First Nations barrister Kim Farmer - the daughter of footy legend Graham "Polly" Farmer – has been appointed a magistrate of the Children's Court of Western Australia.

The proud Noongar woman, who will take up the new role on July 22, joins the judiciary after 20 years of practising law, where she devoted much of her career working in criminal and family law.

She spent seven years at the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA, representing Aboriginal juveniles and adults in criminal defence law matters before multiple WA courts.

Ms Farmer also worked as the principal legal officer of the Aboriginal Family Legal Services, which assists First Nations people impacted by family violence.

Between 2014 and 2016 Ms Farmer was a senior lawyer at a national legal service set up to support and provide free legal advice to survivors of child sexual abuse.

Western Australian Attorney General, John Quigley said he was pleased to welcome Ms Farmer as a new magistrate.

"Her appointment follows many years of distinguished service in the criminal law and family law spaces, managing large caseloads in her various legal roles, including leadership positions," Mr Quigley said.

"Ms Farmer has appeared in all WA criminal jurisdictions including regular appearances in the Children's Court and worked extensively with people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In private practice, Ms Farmer also practised in family law, care and protection proceedings, violence restraining orders and criminal injuries compensation.

She has sat on several boards, including the vice-chairperson of the Polly Farmer Foundation - a not-for-profit group that seeks to help Aboriginal students through its academic enrichment programs – and is a community member of the Prisoners Review Board.

Mr Quigley said Ms Farmer's appointment will help the court manage an increased workload expected to stem from the introduction of the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA) from 1 September 2024.