MOREE Aboriginal solicitor Lucas Swan has been appointed a magistrate to the Local Court of New South Wales and will start duties in his new role on May 23.

Attorney General Michael Daley on Wednesday announced the appointment of seven new magistrates, strengthening the judiciary with a wealth of experience across criminal, civil and community law.

Mr Swan, 40, grew up in Birrawee Place in Moree with proud parents, Trevor and Debbie, and furthered his education in Sydney at St Joseph’s College.

He stayed in Sydney to complete tertiary studies at the University of Sydney and later worked for some of the city’s most notable law firms.

He left Sydney in 2012 and travelled to Perth to further his career, and returned to Moree in late 2015, working with Aboriginal Legal Services before establishing his own practice.

“It’s such an honour to be selected to take on such an important task in our community,” Mr Swan said.

“Moree has been an integral part of my experience, leading to the announcement.

“From my beginnings, growing up in Birrawee Place, to my early schooling at Moree East, and later in my professional career either supporting those in need or sponsoring local initiatives, I’ve always wanted to help those in the bush, especially Moree,” he said.

Mr Swan now lives at Tweed Heads, where he is the principal solicitor at LJ Swan and Associates.

Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and as a solicitor and barrister of the High Court of Australia, his practice covers family law, wills and estates, civil litigation, and native title matters.

“I’m extremely thankful to the people of New South Wales for giving me this opportunity, and I hope I can help other young people who share similar desires,” Mr Swan said.

Moree’s Lucas Swan has been appointed a magistrate to the Local Court of New South Wales.

Mr Swan joins incoming magistrates Paul Blunt, Kirk Dailly, Tania Johnson, Simon Joyner, Marguerite Vassall and Ann Lambino and between them, bring a combined total of more than 150 years’ legal experience.

They will serve in locations across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

The incoming magistrates have extensive backgrounds in police prosecution, defence, legal aid, community outreach, and complex litigation.

Their appointments will provide valuable support to the judiciary in managing caseloads and ensuring the delivery of timely, fair, and accessible justice.

The seven appointments bring the total number of magistrates in the Local Court to a record 161. They will be sworn in and commence duties in late May, 2025.

Attorney General Michael Daley said he was delighted to announce the appointment of seven outstanding lawyers to the Local Court bench.

“Our Local Court magistrates make critical decisions every day that affect people’s lives, families and futures,” Mr Daley said.

“These new appointees bring not just legal expertise, but also compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the communities they will serve.

“This new cohort will strengthen the diversity, resilience and capability of the Local Court, and I thank them for their service to justice in NSW.”