The Brief:
Justice Natalie Adams becomes the first woman to lead NSW’s Common Law Division.
Justice Natalie Adams will take the reins as Chief Judge of the Common Law Division in February 2026 — the first woman in the court’s history to hold the role.
She replaces Justice Ian Harrison, who has been a Supreme Court judge for 18 years.
Adams, who grew up in Narrandera, joined the Supreme Court in 2016 after a career spanning Freehills, the ODPP, Legal Aid, the Crown Solicitor’s Office and her stint as NSW Crown Advocate. She took silk in 2012 and has since become a central figure of the court’s criminal and administrative work.
Her new post places her on the court’s executive alongside the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge in Equity and the Principal Registrar.
The Common Law Division covers some of the court’s most complex and sensitive matters, from criminal trials to high-risk offender applications, institutional abuse cases and public and product liability class actions.
Two new judicial appointments accompany Adams’ elevation.
James Emmett, SC since 2020, will be sworn in on 4 December to replace Justice Ian Harrison. His practice spans public and administrative law, commercial litigation, professional negligence and maritime law.
Edward Muston, SC since 2015, joins the court on 2 December, filling the vacancy left by Justice Michael Walton. Muston brings national experience across commercial disputes, insurance, reinsurance and corporate law
Attorney General Michael Daley said the appointments reflects their “intellect and integrity” and praised their contribution to the court’s “proud traditions of independence and excellence.”
Source: NSW Government