ANU Law School alumnus Jon White SC has been appointed a Resident Judge of the ACT Supreme Court. 

Mr White graduated ANU Law School in 1981 and brings decades of practise in criminal, appellate and public law, including his service as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the ACT from 2008 to 2018 and extensive experience as lead counsel in complex matters before the ACT Supreme Court, ACT Court of Appeal and High Court of Australia. Mr White SC was appointed Senior Counsel in 2014. 

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed a judge of the ACT Supreme Court. I was born and educated in Canberra and have practiced law here extensively. I’ll draw on my personal and professional experience in the ACT in performing my new role,” he said. 

The Honourable Chief Justice Lucy McCallum says, “Mr White is rightly regarded as a venerable leader of the ACT Criminal Bar. He brings to the Court a sharp intellect, unrivalled experience and a prodigious work ethic. His appointment is most welcome at this time." 

The ACT Bar Council notes that Mr White is widely recognised for his expertise in complex criminal law. He joined the private Bar in 2019, continuing to specialise in complex criminal trials and appeals including as defence counsel. 

Prue Bindon, ACT Bar Council President added, “This combination of experience in both prosecution and defence work provides Mr White SC with a well-rounded perspective that makes him an ideal appointment to the ACT Supreme Court given its significant criminal caseload.” 

He is filling the vacancy created by Justice Louise Taylor’s appointment as Chief Magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court.