock began practice at the Independent Bar in Perth where she was involved in criminal litigation in all jurisdictions, defence and prosecution, personal injuries and general litigation.

In 1995, Ms. Braddock moved to Wickham Chambers, was appointed Senior Counsel in 2001 and then started with Stone Chambers in 2008.

“Ms. Braddock has taken an active role in her membership in a number of associations, including the Law Society of WA, where she has been a member and convenor on the Criminal Law Committee and a member of the Public Purposes Trust Advisory Committee.” the Attorney General said.

“She has also been Vice President of the WA Bar Association, President of the Women Lawyers of WA and is currently Vice President of the Criminal Lawyers Association.” Mr. Porter said.

“Ms Braddock has also been the Commissioner of the Supreme Court of WA, the Law Reform Commissioner of WA from 2002 to 2008, and is currently the Chair of the Board of Discipline at Murdoch University and a Senior Sessional Member of the State Administrative Tribunal.”

“Ms Braddock is considered to be an astute and worthy barrister who I am confident will easily transition into her new role as a Judge of the District Court.” Mr. Porter said.