NSW Bar Association welcomes the appointment of the next Chief Justice of NSW and President of the Court of Appeal

16/02/2022

Media release

The NSW Bar Association welcomes the appointment of the President of the NSW Court of Appeal, the Honourable Justice Andrew Bell, as Chief Justice of NSW, and the appointment of the Chief Judge in Equity, the Honourable Justice Julie Ward, as President of the NSW Court of Appeal. “As Chief Justice, Justice Bell will bring a wealth of experience from his role as President of the Court of Appeal and a significant career at the Bar,” Michael McHugh SC, President of the NSW Bar Association, said.

“His Honour is a former Senior Vice-President of the Bar Association, and was heavily involved in the Association’s committees, including as editor of Bar News and Chair of a Professional Conduct Committee.’” Justice Bell was twice Chair of his chambers, Eleven Wentworth, and was a leading practitioner with a broad practice before his appointment as President of the Court of Appeal in 2019. “Justice Ward has been a leader in the judiciary since 2008,” Mr McHugh said. “Her Honour joined the bench after a distinguished career as a solicitor and has served in a number of judicial roles with distinction.”

The NSW Bar Association congratulates both appointees, and congratulates the Attorney General on such outstanding appointments. “We look forward to the contribution their Honours will continue to make to serving the New South Wales community,” Mr McHugh said.

“The Association expresses its sincere thanks to His Honour Tom Bathurst AC for his remarkable contribution in serving as Chief Justice of New South Wales faithfully and diligently throughout his term. We wish him well in his future endeavours,” Mr McHugh said.