New Family Presiding Judges Appointed
The Lady Chief Justice, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, has announced the appointment of two Family Presiding Judges.
Ms Justice Harris has been appointed as the Family Presiding Judge for the Midland Circuit for a period of four years, with effect from 1 October 2025, where she will succeed Mrs Justice Lieven.
Mr Justice Cusworth has been appointed as the Family Presiding Judge for the North Eastern Circuit for a period of four years, with effect from 1 November 2025, where he will succeed Mr Justice Poole.
Background:
The Honourable Ms Justice Harris was called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1998. She was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 2010, a District Judge in 2014, a Recorder in 2016, a Circuit Judge in 2018, a Senior Circuit Judge in April 2024 and a High Court Judge (Family Division) in September 2024.
The Honourable Mr Justice Cusworth was called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1986 and took Silk in 2009. He was appointed as a Recorder in 2006, as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2011 and a High Court Judge (Family Division) in 2024.
Family Presiding Judges play a key leadership role in the Family Courts in their respective Circuits and work closely with their fellow Presiding Judges.