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Legal practitioners with experience across criminal, civil and community law, make up seven new magistrates announced by the NSW Government.

The appointments of Paul Blunt, Kirk Dailly, Tania Johnson, Simon Joyner, Marguerite Vassall, Ann Lambino and Lucas Swan will bring the total number of magistrates in the state to 159, which the government says is a record.

Attorney General Michael Daley says he’s delighted to be announcing the appointments to the NSW Local Court, the busiest jurisdiction in the country. “These new appointees bring not just legal expertise, but also compassion, integrity and a deep understanding of the communities they will serve,” he says.

“This new cohort will strengthen the diversity, resilience and capability of the Local Court, and I thank them for their service to justice in NSW.”

Paul Blunt was previously a police prosecutor and has spent the past two decades working as a solicitor. Among his achievements has been his involvement in the training of legal professionals and frontline service providers.

Tania Johnson started out at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, before joining Legal Aid NSW as a Solicitor Advocate. Access to justice, particularly for vulnerable people, has been a key focus of her career.

Solicitor Simon Joyner started his own firm in 2021, having previously co-founded Matouk Joyner Lawyers in 2006. His work has included murder and terrorism cases, and he’s also supported victims of crime initiatives, especially in the areas of domestic violence and at-risk youth.

Marguerite Vassall is a Solicitor Advocate at the ODPP and has appeared in summary prosecutions and jury trials in multiple courts. In his statement, the Attorney General noted her “ability to manage sensitive cases with care and rigour.”

Ann Lambino has served as Registrar of the NSW Coroner’s Court for the past 13 years and is highly regarded for her knowledge of court operations, leadership and commitment to accessible justice.

Solicitor Lucas Swan has worked in criminal, civil, compensation, family and community law and has been recognised for his advocacy for Indigenous Australians.

Widely respected barrister Kirk Dailly has appeared in complex trials for the prosecution and defence, across jurisdictions. He has practised at the bar for more than 20 years.

Law Society of NSW President Jennifer Ball has welcomed the appointments, noting they will see the Local Court bench grow by one judicial officer. She also referenced the previous expansion of five magistrates announced in December.

“These increases represent positive steps towards addressing the access to justice needs of a growing population,” says Ball.

Five of the seven appointments are solicitor members of the Law Society.

“Both Paul Blunt and Tania Johnson rise to the bench having attained Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law. First Nations man Lucas Swan volunteered his valuable time on the Law Society’s Indigenous Issues Committee, and as our representative on the Local Court’s Specialist Family Violence List working group,” says Ball.

“Simon Joyner served on both the Criminal Law and Ethics Committees. Marguerite Vassall comes to the bench from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she was Senior Solicitor on the Walama List Team,” Ball observes.

“I congratulate each of these accomplished legal practitioners as they embark on a new chapter in their careers.”