Marilyn Warren - Judicial Office

Judicial Office

On 13 October 1998, Warren was appointed a judge in the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria. A representative of the Victorian Bar, giving Warren the customary welcome to new judges, said "We at the Bar look forward to the days of the Warren Supreme Court in this State," alluding to the high reputation of the Supreme Court of the United States under Earl Warren, and recognising Warren's own talent. As a judge, Warren presided over cases in all of the court's lists, but particularly the Commercial List, of which she was the judge in charge from 2000.

Warren was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (thus becoming Chief Justice of Victoria) on 25 November 2003. She is the first female Chief Justice in any of the states and territories of Australia. At her ceremonial welcome to that office, the Attorney-General of Victoria, Rob Hulls, recognised Warren's work in advocating equality of opportunity for women lawyers, and described her as "an eminent jurist, will be an unparalleled and inspirational leader of this Court." As Chief Justice, Warren continues to hear cases from all areas of the court's jurisdiction.

Warren is also Lieutenant Governor of Victoria (appointed 2006), President of the Victorian Law Foundation, Chair of the Judicial College of Victoria, Chair of the Council of Legal Education, and Chair of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.