Senior Counsel to join expanded Family Court bench

• Barrister and Senior Counsel Michael Berry SC appointed a Judge of the Family Court
• Appointment is a new position made possible by Commonwealth funding
  

Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of barrister Michael Berry SC as a Judge of the Family Court of Western Australia (FCWA).

 

Mr Berry's appointment follows the Commonwealth providing funding for an additional

full-time judge of the FCWA, increasing the number of judges to six.

 

He has been an accredited family law specialist for more than 20 years. Mr Berry was admitted as a lawyer in December 1996 and joined the independent bar in 2005.

 

As a barrister he has predominantly practiced family law and was appointed a Senior Counsel in 2014.

 

Mr Berry also taught family law at the University of Western Australia for several years and was President of the Family Law Practitioners Association for two years.

 

His appointment will take effect from June 7.

 

Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:

 

"I congratulate Mr Berry on his appointment to the Family Court as its newest Judge.

 

"Mr Berry has advised and represented clients in all aspects of family law at trial and appellate level.

 

"His skill and many years of specialised experience will increase the Court's ability to respond to the complex issues that frequently arise.

 

"Increasing the number of judges will greatly assist the hardworking staff in this very important jurisdiction in providing WA families with equitable and dignified resolutions of their disputes.

 

"Mr Berry's appointment will be instrumental in helping the Court reduce delays and to improve outcomes for families."

 

Minister's office - 6552 6800