Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson announced as the new ACT Supreme Court judge

Ms Loukas-Karlsson will start her new role on 26th of March, 2018. Photo: Supplied by ACT Government.

The ACT Government announced on Tuesday morning (6 February) that Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson will replace Justice Hilary Penfold as the new judge of the ACT Supreme Court.

Ms Loukas-Karlsson has 30 years of criminal experience, having appeared in a wide range of courts and tribunals including the Supreme Court of NSW, the High Court, and the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.

Attorney-General Gordan Ramsay said Ms Loukas-Karlsson maintains the ACT Supreme Court’s status as a court with equal gender diversity.

“Ms Loukas-Karlsson is a powerful advocate for women in the legal profession, and last year was awarded Barrister of the Year by the Women Lawyers Association of NSW.”

“Ms Loukas-Karlsson is well equipped for this role, with over 30 years of experience in criminal law,” Mr Ramsay said.

Ms Loukas-Karlsson recently returned to private practice following her work as a public defender since 1995. She also has previous experience acting in judicial roles at the former Administrative Decisions Tribunal, as an acting District Court Judge in New South Wales, as well as an acting Crown Prosecutor.

“She has also served as a Bar Council Member, the chair of a Professional Conduct Committee, and is currently the Junior Vice President of the NSW Bar Association as well as a Director of the Law Council of Australia,” Mr Ramsay said.

Ms Loukas-Karlsson’s early career work started with Legal Aid and the Aboriginal Legal Service, which Mr Ramsay believes gives her a deep understanding of social justice issues and disadvantaged groups.

“She will bring energy and diversity to the court and I look forwarding to welcoming her to Canberra. Ms Loukas-Karlsson’s appointment will also maintain the strong representation of women within the ACT judiciary.”

“As Justice Penfold concludes her time on the bench, I would like to thank her for her significant contribution to court and the wider Canberra community.

“Justice Penfold was the first female Resident Judge of the Supreme Court and is known for the rigorous standards she applies in court as well as the thoughtful judgements she delivers,” Minister Ramsay said.

Ms Loukas-Karlsson will start in her new role on 26th of March, 2018.