Five new appointments to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria
The Chief Magistrate, Justice Lisa Hannan is delighted to welcome five new magistrates to the bench today, Tuesday 15 July 2025.
Patrick Allen commenced his legal career as a solicitor advocate with Stary Norton Halphen appearing extensively in the Magistrates and Children’s Court. In 2017 Patrick commenced his own practice where he continued to appear across the jurisdictions. Prior to his legal career Patrick completed a Bachelor of Social Work and was a caseworker for organisations providing support services in justice, child protection, community development and homelessness. Patrick has maintained his work with disadvantaged members of our community concurrent with his legal practice and brings a deep understanding of the intersection between both aspects of his work.
Natalie Burnett commenced her practice with Victoria Legal Aid in Sunshine before joining the Office of Public Prosecutions. Natalie held a variety of roles at the OPP including in general prosecutions, the clinical training program and senior solicitor and legal prosecution coordinator. Natalie signed the Bar Roll in 2010 and had an extensive criminal law practice, predominantly in indictable crime in the County Court.
Nick Goodenough commenced his legal career in Adelaide as a solicitor before moving to Melbourne where he joined Victoria Legal Aid in 2000 as a duty lawyer. Nick went on to become a managing lawyer with VLA in 2007. He joined the Victorian Bar in 2011, primarily prosecuting for the Victorian OPP in indictable matters in the County Court. Since 2022 he has been a Senior Public Defender at VLA.
Adrian Kennedy practiced as a duty lawyer with VLA and in private practice before joining Fitzroy Legal Service where he was Principal Solicitor from 2008 – 2010. Since 2010 he has been at the Victorian Bar where he has appeared primarily in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Court jurisdictions in crime and child protection matters.
Clare Morris commenced her legal career as associate to Judge Lawson at the County Court. After completing two years with Her Honour, Clare was employed by Stary Norton Halphen working as a solicitor advocate for seven years. In 2017 Clare joined VLA as Senior Lawyer and advocate in the Night Court team until she returned to Stary Norton Halphen as a Partner in 2022. Clare has managed a diverse caseload including complex trials at the County and Supreme Courts and preparation of matters for the Court of Appeal. She is an accredited criminal law specialist.
Congratulations to all Magistrates on their appointment.
