Two new appointments to the Magistrates' Court of Victoria

The Chief Magistrate, Justice Lisa Hannan is delighted to welcome two new magistrates to the bench.

Douglas Shirrefs commenced his legal career as a solicitor at Minter Ellison in 2003. He joined the Victorian Bar in 2005 where he had a diverse commercial practice, specialising in agribusiness, franchising and consumer law. Douglas is a nationally accredited mediator and has vast experience in this area. Prior to the law, Douglas worked as a senior economist for both the Victorian and Commonwealth governments. He has been a company director and chairperson, and was a foundation commissioner of the Victorian Taxi Services Commission.

Julia Lever-Davidson commenced her practice with Dowling McGregor in Melbourne. She joined the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission in 2010, working in family violence and Children’s Court criminal matters. Following her return to Melbourne she held roles at Victoria Legal Aid between 2014 – 2021 including as Managing Lawyer of the Summary Crime and Youth Crime teams. In 2021 Julia was appointed a Judicial Registrar of the Children’s Court of Victoria, hearing a variety of matters. In 2024 she was appointed Deputy President at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal where she is the Head of the Human Rights Division. Ms Lever-Davidson will commence her appointment in October.

Congratulations to both Magistrates on their appointment.