Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said Ben Sale and Michelle Sutcliffe were well-suited to their new roles.

“With more than 20 years’ experience in criminal law, including 12 years as a sole practitioner, Ben Sale has acted as defence counsel in numerous murder and manslaughter cases, appearing in the Court of Criminal Appeal on a number of complex matters,” she said.

“Mr Sale has also represented clients in the Magistrates Court civil jurisdiction.

“Beginning as a Clerk for the Crown Solicitor’s Office, Michelle Sutcliffe has worked on matters as diverse as regulatory prosecutions, applications regarding serious and organised crime and high risk offenders, as well as being involved in the establishment of the statutory office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

“I look forward to both of them serving our justice system with distinction.”

Both will begin at the Magistrates Court on August 17.