QLS welcomes new Chief Judge appointed to District Court

13 August 2020

Today Queensland Law Society has welcomed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath’s announcement of the appointment of the new Chief Judge of the District Court, His Honour Judge Brian Devereaux SC. 

Queensland Law Society President Luke Murphy said Judge Devereaux is a highly respected lawyer and judicial officer who is an extremely deserving and valuable appointment to the role as head of Jurisdiction.  

“I congratulate Judge Devereaux SC on his appointment, which I understand will commence on 17 August,” Mr Murphy said.  

“He is a very experienced lawyer and judge, and an excellent Judge to follow in Chief Judge O’Brien’s footsteps,” Mr Murphy said.   

Judge Devereaux served as an acting judge of the District Court of Queensland in 2008, and was appointed a permanent judge of the District Court of Queensland in 2009.  

Prior to his appointment to the Court Judge Devereaux worked for the Queensland Public Defender’s Office and as counsel for Legal Aid Queensland, including as the organisation’s Public Defender. 

The announcement comes after this morning’s valedictory ceremony for retiring Former Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien, honouring his distinguished 31-years on the bench serving as District Court Judge.  

The Attorney-General thanked retiring Judge O’Brien for his dedication to the Queensland Justice system.  

“On behalf of Queenslanders, I thank Judge O’Brien for his 31 years of service on the bench and wish him and family all the very best in his retirement,” the Attorney-General said.  

Judge O’Brien has marked his retirement as the longest-serving Judge of the District Court to date.