High Court judge Susan Kiefel favourite to land chief justice role

By Michaela Whitbourn, Tom McIlroy
Updated October 29 2016 - 1:23am, first published October 28 2016 - 11:45pm
Susan Kiefel at her swearing-in to the High Court in September 2007. Photo: Glen McCurtayne
Susan Kiefel at her swearing-in to the High Court in September 2007. Photo: Glen McCurtayne
Chief Justice Robert French has said he will stand down at the end of  January. Photo: Nicholas Walker
Chief Justice Robert French has said he will stand down at the end of January. Photo: Nicholas Walker
Susan Kiefel receives a Companion, in the General Division in the Order of Australia, from governor-general, Quentin Bryce in 2011. Photo: Graham Tidy
Susan Kiefel receives a Companion, in the General Division in the Order of Australia, from governor-general, Quentin Bryce in 2011. Photo: Graham Tidy

The High Court could soon have its first female chief justice with sitting judge Susan Kiefel firming as the favourite to take over from Robert French, amid speculation he will leave the bench in early December.