Deputy Chief Magistrate appointed to District Court bench

16 February 2023

Deputy Chief Magistrate of the Local Court, His Honour Michael Allen, who is currently serving as an acting judge of the District Court, has been appointed as a permanent District Court judge.

His Honour was appointed a magistrate of the Local Court in 2009 and was elevated to Deputy Chief Magistrate in 2018. His Honour has served as an acting District Court judge since 2022.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said his Honour has a wealth of experience in presiding over a range of matters, in both the Local and District Courts.

“His Honour brings more than 14 years’ service as a magistrate, including almost five years as a Deputy Chief Magistrate,” Mr Speakman said.

“Prior to his appointment as a magistrate, his Honour worked as a solicitor for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Legal Aid Commission, and as a regional barrister with chambers in Orange, appearing as counsel in District and Supreme Court jury trials and in sentence and appeal hearings.

“I wish his Honour well as he steps in to his permanent role.”

Acting Judge Michael Allen will be sworn in on 27 February 2023.

Biography

Michael Allen was appointed an Acting Judge of the District Court in January 2022. His Honour was appointed a magistrate of the Local Court in 2009, and a Deputy Chief Magistrate in 2018. Before joining the judiciary, Magistrate Allen worked as a solicitor for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Legal Aid Commission, as well as working in private practice. Between 2002 and 2009 he was a barrister based in country NSW.

His Honour placed first in the NSW Bar Readers Course 2002 and had chambers in Orange until his appointment as a magistrate. His Honour’s practice at the Bar included representing clients across a range of jurisdictions, including the Local Court, Children’s Court, Family Court, District Court, Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeal.