The Andrews Labor Government has announced the appointment of Michelle Mykytowycz, Michael McNamara, Jade Bott, Jacinta Studham and Russell Kelly as new magistrates to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Ms Mykytowycz has worked as a barrister at Crockett Chambers, practicing in defence and prosecution of criminal law matters, including sex offences, and working with the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Ms Mykytowycz signed the Bar roll in 2010 and was a member of the Victorian Bar Human Rights Committee and Victorian Criminal Bar Association Committee.
Mr McNamara is Principal of McNamaras Barristers & Solicitors, practicing in a range of areas including criminal law and intervention orders.
He also represents the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria on the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Family Violence Court users group.
An accredited specialist in criminal law, Ms Bott was admitted to practice in 2004. Following a decade of experience, she established her own firm in 2013, focusing on criminal law, family law, intervention orders and victims of crime assistance.
Mr Kelly has a background in police prosecutions with more than 16 years at Victoria Police, as a general duties officer and police prosecutor.
Since signing the Bar roll in 2007, Mr Kelly has conducted criminal trials and appeals, summary matters and committal hearings, as well as child protection and intervention order matters throughout the Magistrates’ and County Courts.
Ms Studham was admitted to practice in 1999 and has worked with Galbally & O’Bryan Lawyers since 1993, where she has been a senior associate since 2001. Ms Studham has worked extensively in criminal law and intervention order matters and has experience in indictable offences across all jurisdictions.
These appointments add four additional magistrates to the Magistrates’ Court, while one appointment replaces Magistrate Barry Schultz.
Magistrate Schultz retired in July after more than four years of service and now serves as a reserve magistrate.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“These five new magistrates are skilled criminal and family law lawyers and bring a wealth of experience to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.”
“I congratulate them on their appointments and also thank Mr Schultz for his service at the Magistrates’ Court and for his ongoing work as a reserve magistrate.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020