The Andrews Labor Government has today made four new judicial officer appointments to the Supreme Court of Victoria, further strengthening Victoria’s highest court.
The appointments include the Honourable Justice Maree Kennedy, James Gorton QC, Michael Osborne QC and Patricia Matthews to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Trial Division, each bringing extensive experience and expertise to their new roles, which commence today.
Justice Kennedy has been appointed as a judge of appeal, Mr Gorton and Mr Osborne as judges of the Court and Ms Matthews as an associate judge of the Court.
Since 2016, Justice Kennedy has been a judge of the Court following more than 25 years in the legal profession as a barrister, Senior Counsel and Judge of the County Court. While at the County Court, her Honour was instrumental in establishing the Commercial List – which in 2014 became a Division in its own right.
Justice Kennedy practised in a wide variety of jurisdictions including public law, commercial law and crime. Her Honour holds a Master of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.
Following Mr Gorton’s admission in 1993 he worked at Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurts) before being admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1996. He practised initially in commercial law and insolvency, going on to develop a trial and appellate practice in many areas including insurance, judicial review and compensation law.
Mr Gorton was appointed QC in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.
Mr Osborne has over 25 years’ experience at the Victorian Bar in a range of practice areas including commercial, equity and trusts, insurance and professional liability. His trial and appellate practice covers the full scope of domestic and international commercial litigation, advice and mediation.
Mr Osborne was appointed QC in 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Ms Matthews has been a judicial registrar at the Supreme Court of Victoria since 2017. Prior to that, she worked at King & Wood Mallesons for 14 years, including as special counsel, where she acted in matters across a broad range of civil jurisdiction such as common law actions and commercial matters.
Ms Matthews has also worked as senior fellow at the University of Melbourne Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Monash University.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jill Hennessy
“With a wealth of experience and legal expertise between them – Justice Kennedy, Mr Gorton, Mr Osborne and Ms Matthews are each set to make a strong and positive contribution at the highest levels of our justice system.”
“I would like to thank Honourable Justice Kim Hargrave, the Honourable Joanne Cameron and the Honourable Robyn Lansdowne for their dedicated service to the Court and wish them the best for the future.”
Reviewed 14 December 2020