New Common Law Chief appointed to Supreme Court

Last published on 11 Aug 2021 

The Honourable Justice Robert Beech-Jones has been appointed as Chief Judge of the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and a Judge of Appeal.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said Justice Beech-Jones’ long and exceptional legal career equips his Honour well for his new role.

“During Justice Beech-Jones’ 20 years at the Bar, he had carriage of a wide range of matters, in particular in the criminal law, immigration law, social security and administrative law and commercial law.

He is a man of great intellectual ability and integrity,” Mr Speakman said. Justice Beech-Jones gained his law degree with Honours from the Australian National University, also graduating with a Bachelor of Science. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1988 and was called to the Bar in 1992.

He was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW in 2012.

Mr Speakman paid tribute to the retiring Chief Judge at Common Law, the Honourable Justice Clifton Hoeben AM RFD.

“Justice Hoeben was elevated to the Supreme Court bench in 2004 after a stellar career at the Bar. He is a man who has a formidable legal mind as well as deep insight and the highest of courtesy, and who will leave a long legacy in the legal sphere,” Mr Speakman said.

Justice Hoeben will retire from the Supreme Court bench on 31 August, when Justice Beech-Jones commences as Chief Judge at Common Law.

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