29 August 2024
The Honourable Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of South Australia, has today on behalf of the Judges of the Supreme Court announced the appointment of three new Senior Counsel. The appointments were made after wide consultation with the judicial officers of the State, the senior law officers of the State and the legal profession.
Senior Counsel hold important leadership positions in the legal profession. Criteria for selection include legal learning, experience and skill in advocacy, integrity, availability to prospective clients and independence.
The new Senior Counsel are Ms Taanya Claire Lewis SC, Ms Lisa Jane Dunlop SC and Mr David Billington SC.
Ms Taanya Claire Lewis SC
Ms Lewis SC holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Jurisprudence) from the University of Adelaide. She was admitted to practice in September 1994. Ms Lewis SC joined the Independent Bar in 2002 and has practised almost exclusively in Family Law. Ms Lewis SC’s practice has involved extensive trial and appellate work in both divisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and the courts previously exercising family law jurisdiction, in matters of significant complexity. She has appeared in the District Court and is an accredited mediator.
Ms Lisa Jane Dunlop SC
Ms Dunlop SC holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice and a Bachelor of International Studies from Flinders University and was admitted to practice in December 2002. She joined the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2004, before joining the counsel section in 2013. Ms Dunlop SC has undertaken trial work as prosecuting counsel in the District and Supreme Courts and has appeared in the Court of Appeal. Ms Dunlop SC has appeared in special leave applications before the High Court of Australia. She was appointed to the role of Managing Prosecutor in the counsel section in January 2018. In July 2023, Ms Dunlop SC was appointed Executive Managing Prosecutor and sits on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Executive team.
Mr David Billington SC
Mr Billington SC holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Adelaide. He was admitted to practice in June 2004 and joined the Independent Bar in March 2015. Mr Billington SC practises in the areas of environmental law, native title and Aboriginal heritage law, general administrative law, and criminal assets confiscation. At the State level, he has appeared in the Environment, Resources and Development Court, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. At the federal level, he has appeared in the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.
The Chief Justice said:
The appointment of Senior Counsel is a significant event for the successful applicants, for the legal profession and the South Australian community.
Senior Counsel are leaders of the profession who adhere to the highest standards of legal excellence and integrity. The Chief Justice congratulates the Senior Counsel announced today. They have earned this recognition through the diligent performance of their duties to the Courts and their clients.
Released by CAA Media and Communications Officer phone 8204 0403 or 0467 795 291