New judges listed for SA’s District and Supreme courts
Promotions in South Australia’s judiciary have opened up vacancies for legal stars to take up top positions in Adelaide courts.
Two new appointments to the South Australian Supreme Court have been announced today, with the state government moving to fill recent vacancies across the judiciary.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Katrina Bochner and former District Court Judge Kristopher Handshin both have been appointed to the Supreme Court from February 19.
Bochner has had an extensive legal career, including time working at Fisher Jeffries Barristers and Solicitors, as senior solicitor with the Crown Solicitor’s Office and as district registrar in the Federal Court for South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Prior to his District Court appointment in 2023, Handshin worked in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before becoming a member of the independent bar in 2010. He was appointed senior counsel in 2022.
These appointments follow the elevation of Justice Laura Stein to the position of Chief Justice following Chris Kourakis’s retirement, and the transfer of Justice Ben Doyle to the Court of Appeal.
Handshin leaves a vacancy, which will be filled by Domenico Petraccaro, who has a background in criminal law, having worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before becoming a barrister in 2024.
“Each of these appointees has considerable experience and background in the law, and their appointment to the Supreme and District Courts will add a significant breadth of expertise and perspective to the judiciary,” Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.
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“Associate Justice Bochner already plays an important role in the day-to-day work of the Supreme Court in her current role, making her ideally placed to take on this appointment.
“Judge Handshin has been highly regarded during his time on the District Court. His experience in the criminal law will be particularly valuable on the Supreme Court.
“The District Court hears many of South Australia’s significant criminal matters. Domenico Petraccaro’s extensive experience, particularly at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, will serve him well in this role.”
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