Attack with a wooden lectern in court didn't stop Amy Begley from becoming a magistrate

Years ago, while working as a prosecutor in the courtroom, a defendant smashed a wooden lectern across Amy Begley’s back.

The experience didn’t deter her from the legal profession. In fact, she became a lawyer renowned for her talent and expertise in Canberra’s community before being appointed the ACT’s newest magistrate.

A ceremonial sitting this week (19 March) marked her appointment to the ACT Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Begley told the full courtroom that the first hearing she prosecuted was for a pedestrian who crossed the road while the traffic light was still red.

She also recalled how during a busy court list, in which she was left with a trolley laden with files, she wrote a note and passed it to a colleague just before the magistrate called the first matter. The note read: “I’m scared”.

The new magistrate said with the benefit of hindsight she realised her initial fear came with an appreciation of the significant role lawyers played in the justice system – truly privileged to impact the lives of their clients and their community.

Magistrate Begley said her position took her to Legal Aid ACT where she worked with vulnerable and misunderstood members of the community and developed a deep understanding of “the frailty and strength of the human condition”.

ACT Bar Association president Brodie Buckland said the appointment of “Begs”, as he was told she is affectionately known, came as no surprise to those who knew her.

He said Magistrate Begley demonstrated resolve, a strong work ethic and a commitment to fairness while perhaps her greatest strength was the ability to connect with people and she had become a role model for younger lawyers.

Mr Buckland said while the new magistrate was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, “she is no pushover”.

ACT Law Society vice-president Lisa Quilty said Magistrate Begley’s colleagues described her as “kind, loyal, but ferocious” with “a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around” her.

“You have given so much to the legal community and indeed the ACT,” Ms Quilty said.

Magistrate Begley thanked her many supporters, including her family.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I say it takes a village to raise a magistrate,” she said.

“I am sincerely honoured by this appointment.”

Magistrate Begley’s appointment was announced earlier this month.

She was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in the ACT in 2006, then worked as a prosecutor at the ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She has a strong background in family violence law, having previously served as the head of practice of Legal Aid ACT’s Early Intervention Legal Practice.

Magistrate Begley takes over the role from Magistrate Robert Cook, who was appointed in September 2013 and will retire this year.

Alexandra Burt, who began work in 2024, was the last magistrate to be appointed prior to Magistrate Begley.