Leaving law in good shape Chief Judge ends 30-year career

THE head of the District Court, Chief Judge Kerry O’brien, presided over his final criminal trial in Townsville last month, three decades after his career as a judge began in the city.

Chief Judge O’brien will retire in August after more than 30 years from when he was first appointed to the District Court in 1989.

“Townsville is a place I’ve had a long and strong connection with,” he said.

“It’s very special. We lived in Townsville for about 10 years, a large portion of that as a judge, and Townsville is a place which will hold a special place for myself and my wife. Our children were born here.

“We’ve got lifelong friends here and, of course, my association with the legal profession and the courts is a strong one. It does mean a lot to be able to come back.”

Chief Judge O’brien said the number of women holding senior positions and the use of technology were two major changes the profession had undergone during his career.

“It’s the change that’s been most significant,” he said.

“When I was first appointed a judge, there were no female judges in Queensland and it was still another couple of years, early ’90s, before there were any female judges appointed.

“Today, about a quarter of my court is female. I think that’s a really impressive change over that period of time.

“Technology has changed enormously, we have much wider use of computers and other electronic means of communication.”

He said being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives gave him fulfilment.

“That can lead to a real sense of satisfaction when people see wrongs righted. Those who seek justice know that they are able to get it through our judicial system,” Chief Judge O’brien said.

“In the criminal area I’ve had letters from people over the years saying ‘ Thank you for the opportunity you gave me’ and how they got on with their lives.

“It doesn’t happen a lot, but those sorts of things can be very satisfying for any judge.”

Chief Judge O’brien gave parting advice to lawyers entering the “ancient and honourable profession”.

“I say to young lawyers, work hard, be thorough in what you do, get involved with your societies, never lose sight of the principles of the profession that you represent,” he said.

“The District Court of Queensland is in very good shape and here in Townsville there are two excellent judges who continue to serve the people well in their role.”