Victorian Bar Welcomes Appointment of the Hon. William Alstergren as Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia

Chief Judge Alstergren was a practising member of the Victorian Bar for more than 25 years before his appointment in October 2017 as Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court. He has a remarkable record of contribution to the legal profession serving, among many other roles, as an office bearer of the Victorian Bar Council for seven years, including as Chairman in 2014, and as President of the Australian Bar Association in 2017.

“Chief Judge Alstergren brings strong skills to his new role as the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia. As Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court, he has already implemented case management initiatives to increase the efficiency of the Court with which the Victorian Bar has been proactively engaged,” said Dr Matt Collins QC, President of the Victorian Bar.

“He has demonstrated the capacity to bring and deliver a strategic vision to a large and diverse organisation. His leadership and drive will be of great benefit to the Court.”

The Victorian Bar also welcomes the announcement of the appointment of the Honourable Justice Robert McClelland as Deputy Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia and acknowledges the long and distinguished service of the retiring Chief Justice John Pascoe AC CVO and his significant contribution to the law, the judiciary and the Australian community.