Disgraced barrister Nicola Gobbo’s sister Catherine appointed as Supreme Court judge

Catherine Gobbo has been appointed an associate judge of the Supreme Court, just weeks after an office set up to probe the Lawyer X scandal involving her sister Nicola was disbanded.

The sister of disgraced barrister Nicola Gobbo has been appointed to an associate judge of the Supreme Court, just weeks after the office established to probe the Lawyer X scandal was disbanded.

The controversial move by the Andrews government to appoint Catherine Gobbo to the bench has raised eyebrows within government and across the legal fraternity.

While it is widely acknowledged she has carved a very successful career in commercial litigation, the appointment amid the fallout of the closure of the Special Investigator’s office has sparked alarm.

Catherine Gobbo is recognised as one of Australia’s leading junior barristers in insolvency law and litigation.

Nicola Gobbo's sister, Catherine Gobbo, is widely acknowledged for her successful law career.

Disgraced Melbourne lawyer Nicola Gobbo was a police informant during Melbourne's gangland wars.

In addition to holding a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne, she also holds a Master of Science & Technology, specialising in Aviation, from the University of New South Wales.

In a statement on her appointment, Associate Justice Gobbo said she was unaware of the full extent of her sister’s role as a police informer.

“I will endeavour, to the best of my ability, to merit the faith that has been shown in me and I will conduct my duties in accordance with my sworn oath,” she said.

“I am conscious that there may be interest in this announcement.

“I provided care and assistance to my sister Nicola whilst she was engaging with Victoria Police in 2009 regarding her provision of evidence against a former police officer accused of murder.

“I was totally unaware of her involvement in other matters with Victoria Police at that time.

“I only became aware of her long history as a human source through reading the High Court judgment that ultimately led to the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants. This lack of awareness was acknowledged during the Royal Commission and in correspondence from Victoria Police.

“I will be making no further public comment.”

Victorian Bar president Sam Hay, KC, welcomed the appointment.

“Catherine Gobbo first signed the Bar roll in 2004 and is very well regarded and respected by her peers at the Bar,” he said.

“She has a strong background in commercial law, is a very effective mediator and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading junior barristers in insolvency law — which will be particularly relevant to her role as an Associate Judge.

“We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to her Honour in her role as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court.”