New appointment to the Court of Appeal

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Justice Paul Coghlan as a judge of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Coghlan is a highly distinguished figure in the Victorian legal community, bringing over 40 years of experience to the position.

Justice Coghlan has been a judge of the Supreme Court since 2007 and Principal Judge of the Criminal Division since 2010.

He was appointed Victoria’s fifth Director of Public Prosecutions in 2001, following a highly regarded service as a Senior Crown Prosecutor and as Chief Crown Prosecutor.

Justice Coghlan was admitted to practice in 1969. After nine years as a solicitor, he joined the Victorian Bar in 1978, where he specialized in criminal law early in his career.

Mr Clark said Justice Coghlan’s wealth of experience makes him a valuable addition to the Court of Appeal.

“Justice Coghlan’s vast practical trial experience, from both the bar table and the bench, will be of considerable assistance to the Court of Appeal at a time when the court will be continuing with the implementation of the Ashley-Venne criminal appeal reforms, as well as overseeing the introduction of impending jury direction and other reforms,” Mr Clark said.

“I congratulate Justice Coghlan on his appointment to the Court of Appeal, and look forward to his further contribution to the Victorian community and the state’s judicial system.”

Justice Coghlan will take up his appointment from 1 January 2013, upon the retirement of Justice Bernard Bongiorno.