Western Sydney University celebrates judicial appointment of alumnus Imad Abdul-Karim

Western Sydney University extends its congratulations to his Honour Magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim on his appointment as a judge of the NSW District Court, marking a significant milestone in his remarkable and inspiring career.

Arriving in Australia as a refugee from Lebanon at the age of 15, Magistrate Abdul-Karim initially studied science before discovering his passion for law. He graduated from Western Sydney University in 1998, as part of the first cohort from the School of Law at the Campbelltown campus.

As the University’s first graduate judicial appointee, his career has been distinguished by his dedication to the legal profession.

He was appointed to the NSW Local Court in 2017 and was the coordinating magistrate at Liverpool before taking on the same role at Sutherland. Before joining the bench, he was Principal Federal Prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession, Western Sydney University awarded Magistrate Abdul-Karim an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2019.

Professor Catherine Renshaw, Dean of the School of Law, reflected on the significance of this achievement.

"We are incredibly proud to produce law graduates who are committed to serving their communities and to the ideals of the legal profession. This year, the School of Law celebrates its 30th anniversary. We will be marking the achievements of Judge Karim and our many other wonderful graduates, as we continue to deliver excellence in legal education to a new generation of lawyers,” said Professor Renshaw.

Western Sydney University is proud to celebrate Magistrate Abdul-Karim’s achievements and his ongoing impact on the legal community.

He will be officially sworn in as a District Court judge on 17 March 2025.

ENDS

6 March 2025

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas