Seven new magistrates appointed in further boost to the Local Court of NSW

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

The Attorney General today announced the appointment of seven new magistrates to the Local Court of New South Wales, strengthening the judiciary with a wealth of experience across criminal, civil and community law.

The new magistrates - Paul Blunt, Kirk Dailly, Tania Johnson, Simon Joyner, Marguerite Vassall, Ann Lambino and Lucas Swan - bring a combined total of more than 150 years of legal experience and will serve in locations across metropolitan and regional NSW.

The appointments reflect the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Local Court, the busiest court jurisdiction in Australia, with magistrates responsible for more than 90 per cent of judicial decisions in the state, including increasingly complex cases.

The incoming magistrates have extensive backgrounds in police prosecution, defence, Legal Aid, community outreach, and complex litigation. Their appointments will provide valuable support to the judiciary in managing caseloads and ensuring the delivery of timely, fair, and accessible justice.

These seven appointments bring the total number of magistrates in the Local Court to a record 161. They will be sworn in and commence in late May 2025.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of seven outstanding lawyers to the Local Court bench.

“Our Local Court magistrates make critical decisions every day that affect people’s lives, families and futures.

“These new appointees bring not just legal expertise, but also compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the communities they will serve.

“This new cohort will strengthen the diversity, resilience and capability of the Local Court, and I thank them for their service to justice in NSW.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Paul Blunt

Paul Blunt has more than two decades of experience as a solicitor, following 10 years as a police prosecutor. He has appeared in every level of the NSW court system and contributed to the training of legal professionals and frontline service providers.

He brings a deep understanding of community safety and culturally informed practice.

Mr Blunt will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 26 May 2025.

Kirk Dailly

Kirk Dailly has practised as a barrister for over 20 years, with prior experience as a senior police prosecutor. He has appeared in complex trials across multiple jurisdictions and has acted in both prosecution and defence.

He has been recognised for his role in high-profile cases and coronial inquests. His legal insight and professional ethics are widely respected. 

Mr Dailly will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 26 May 2025.

Tania Johnson 

Tania Johnson is a highly accomplished solicitor with a twenty-year career in criminal law. She began at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before joining Legal Aid NSW, where she worked as a Solicitor Advocate in the Local, District and Supreme Courts.

Her focus has been on improving access to justice, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged clients.

Ms Johnson will be sworn in and commence as a Magistrate on 27 May 2025.

Simon Joyner 

Simon Joyner comes to the bench with 20 years of experience in criminal law. Admitted as a solicitor in 2004, he co-founded Matouk Joyner Lawyers in 2006 and his own firm in 2021. He has appeared before the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of NSW, and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

Committed to social justice, he has contributed to initiatives supporting victims of crime particularly advocacy for women’s domestic violence and at-risk youth. He has handled diverse criminal cases, including murder and terrorism, and represented clients across Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Joyner will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 22 May 2025.

Marguerite Vassall  

Marguerite Vassall began her legal career in 2012 at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions where she has appeared widely in summary prosecutions and jury trials across multiple court jurisdictions.

Since 2023, she has served as a Solicitor Advocate and was previously Senior Solicitor in the Walama List, helping establish ODPP processes. She is respected for her clear judgment, strategic insight, and ability to manage sensitive cases with care and rigour.

Ms Vassall will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 23 May 2025.

Ann Lambino

Ann Lambino brings over 37 years of experience with the NSW Local Court to the bench. She began her career as a Court Officer in 1988. Since her admission as a legal practitioner in 1998 she has held a range of senior roles including Policy Officer, Deputy Registrar and Executive Officer to the Chief Magistrate. For the last 13 years, she has served as Registrar of the Coroners Court.

She is highly regarded for her extensive knowledge of court operations, leadership across jurisdictions, and longstanding dedication to accessible justice.

Ms Lambino will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 27 May 2025.

Lucas Swan 

Lucas Swan is an experienced solicitor in criminal, civil, compensation and family law and community legal advocate. He has a strong record of public service, courtroom advocacy and cross-jurisdictional litigation.

He has provided outreach services in remote communities and is recognised for his work advancing legal access for Indigenous Australians.

Mr Swan will be sworn in and commence as a magistrate on 23 May 2025.