5 Essex Chambers congratulates Lady Chief Justice Carr on her historic appointment

This week Dame Sue Carr became, and will be known as, the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales. As Lady Chief Justice, Dame Sue Carr will be the President of the Courts of England and Wales and Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales. She is the first woman to hold this office. As a set with 80% female KCs and 40% female juniors, 5 Essex Chambers is delighted to witness this historic appointment and warmly congratulates Lady Chief Justice Carr.

Barrister Claire Palmer, who attended the swearing in ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice with other members and former members of Chambers on Monday morning said “It was wonderful to see Court 4 packed with members of the Bar, Judges from the Circuit Bench, the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and others. It was so packed some of the Supreme Court had to take up seats in the dock. The speeches from the Bench and Bar are a great testament to what a fantastic meritorious appointment this is. Welcome Lady Chief Justice Carr.”

Recently appointed silk Francesca Whitelaw KC was invited to attend the Lord Chancellor’s breakfast at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the opening of the Legal Year. There she joined former members of Chambers, Sir Jeremy Johnson and Her Honour Judge Georgina Kent in celebrating this momentous day in legal history. Frankie commented “I was absolutely delighted and honoured to witness the appointment of the first female Chief Justice the same year I was appointed to King’s Counsel and hope that this will encourage other women to persevere through the challenges of the profession and to aim high.”  

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Authors

Francesca Whitelaw KC

Call 2003 | Silk 2023

Claire Palmer

Call 2003