Mr Mossop’s promotion comes as current Master David Harper prepares to retire in late May, ending a ‘‘long and distinguished career’’ which included more than a decade as Master of the Supreme Court.

The move, announced by Attorney General Simon Corbell on Thursday morning, creates an opening for a new magistrate in the ACT, with two special magistrates expected to help cover the workload until a replacement is found.

Mr Mossop is expected to bring vast experience as a civil barrister and magistrate to the role, which deals with a large volume of often complex civil litigation in the ACT Supreme Court.

Mr Mossop has worked extensively in private practice, mainly in civil areas of law, including constitutional, commercial, administrative, and human rights and discrimination law.

Early in his career, Mr Mossop worked as an associate to then High Court Justice Michael McHugh, managed a small community legal centre, and worked as a solicitor at the Environmental Defender’s Office.
His career as a barrister spanned 14 years before he became a magistrate.

Mr Mossop is expected to take up the new role on May 22, immediately after Master Harper’s retirement.
ACT Law Society president Noor Blumer said the legal fraternity was pleased the position would be filled quickly.
Ms Blumer said Mr Mossop brought years of experience as a highly competent civil barrister in addition to his time as a magistrate presiding over both criminal and civil hearings.

She said Master Harper, a past president of the ACT Law Society, was highly regarded by the legal profession.
‘‘His courtesy, humour and legal acumen will be missed,’’ she said.

ACT Bar Association president Greg Stretton, SC, worked with Mr Mossop during his time in private practice, and said he carved out a reputation for hard work and commercial expertise.

Mr Corbell said he was confident Mr Mossop was well suited to the role, adding Mr Mossop had been responsible for the overwhelming majority of civil matters that came to the ACT Magistrates Court under recent expansions of its jurisdiction.

‘‘The role of master is critical in the Supreme Court, it deals with a large volume of civil matters,’’ Mr Corbell said.

‘‘I am confident that David Mossop has the skills, legal knowledge, and experience needed to effectively perform in that very important role,’’ he said.

Mr Corbell thanked Master Harper for his long career, which included a senior role at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Master Harper has reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

There is no timeframe for the appointment of a new magistrate, but the position will be advertised later this month.

Special Magistrates Christopher Chenoweth and Graeme Lunney are expected to cover the workload.