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Family Law Expert Appointed New Family Court Magistrate

  • Family Court registrar and former solicitor appointed as a Family Court Magistrate
  • Joanne Brinkley has a strong legal background in the family law sector

Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of Joanne Brinkley as a Magistrate of the Family Court of Western Australia (FCWA).

Ms Brinkley has served as an FCWA registrar for the past two years, following an 11-year career as a solicitor with Legal Aid WA.

At Legal Aid, she managed a case load of predominantly Independent Children’s Lawyer and Child Representative matters in the FCWA and Children’s Court of WA.

She also worked on family law and child protection matters during her Legal Aid tenure.

In 2022, Ms Brinkley became a registrar at the FCWA, where she has continued to build on her family law experience.

Her range of responsibilities at the court have included assisting families with divorce, parenting and financial proceedings.

Admitted to practice in WA in 2011, Ms Brinkley was recognised only three years later by the Family Law Practitioners’ Association as its inaugural Young Family Lawyer of the Year.

She became an accredited mediator in July 2022.

Ms Brinkley will commence her new position as a Magistrate on 5 August 2024.

As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:

“I congratulate Joanne Brinkley on her appointment as a Magistrate of the Family Court of Western Australia.

“Ms Brinkley brings extensive expertise in the family law arena having been involved in complex legal issues including child-related matters.

“Ms Brinkley will help bolster the ranks of Magistrates as the court manages an increased caseload.”

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