Lawyer to trade his briefcase for a gavel

Napier lawyer Tony Snell

Napier lawyer Tony Snell will soon trade in his briefcase for a gavel next month.

Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced 10 new acting District Court Judges had been appointed.

Mr Snell has been appointed as an acting District Court Judge with a jury warrant to serve in the Rotorua District Court. Mr Snell said it was an honour to be appointed.

"I'm obviously pretty pleased and I'm really looking forward to it."

He hopes his 26 years of experience will enable him to make calm, level-headed decisions.

He said a highlight of his career had been the people he had met.

"I have been involved in a lot of jury trials and met some great people both defence and crown.

"I love to help people and I've been lucky enough to have been able to do that during my time as a barrister."

He will be sworn in on August 18 in Napier.