Seven new judicial appointments to Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2) (the Courts) are pleased to welcome the following judicial appointments announced today by the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honorable Mark Dreyfus KC MP.

All judges will commence on Monday, 6 February 2023.

The Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), the Honorable William Alstergren AO, said that these appointments to the Courts are all highly skilled lawyers who are eminently qualified to be judicial officers. They will contribute greatly to the courts dealing with the high-volume of complex cases that are filed in the courts in both the family law and general federal law jurisdictions.

“The appointments ensure that the courts have no vacant judicial appointments. This will greatly assist the Courts to effectively manage their demanding caseload and provide access to justice across Australia.

“On behalf of the Courts, I am delighted to welcome the appointment of such esteemed and eminently qualified individuals to the Bench.

“I warmly welcome the new judges who will play a critical part in the Courts’ future and serving the Australian community,” the Chief Justice said.

The Courts’ total number of judges nationally is now 111.

Biographical details:

Her Honor Judge Louise Goodchild – Sydney Registry

Her Honor Judge Louise Goodchild is an experienced barrister having been called to the Bar in 2005. Her Honor’s practice included family law, wills, estate and probate law, defamation law, personal injury (particularly institutional abuse matters), human rights and native title law . Prior to being called to the Bar, Judge Goodchild practiced as a solicitor in criminal law and native title law in New South Wales and Queensland. Her Honor’s previous experience also included an appointment as a Senior Judicial Member of the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Her Honor Judge Dina Lioumis – Sydney Registry

Her Honor Judge Dina Lioumis was admitted as a solicitor in 1990 and called to the New South Wales Bar in 2018. As a solicitor Judge Lioumis practiced in the area of ​​family law, becoming an accredited specialist, and worked as a solicitor and solicitor advocate. Judge Lioumis’ 28 years of experience in family law includes serving as a Registrar in the then Family Court of Australia, and working as a solicitor at Legal Aid as well as in private practice. Her honor has also served as a member of the Law Society Professional Conduct Committee and has taught evidence and ethics at the University of Technology Sydney.

Her Honor Judge Janine Young – Melbourne Registry

Her Honor Judge Janine Young was admitted to practice in 1997. Prior to her Honor’s appointment as a Judge she was a Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission since 2019. Her Honor was previously a Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth specializing in employment and labor law since 2011, having worked as an employment and labor law specialist with Corrs Chambers Westgarth since 2007. Before joining Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Judge Young was a workplace relations lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

His Honor Judge Mark Champion – Melbourne Registry

His Honor Judge Mark Champion is an experienced barrister having been called to the Bar in 2000. His Honor had a highly regarded employment law practice representing employees and employers across jurisdictions. Judge Champion’s practice also included administrative law, commercial law and professional disciplinary matters. His honor was an experienced mediator and completed the Victorian Bar Mediators Course. For several years, Doyle’s Guide recommended his Honor among Leading Employment Law Counsel.

Her Honor Judge Amanda Humphreys – Melbourne Registry

Her Honor Judge Amanda Humphreys is an Accredited Family Law Specialist who has worked most recently as a solicitor at Taussig Cherrie Fildes since 2019, as Special Counsel. Her honor has worked exclusively in family law since 2001 after the beginning of her legal career as a research assistant with the Supreme Court of Victoria, Court of Appeal. Her Honor’s expertise extends across all aspects of family law, including complex parenting, property and financial matters, child support and international family law. Her honor has a special interest and expertise in international family law and is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Judge Humphreys was recommended by Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer in Melbourne in 2022 and Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer in Victoria from 2019 to 2022.

Her Honor Judge Jennifer McArdle – Brisbane Registry

Her Honor Judge Jennifer McArdle is an experienced barrister having been called to the Bar in 2010. Her Honor’s practice included all aspects of family law and child protection matters, having represented clients in the Federal and State Courts, both in Brisbane and in regional areas. Prior to being called to the Bar, Judge McArdle was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1989, and worked in private practice for several years, advising on wills and estates, commercial property, personal injuries matters and family law. In 1995, she joined Legal Aid Queensland, as a Solicitor in their Family Law section. Her Honor is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Arbitrator. Judge McArdle has been listed in Doyle’s Guide as a leading family law barrister in Queensland.

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