- District Court of Western Australia Judge appointed as a Supreme Court Judge
- Judge Terence Palmer spent 15 years as a barrister before joining the judiciary
Attorney General John Quigley has announced the appointment of Judge Terence Palmer as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
Judge Palmer practised as a barrister for 15 years after being called to the WA Bar in 2008.
He had a broad commercial practice encompassing corporate law, financial services, insurance and building and construction law, and was appointed a Senior Counsel in 2021.
As well as complex commercial disputes, his practice included matters heard in the Coroner's Court, often acting for medical professionals.
Judge Palmer was a longstanding member of the WA Bar Association's Bar Council, regularly involved in teaching advocacy to new barristers.
He was appointed a District Court Judge in July 2023.
Earlier in his career, Judge Palmer worked as a solicitor at private law firms after being admitted to practice in 1998.
He served as a special counsel at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for two years from 2006.
Judge Palmer replaces Justice Samuel Vandongen on the Supreme Court bench after the latter became a judge of the Federal Court of Australia in December 2024.
His appointment commences 28 January 2025.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"I congratulate Judge Terence Palmer on his appointment as a Judge of the WA Supreme Court.
"He is highly respected in the legal profession and has served with diligence and distinction as a District Court Judge.
"As a barrister, Judge Palmer acted for a range of clients including in the insurance, professional services, construction and resources sectors, and appeared in all State and Federal courts and in domestic and international arbitration.
"I am confident his extensive experience in courtroom advocacy and litigation together with his time presiding in the District Court will see him assume the responsibilities of a Supreme Court Justice seamlessly."
