Twelve new appointments to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
The Magistrates' Court warmly welcomes twelve new magistrates effective 16 December 2025 who bring a wealth of experience to their new roles.
Magistrate Emily Allan commenced her legal career with the Office of Public Prosecutions, including as a Senior Lawyer in the Specialist Sex Offences Unit. She joined Victoria Legal Aid in 2016 and progressed to the role of Associate Director, Indictable Crime in 2020. Magistrate Allan signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2023.
Magistrate Brendan Annear commenced practice as a solicitor with Robert Stary Lawyers and joined Victoria Legal Aid in 2013. He returned to private practice as Senior Associate at Claudia Grimberg Lawyers in 2016. Since 2024, Magistrate Annear has been Managing Lawyer (Youth) at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency. He will commence at the Children’s Court.
Magistrate David Barrese commenced his legal career as a solicitor with Slades & Parsons. He established his own practice, David Barrese & Associates, in 2010. Magistrate Barrese is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
Magistrate Zoe Broughton commenced her career as a solicitor with Balmer & Associates. She signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2009. From 2014 she was Public Defender and later Senior Public Defender with Victoria Legal Aid. Magistrate Broughton returned to the Bar in 2022 practicing mainly in criminal trials.
Magistrate Avi Furstenberg commenced his legal career with Lewenberg & Lewenberg, advancing to the role of Partner. He founded his own practice, Furstenberg Law, in 2016. Since 2024 he has been Partner at Doogue & George. Magistrate Furstenberg is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
Magistrate Kartya Gracer commenced practice as a solicitor with Galbally & O’Bryan, progressing to Senior Associate in 2015 and to Partner in 2022. Magistrate Gracer is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist.
Magistrate Isabelle Harrison commenced her legal career with the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission. In 2003 she joined Victoria Legal Aid in Youth Legal Services. In 2007 she commenced her own practice, Harrison Lawyers, specialising in Children’s Court matters. Magistrate Harrison will commence at the Children’s Court.
Magistrate Michael Hoyle commenced as a solicitor at Phillips Fox Lawyers in 2001. In 2004 he joined the Office of Public Prosecutions as Principal Solicitor, progressing to Deputy Solicitor for Public Prosecutions in 2018. Since 2024, Magistrate Hoyle has been at Victoria Police as Deputy General Counsel & Director, Courts & Prosecution Services.
Magistrate Zubin Menon commenced his career as a solicitor with Community Legal Services. In 2013 he signed the Victorian Bar Roll, appearing in State and Commonwealth Courts and Tribunals. Between 2021 – 2022 he was Public Defender at Victoria Legal Aid. During his time at the Bar, Magistrate Menon was the Secretary of Liberty Victoria and the co-chair of the Victorian Bar’s Equality and Diversity Committee.
Magistrate Teresa Porritt commenced her legal career as Associate to Justice John Coldrey. In 2007 she joined the Department of Human Services. She signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2010. Magistrate Porritt will commence at the Children’s Court.
Magistrate Samantha Seoud commenced her practice as a solicitor with Balmer & Associates. She joined Victoria Legal Aid in 2014 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Townsville) in 2016. Magistrate Seoud signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2017 practicing primarily in criminal law.
Magistrate Melanie Younis commenced her career as a commercial litigation lawyer with Hall & Wilcox Lawyers. In 2010 she joined Dowling McGregor as a Children’s Court lawyer, and since 2021 has been Principal at Dale & Younis Legal. Magistrate Younis is an Accredited Children’s Law Specialist. She will commence at the Children’s Court.
