On behalf of the Education Committee of the District Court, the Handbook was designed for the Judicial Commission of NSW by a working group which comprised her Honour Judge Helen Murrell SC (Chair), his Honour Judge Roy Ellis, his Honour Judge Brian Knox SC and the then Education Director of the Judicial Commission, Ruth Windeler. The working group acknowledges the invaluable research and other work undertaken by Margaret Nakagawa.

In 2025, the Commission welcomed her Honour Judge Mendes as General Editor of the Handbook.