Two new judges appointed to the District Court

8 December 2022

Two outstanding lawyers have been appointed as judges of the District Court, each bringing a breadth of knowledge and legal experience to the bench.

Attorney General Mark Speakman congratulated solicitor Sarah Hopkins and barrister Lara Gallagher on their appointments, which come after years of distinguished service to the legal profession.

“Ms Hopkins and Ms Gallagher have significant advocacy and trial experience, leaving them well prepared for the challenges of the District Court,” Mr Speakman said.

Following Ms Hopkins’ and Ms Gallagher’s appointments, there will be 36 female judges on the District Court bench, an increase of over 50% since 2010.

Ms Hopkins will be sworn in on Thursday 2 February 2023 and Ms Gallagher will be sworn on Thursday 16 February 2023.

Biographies

Lara Gallagher

Ms Gallagher commenced her legal career in 1997 with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions before joining the Australian High Commission in Singapore as an investigative assistant in 2012. She worked with the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before commencing as a barrister with Maurice Byers Chambers in 2019.

Sarah Hopkins

Ms Hopkins has worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW ACT in various positions since 1997, most recently as the Principal Solicitor, Justice Projects, Policy and Practice. In 2012, she became the founder and chair of Just Reinvest NSW, aimed at addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. Her experience covers commercial, criminal and international litigation. She has also been a lecturer in criminal law and process at UNSW for various periods.

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