Two new judges appointed to the NSW Supreme Court

23 June 2022

Her Honour District Court Judge Dina Yehia SC and barrister Dr Nicholas Chen SC have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of NSW. 

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW justice system is fortunate to be able to call on judicial officers and lawyers of Judge Yehia’s and Dr Chen’s calibres. 

“Her Honour Judge Yehia has enormous experience in criminal law and has long campaigned for social justice. Dr Chen brings a wealth of experience in commercial and common law, medical negligence matters, and inquests and inquiries,” Mr Speakman said. 

“These appointments will further strengthen the Supreme Court bench and ensure our judiciary continues to reflect the NSW community that it serves.” 

Judge Yehia was admitted as a solicitor in 1989. Her Honour worked as a solicitor with the Western Aboriginal Legal Service for seven years, until becoming Solicitor Advocate for Legal Aid and then being called to the Bar. She was appointed Senior Counsel in 2009 and became the first female Deputy Senior Public Defender in 2013. 

Judge Yehia has been a judge of the District Court since May 2014. Her Honour is Chair of the Ngara Yura Committee, which raises awareness amongst judicial officers in relation to Indigenous cultural and social issues. She is also Chair of the Walama Working Group and a Council member of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration and the National Judicial College of Australia. 

Dr Chen was admitted as a solicitor in 1992, called to the Bar in 1998 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2016. While at the Bar he has been Director of the Barristers’ Sickness & Accident Fund (Barcover) and a member of the NSW Bar Association Common Law Committee. Dr Chen holds a Doctor of Juridical Studies degree from the University of Sydney Law School and received the Academic, Civil & Legal Prize for the highest mark in the NSW Bar exams. 

Judge Dina Yehia SC will be sworn in at the Supreme Court on 4 July 2022. Dr Chen will be sworn in on 11 July 2022.