However, ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Jon White, SC, humbly deflected the plaudits and instead paid homage to his staff.

"I am very honoured by this ceremonial sitting, which I take to be a recognition of the achievements of the office of the director of public prosecution as a whole over the last 10 years, rather than my role specifically," he said.

The achievements of Mr White, and those of his office, were celebrated during a ceremonial sitting of the ACT Supreme Court on Monday morning to mark his looming retirement.

In a humble farewell speech before the capital’s legal fraternity, Mr White said, during his tenure, the DPP team had helped conquer delays in the Supreme Court, promoted gender equality in the profession, embarked on a staff swap arrangement with Legal Aid ACT, and a number of innovative legal approaches.

"I am very proud of the promotion of women during my time as DPP," the silk said.

"We cannot take credit of the natural abilities of those women, but I am proud that the office has provided them with an environment where their talents were nurtured and developed."

Chief Justice Helen Murrell listed compelling advocacy, independence, and setting up his office for future success as Mr White's great achievements.

"You combine fearless advocacy with a deep and comprehensive knowledge of criminal law," she said.

"Your style is clear, focused and concise. Fine advocacy supports good judging.

"You have been unafraid to make tough decisions … [and worked] tirelessly to defend the independence of your office."

The judge said the true measure of a great leader was not what they had given to the past, but what they had given to the future.

"You have given. You have mentored many talented young lawyers within your office, including many fine women prosecutors.

"We have gender equality on this bench. We have gender equality within the DPP.

"Perhaps in our lifetimes, we will see gender equality at the bar, even the senior bar."

Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay hailed Mr White’s work to reform and improve the criminal justice system during his tenure, including the first updates to the DPP’s prosecution policy since 1991 and changes to family violence and sexual assault law.

"Your experience and thoughtful contributions have been invaluable in advancing the significant reforms in this area," Mr Ramsay said.

"Reforms that place the ACT at the forefront of national efforts to improve access to justice and just outcomes for victims of family violence and sexual assault.

"This includes implementation of many of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations, including those that relate to improving the ability of children to give evidence."

Acting ACT Bar association president Jack Pappas said Mr White had been a leader of the legal profession in the territory.

"He was always fair in his dealings with other advocates and with the court," Mr Pappas said.

"Jon has remained unfailingly polite and courteous and professional … but it is part of what makes a good director of public prosecutions."