Attorney-General Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Sarah Leighfield and Simon Zebrowski to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Ms Leighfield was admitted to the Bar in 2002 after having completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at Melbourne University.
During this time she received the Supreme Court Prize for the highest ranked student on the honours list and the Joan Rosanove QC Memorial Prize for being the highest ranked woman on the honours list.
Ms Leighfield practiced in criminal law and regularly appeared in pleas, contested hearings and committal proceedings before the Magistrates’ Court, and in trials and pleas before the County Court.
She also specialised in sexual offence cases and was regularly briefed to appear as a result of her thorough knowledge of complicated evidentiary processes.
Mr Zebrowski was admitted to the Bar in 2003 and has appeared in more than 50 jury trials and a number of plea hearings, bail applications, committal hearings, confiscation proceedings and coronial inquests.
In 2010, he joined the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) and rose to the most senior level for solicitors – Principal Solicitor Advocate – appearing almost daily in metropolitan and regional courts.
During this time, Mr Zebrowski regularly provided advice to Victoria Police and other OPP solicitors regarding the appropriateness of charges, evidentiary issues and sentencing laws.
He also acted as a mentor to junior solicitors and lecturers to the Victoria Police Detective Training Course.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“Sarah Leighfield and Simon Zebrowski both have extensive experience in criminal law and will be welcome additions to the Magistrates’ Court.”
“Ms Leighfield has specialised experience in dealing with sexual offence matters, while Mr Zebrowski has a vast knowledge of jury trials.”
“I congratulate them both on their appointments and look forward to seeing their continued contribution to the Victorian justice system.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020