Two new judges appointed to the District Court of NSW

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Two experienced barristers Jillian Kelton and Adam Williams have been appointed as judges of the District Court of NSW.

Ms Kelton’s legal career spans almost three decades, chiefly with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions where she was appointed Crown Prosecutor in 2018.

She has appeared in numerous District Court trials with her work duties including matters such manslaughter, sexual assault, conspiracy, drug-related crimes and domestic violence offences.

In addition, she has conducted the pre-recording of children’s evidence in the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program (CSOEP).

High profile matters Ms Kelton has prosecuted include institutional child sexual abuse cases and crimes involving Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.

Along with her work in the courts, Ms Kelton regularly provides teaching modules for police, including charging considerations and conducting interviews with children in sexual assault matters.

Mr Williams brings more than three decades of legal expertise to the bench, with a distinguished career spanning both criminal and civil matters.

Admitted to the Bar in 2002, Mr Williams is currently in full-time practice as a barrister specialising in criminal law.

Known for his work ethic and enjoyment of a challenge, Mr Williams has appeared in numerous complex criminal trials across the state.

Ms Kelton and Mr Williams will both be sworn in on 20 July 2026.

Quotes attributable to the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Ms Kelton and Mr Williams as Judges of the District Court of NSW. Both bring extensive experience and are highly credentialed, and their expertise will be of great value to the Court.

“I thank Ms Kelton and Mr Williams for agreeing to serve the people of New South Wales in these important roles, and I wish them every success on the bench.”

Jillian Kelton – Biography

Ms Kelton commenced practice as a solicitor in 1998 and joined the NSW Bar as a Crown Prosecutor in 2018. After starting her career with the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre in Sydney, she joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Wollongong before relocating to the Newcastle office.

Her work includes extensive circuits and super callovers at Tamworth, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.

Adam Williams – Biography

Mr Williams commenced his career as a Judge’s Associate and Legal Clerk before being admitted as a solicitor in 1998.

He worked in private practices in Sydney and Northern NSW where he conducted both criminal and civil matters.

Mr Williams was admitted to the Bar in 2002 and became a member of Samuel Griffith Chambers in 2003, specialising in criminal law.