New State Administrative Tribunal president

Highly respected District Court Judge Jeremy Curthoys has been appointed as the President of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and a justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said the appointment was strongly supported by the legal fraternity, with Judge Curthoys' dedication to the law earning the respect of his colleagues.

"Prior to his appointment to the District Court, Judge Curthoys was a barrister and solicitor with more than 25 years in commercial law and general civil litigation in the Supreme, District and Federal Courts," Mr Mischin said.

"He is renowned for contributing extensively to continuing education in the legal profession, teaching litigation and advocacy skills throughout the past 30 years both for the Law Society of WA and other teaching institutions.

"He has been a highly capable judge of the District Court where he has worked diligently and efficiently and I have no doubt his strong work ethic will continue in this new role."

Judge Curthoys was educated at Aquinas College, followed by The University of Western Australia where he obtained the degrees of Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Hons), Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts. He also obtained a Master of Laws from Murdoch University.

Mr Curthoys commenced his articles of clerkship with Parker & Parker (now Herbert Smith Freehills) and was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of WA in 1980.

Following his employment with Parker & Parker, he spent a year in London with the firm of Freshfields, engaged in the preparation of criminal prosecutions in relation to counterfeit currency and on his return to Perth in 1985 he commenced practice at the independent Bar.

Judge Curthoys is the co-author of 'Advocacy: An Introduction' and since 2005 has been the co-editor of 'Civil Procedure WA'.

The two-year appointment begins on February 10, 2014, when current SAT President Justice John Chaney completes his term and returns to the Supreme Court.

The Attorney General paid tribute to Justice Chaney's dedicated leadership of the SAT, which has helped make it one of the most efficient and effective jurisdictions of its type in Australia.

Attorney General's office - 6552 5600