Published date: Thursday, 15 November 2018
Australia's busiest court will gain two new magistrates with the appointments of David O'Neil and Georgina Darcy to the bench of the Local Court of NSW.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said both appointees have a wealth of experience in the Local Court and will be welcome additions to the bench.
"Mr O'Neil is an accomplished barrister who has practised law for more than three decades, while Ms Darcy is among the most senior and well-respected lawyers at Legal Aid NSW," Mr Speakman said.
Mr O'Neil is a foundation member of Maurice Byers Chambers. His principal areas of practice include criminal, work health and safety (WHS), liquor and coronial law. He has appeared extensively in the Court of Criminal Appeal and on a number of occasions in the Supreme Court in high risk offender hearings.
Before joining the Bar in 1997, Mr O'Neil operated a solicitor's practice in Sydney's inner west for 11 years. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1982 after obtaining a Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW.
Ms Darcy has worked at Legal Aid NSW for the past 13 years, with her recent roles including Deputy Director of the Criminal Law Division and Solicitor in Charge of the Parramatta Justice Precinct Office.
Earlier in her career, she was an Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) solicitor and a clerk at some of Sydney's busiest Local Courts.
Ms Darcy obtained Bachelors of Laws and Arts from the University of NSW and a Master of Arts (Journalism) from the University of Wollongong.
The two new magistrates will join the bench after swearing in ceremonies on Monday, 26 November 2018.
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