New President of the Court of Appeal named

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has announced that Queensland’s former Solicitor-General Walter Sofronoff QC will be the new President of the Court of Appeal.

He replaces Justice Margaret McMurdo, who resigned her commission last Friday.

Mrs D’Ath said Mr Sofronoff was one of the most respected legal practitioners in Queensland.

“This is a significant appointment for Queensland; the second highest position in the state’s justice system,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“It requires someone with exceptional skills and legal qualifications who is highly regarded by the entire legal profession.

“Walter Sofronoff is that person.  He is a brilliant legal mind, and a person of exceptional character and integrity.

“I thank him for taking on this important role,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Walter Sofronoff QC was first called to the Bar in 1977 and took silk in 1988.

He served as Queensland’s Solicitor-General from 2005-2014.

He recently led a review of the state’s Parole system, and was Commissioner for the Grantham Floods Commission of Inquiry.

Mr Sofronoff takes up the appointment on Monday.

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