December 14, 2011
Media release
For immediate release

Former Legal Aid Queensland lawyer Deborah Vasta has been appointed as a new magistrate for Southport.

"I offer my congratulations to Ms Vasta as she takes up her new role administering justice in Southport as a member of the magistracy," Legal Aid Queensland’s Acting CEO Nicky Davies said.

"Ms Vasta has extensive experience as a criminal lawyer having held positions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in private practice and at Legal Aid Queensland since her admission in 1990."

"Ms Vasta has represented thousands of disadvantaged Queenslanders on behalf of Legal Aid Queensland during her career."

Ms Vasta joined Legal Aid Queensland in 2004 as a lawyer with the Criminal Law Services division in Brisbane. Since this time Ms Vasta has represented defendants charged with serious criminal offences as well as practicing extensively in the magistrates court.

"More recently, Ms Vasta took up a position working with the Special Circumstances Court in Brisbane and devoted much time and effort to that court while continuing duty lawyer and other criminal law case work."

The magistrates court is the first level of the Queensland courts system.

Media contact:
Marnie Stitz Ph: (07) 3238 3004 or Katherine Gorter Ph: (07) 3238 3392