- Published:
- Monday 2 December 2019
Attorney-General Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Charles Tan and Meagan Keogh to the Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Tan has 18 years of experience as a barrister working largely in the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and County Court.
He has extensive experience in child protection, acting on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services as well as parents, in matters such as parental contact, custody matters and the making of permanent care orders.
He has also worked in the areas of criminal pleas, bail applications, committals and contested hearings, along with civil pre-hearing conferences and interlocutory applications.
Malaysian born with Chinese heritage Mr Tan holds a combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics degree from Monash University, is a member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and is an instructor at the Leo Cussen Institute.
Ms Keogh was admitted to legal practice in 1997 and has spent 16 years working at Victoria Legal Aid in a variety of roles, including as a Duty Lawyer, Public Defender and Managing Lawyer.
Since 2010, Ms Keogh has been Director of Legal Practice and Director for the Western and Outer Eastern suburbs, responsible for approximately 315 lawyers and for the implementation of quality practice standards.
In 2012, she received the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) President’s Award for Accredited Specialist of the Year, and is currently Chair of the LIV’s Specialist Accreditation Board.
Ms Keogh holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University.
Mr Tan and Ms Keogh will fill vacancies created by the appointment of Amanda Chambers as a Judge of the County Court and President of the Children’s Court, as well as the recent retirement of Magistrate Clive Alsop.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“With a long legal career, Ms Keogh will bring extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Magistrates’ Court.”
“Mr Tan is an experienced and respected barrister, I am confident that he will be a valuable asset to the Magistrates’ Court.”
“I congratulate Ms Keogh and Mr Tan on their appointments, and look forward to their contribution to Victoria’s justice system.”