NSW courts bolstered by wave of judicial appointments

Supreme Court of NSW welcomes two Senior Counsel to the bench

Distinguished barristers Edward Muston SC and James Emmett SC have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Edward Muston SC brings over two decades of experience, focused on commercial, insurance, and public law matters. He will be sworn in on 2 December 2025.

James Emmett SC specialises in public and administrative law, commercial litigation, professional negligence, and maritime law. He is currently a member of the NSW Bar Council and a lecturer at the University of Sydney, and will be sworn in on 4 December 2025.

Daley praised the appointments, noting their “intellect and integrity” and their contribution to the Supreme Court’s “proud traditions of independence and excellence.”

Leadership change in the Supreme Court

The Honourable Justice Natalie Adams will assume the roles of Judge of Appeal and Chief Judge of the Common Law Division in February 2026. Justice Adams, who has served as a Supreme Court Judge since 2016, previously worked for the ODPP, Legal Aid Commission, and Crown Solicitor’s Office, and served as NSW Crown Advocate from 2011.

She succeeds the Honourable Justice Ian Harrison, who will become an Acting Justice and Acting Judge of Appeal. “I thank Justice Harrison for his 18 years of distinguished service, including the past two years as Chief Judge of the Common Law Division,” Daley said.

District Court gains four distinguished legal professionals

Four esteemed members of the legal profession are set to join the District Court of NSW as judges early next year: Kenneth Averre MBE, Philip Hogan, Paul Marr, and Magistrate Philip Stewart.

Kenneth Averre MBE (awarded in 2008 for public service) is a barrister specialising in criminal law, regulatory prosecutions, and appeals. His public service includes a period as the Public Solicitor for the Solomon Islands Government.

Philip Hogan moves from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), where he served as Deputy Senior Crown Prosecutor since 2018, renowned for his work on complex jury trials and appeals.

Paul Marr is a former Crown Prosecutor with the ODPP, whose extensive background includes service as a defence counsel, police prosecutor, lecturer at the NSW Police Academy, and an investigator with the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence.

Magistrate Philip Stewart has been a Local Court Magistrate since 2014, following a 16-year career as a criminal defence lawyer and an accredited criminal law specialist. His experience also includes service with the NSW Police Force as a police prosecutor.

Daley stated the new judges have a “track record of outstanding service and expertise” and will strengthen the District Court’s role in ensuring “fair and timely access to justice.”

Local Court appointments bring extensive experience

Two highly respected practitioners, David Coulton and James Howard, have been appointed to the Local Court of NSW, commencing 23 February 2026.

David Coulton is a Crown Prosecutor with the ODPP, bringing over 30 years of experience across criminal law, policing, and public service, including 17 years with the NSW Police Force.

James Howard is currently a Judicial Registrar of the District Court of NSW and previously held senior registrar and mediation roles in the Supreme Court. His background also includes investigative and legal positions with the NSW Police, the Police Integrity Commission, and a Royal Commission.

Daley congratulated the practitioners, noting that Coulton’s background in law enforcement and Howard’s deep experience in court administration will be “invaluable to the Local Court.”