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FORMER Queensland Solicitor-General Walter Sofronoff QC (pictured) has been named the new president of the Court of Appeal, following the resignation of former president Justice Margaret McMurdo on Friday last week.
Legal bodies and officials throughout Queensland have congratulated Sofronoff on his appointment, including Attorney General and Minister for Justice Yvette D'Ath who said he was one of the most respected legal practitioners in Queensland.
"This is a significant appointment for Queensland; the second highest position in the state's justice system," says D'Ath.
"It requires someone with exceptional skills and legal qualifications who is highly regarded by the entire legal profession.
"Walter Sofronoff is that person. He is a brilliant legal mind, and a person of exceptional character and integrity. I thank him for taking on this important role."
Rod Hodgson, national representative of the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA), also says Sofronoff's appointment is a coup for justice throughout the state.
"Mr Sofronoff has repeatedly demonstrated he is a man of great integrity, who has never shied away from standing up for the independence ofour judicial system," says Hodgson.
"He is highly regarded within the legal profession, and greatly respected for the experience and skill he has brought to the many roles he has undertaken, including as a former Solicitor-General."
Sofronoff was first called to the Bar in 1977 and took silk in 1988. He served as Queensland's Solicitor-General from 2005-2014.
More recently, Sofronoff was the Commissioner for the Grantham Floods Commission of Inquiry in addition to leading a review of the state's Parole system.
He will commence his role on Monday 3 April.
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