Experienced barrister Michael Smith appointed to District Court bench

Mr Smith was admitted as a lawyer in 2002 and went to the Bar the same year.

For the past 22 years he has practised primarily in criminal law, including appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal and the High Court, as well as in coronial law, commissions of inquiry, and the Crime Commission.

Mr Smith is a member of Legal Aid’s complex crime panel and general crime panel and has served as a non-salaried Crown Prosecutor in NSW, the ACT, and for the Commonwealth.

He is also a board member of the National Rugby League Player Agent Accreditation Committee.

Mr Smith graduated from the University of NSW with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws and later completed a Graduate Certificate of Security and Criminology at Macquarie University.

He completed an officer training course at the Royal Military College of Australia during his time in the Army.

Mr Smith is currently studying a Masters in International Security at Kings College, London.

He will start his new role at the District Court on December 16.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Mike Smith to the District Court bench.

“Mr Smith has accrued significant legal experience over the last two decades, but he also brings a wealth of life experience that will serve him well in his judicial career.

“I congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.”