According to a press release issued last Wednesday, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced the appointment of John Chicken to the bench of the NSW Local Court.

“Mr Chicken is an accomplished barrister, with 25 years’ experience in the legal profession,” said Mr Hatzistergos.

Since graduating from University of Otago with a Bachelor of Laws in 1983, Mr Chicken has appeared extensively as a criminal advocate in the Local, District and Supreme Court of NSW.

In 21 years appearing in the NSW jurisdiction, Mr Chicken has acted in hearings before the Mental Health Review Tribunal, the State Parole Authority and in statutory commissions.

He also appeared extensively in the Wood Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service and subsequently appeared in numerous Police Integrity Commission and Independent Commission Against Corruption hearings.

In 1999, Mr Chicken commenced practice at the private criminal bar.

“I congratulate Mr Chicken on his appointment and wish him every success in the role,” Mr Hatzistergos said.

“His strong background in criminal law will no doubt be an asset to Local Courts in NSW.”

Mr Chicken will be sworn in as a magistrate on November 2.