Katherine Richardson SC appointed to Supreme Court of NSW

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Barrister Katherine Richardson SC has been appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Ms Richardson brings more than two decades of distinguished experience with recognised expertise across administrative and public law, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, privacy and professional liability matters.

She started her career in 1997 as a solicitor for Mallesons Stephen Jacques in Sydney. Her studies at Harvard in 2000 were followed by a stint as a Litigation Attorney in New York with Sullivan & Cromwell. Returning to Australia in 2002, she was called to the Bar in the same year.

Appointed Senior Counsel in 2016, she is consistently recognised as a leading silk and has extensive experience in public inquiries and coronial inquests of national significance.

Ms Richardson has also contributed to the profession through service with the NSW Bar Association, including sitting on the Silk Selection Committee, and with her role as Head of the Readership Committee at Banco Chambers.

She replaces Justice Robertson Wright, who has served on the bench since 2013 and was the first president of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Ms Richardson will be sworn in on 3 June.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Katherine Richardson SC is an outstanding lawyer with a formidable intellect and an exceptional breadth of legal experience.

“She brings deep expertise in public and administrative law, a strong commitment to the rule of law, and a proven capacity to deal with complex and sensitive matters.

“Her appointment is a welcome addition to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and will further strengthen the court’s ability to serve the people of this state.”