Barrister Andrew Beech has been appointed a judge of the WA Supreme Court, one of four appointments, which also includes the elevation of Justice Geoffrey Miller to the Court of Appeal.
Francis Burt Chambers senior counsel Mr Beech, 45, joined the independent bar in 1994, having previously worked as a crown prosecutor and in the commercial litigation department of Parker and Parker (now Freehills).
"Mr Beech has practiced in a wide range of commercial, public law and general civil litigation and in criminal trials," announced Attorney General Jim McGinty.
"There is a strong consensus that he has the necessary intellect, experience, work ethic, personality and temperament to make an excellent judicial officer."
Mr McGinty said Justice Miller will replace Justice Len Roberts-Smith on the Court of Appeal, who recently became head of the Corruption and Crime Commission.
"Not only was Justice Miler one of the State's most accomplished criminal lawyers while in practice, he has specialised in criminal law since his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1998 and presided over numerous criminal trials during that time," Mr McGinty said.
"Apart from his prowess in the criminal law area, Justice Miller is seen as a very proficient judge in other areas of the law and is highly regarded for his judicial work across the whole spectrum. "
Former magistrate Wayne Tarr has been appointed as an acting magistrate for 12 months, to help reduce case backlogs at Magistrate's Courts in Bunbury, Rockingham, Armadale and the Goldfields region.
Mr McGinty said Mr Tarr's acceptance of the new role following his retirement showed a strong commitment to improving the efficiency of WA's busy court system.
Also, Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Joe Randazzo has been appointed to the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, replacing Dr Michael King.
