SA’s top judge announces retirement
South Australia’s top judge is retiring after more than a decade as Chief Justice, with the legal profession reflecting on his leadership in combating “harassment and bullying” in the profession.
South Australia’s Chief Justice Chris Kourakis today announced that he would step down from the role, saying that “it is an appropriate time to retire”.
Reflecting on his time as Chief Justice, he expressed his “deep gratitude to those judicial officers of this state who, through their diligent and conscientious commitment to the administration of justice, have lightened my burden”.
Kourakis began his legal career after graduating from the University of Adelaide with a bachelor of laws in 1981, and was admitted to practice the following year, before being called to the bar in 1987 and taking silk in 1997.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2008 and became the state’s ninth chief justice in 2012.
Kourakis has also served as commissioner of the Legal Services Commission, president of the Law Society and as the state’s Solicitor-General.
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Marissa Mackie, who is SA president of The Law Society, congratulated Kourakis on his “exemplary leadership” as Chief Justice and his “distinguished legal career” of more than 40 years.
“As a judicial officer, His Honour has presided over matters with integrity, fairness and an unwavering fidelity to the rule of law,” Mackie said.
“A healthier, more transparent and participatory relationship between the public and justice system will be a defining legacy of His Honour’s tenure.”
Mackie said that Kourakis has been outspoken on important issues affecting the justice system, including attacks on the independence of the judiciary, the need for greater investment in court facilities, and the need for safer roads between the District Court and Supreme Court buildings.
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Kourakis was also committed to navigating the impact of artificial intelligence on courts and was a driving force behind establishing the Electronic Courts Management System, she said.
She said he was also a passionate advocate for diversity in the legal profession and showed strong leadership in addressing harassment, bullying and discrimination in the profession.
“This progressive approach to seeking improvements to the justice system has been a trademark of His Honour’s role as head of the Courts Administration Authority,” she said.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher thanked Chief Justice Kourakis “for his exemplary leadership of the judiciary and his long service to the South Australian justice system”.
“His tenure as Chief Justice has been characterised by his intellectual leadership, integrity and collegiality,” he said.
“In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Chief Justice Kourakis has demonstrated adaptability, bringing the South Australian justice system into the 21st century with the introduction of electronic case management.
“Beyond his judicial accomplishments, his Honour is widely respected for his humility, kindness and generosity of time.”
Maher said that the state government had begun the process of appointing Kourakis’s successor and would share more information in the coming weeks.
Kourakis submitted his resignation to Governor Frances Adamson on November 11, with his final day slated for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
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