- Alan Sefton SC appointed as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia
- The Senior Counsel worked at the State Solicitor's Office for more than 30 years
Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Sefton SC as a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia.
He replaces long-time District Court Judge Andrew Stavrianou, who has retired.
Mr Sefton spent more than three decades working at the State Solicitor's Office (SSO), where he rose to the position of State Counsel, the most senior position in the SSO, other than State Solicitor.
He became State Counsel in 2020, the same year he was appointed a Senior Counsel.
Mr Sefton's long career at the SSO also included stints serving as Acting State Solicitor.
As State Counsel, he represented the State Government on a wide range of complex matters in multiple courts.
Mr Sefton appeared on behalf of and provided legal advice to Ministers, departments, agencies and instrumentalities.
He also appeared or acted as counsel in a number of high-profile appeals and proceedings of importance to the Government and community.
During his tenure at the SSO, he practised in administrative law, statutory interpretation, the obligations and liabilities of the State, land compensation and valuation law.
Other areas in which Mr Sefton practised included regulatory prosecutions, constitutional law, revenue law, discrimination law, coronial law, complex large-scale litigation involving the State, industrial law, mining law, native title and environmental law.
He commences in his new role on 6 May 2024.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"I congratulate Alan Sefton SC on becoming a Judge of the District Court of Western Australia.
"He has vast legal experience and is highly regarded in the legal profession.
"Over the course of his distinguished career at the SSO, Mr Sefton was extensively involved in demanding matters of the highest complexity, significance and sensitivity to the State.
"In addition, he was a former member of the Law Reform Commission and among his other statutory appointments, had been chairperson of the Appeal Costs Board for the past 12 years.
"Mr Sefton will be a welcome addition to the District Court as it presides over a substantial caseload."
