Following years of extensive work and involvement within the Katherine community, Ms Thomasin Opie has been appointed as a Judge to the Darwin Local Court.
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First admitted as a solicitor in 2001, Ms Opie has two decades of experience practicing criminal and child protection as well as family and civil law.
Ms Opie, who moved to the Territory in 2002, worked as a criminal law solicitor with the Katherine Regional Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, and continued as a criminal lawyer at the Darwin Office of the North Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid service in 2003.
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In 2004, Ms Opie commenced with the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission (NTLAC) and during her time with the commission travelled to remote communities, providing advice regarding housing, tenancy, fines and debts, consumer issues, criminal law, child protection, medical negligence, compensation and family law.
"While sad to leave the NT Legal Aid Commission and the town of Katherine, I hope to bring a regional and social justice focus to my work on the bench," Ms Opie said.
Leaving her position as a Coordinator of the Health Justice Partnership and as a Regional Manager at the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission, Ms Opie will see the NT achieve a gender equal bench for its Local Courts.
Outside of her work, Ms Opie was heavily involved in the Katherine community by volunteering at the Katherine Women's Crisis Centre, the Katherine Women's Information and Legal Services, the Equity Learning Group, Katherine South Primary School, and the Big Rivers Domestic Violence Local Reference Group.
She was also the Chair of Katherine Youth Justice Reinvestment Group in 2018.
With a commitment to growth and professional development, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Selena Uibo said Ms Opie is "second to none".
"Ms Opie has extensive experience working across the Top End for almost two decades, helping Territorians reach resolutions and understanding the issues that impact them," Ms Uibo said.
"Her commitment to her professional work and her dedication to improving outcomes for the community through her volunteering is second to none.
"We look forward to welcoming Ms Opie into the Darwin Local Court."
Ms Opie, who will replace retiring Judge John Neill, will be officially sworn in next month.
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