Attorney General John Quigley has appointed Senior Counsel Simon Freitag, a barrister specialising in criminal law, as a judge of the District Court.
A Barrister at the Independent Bar since 2003, Mr Freitag has conducted a varied practice accepting mostly defence briefs from Legal Aid WA, Aboriginal Legal Service of WA and private solicitors.
He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2017 and since then has sat on the Admissions Committee of the Legal Practice Board.
Mr Freitag is a member of the Legal Aid panel of practitioners for criminal work and has been committed to doing work for the agency throughout his career, particularly on homicide matters.
He is a foundation signatory to the National Pro Bono Aspiration Target, a commitment of doing at least 35 hours of pro bono work per year.
Mr Freitag fills a vacancy in the District Court left by the retirement of His Hon. Judge Simon Stone.
He will begin his new role on December 16, 2020.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"Simon Freitag SC has been a valued member of the legal profession for more than 20 years.
"Mr Freitag has conducted approximately 200 trials in the superior courts, has appeared as counsel in more than 600 hearings in the Magistrates Court and conducted approximately 40 appeals.
"The composition of the District Court will be further enhanced by his significant advocacy experience.
"I particularly note Mr Freitag's commitment to pro bono and legally aided work throughout his career. He has demonstrated a willingness to work for the public good; a trait that will stand him in good stead in his service of the people of Western Australia.
"I congratulate Mr Freitag on his appointment and welcome him to the judiciary."
