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.
Mr Justice MacDonald has been appointed for a period of four years, with effect from 7 March 2024, to the South Eastern (London) Circuit where he will succeed Mr Justice Francis.
Mrs Justice Knowles has been appointed for a period of four years, with effect from 7 March 2024, to the Northern Circuit where she will succeed Mr Justice MacDonald.
Background:
The Hon Mr Justice MacDonald was called to the Bar, Inner Temple, in 1995, and took Silk in 2011. He was appointed as a Recorder in 2009 and a High Court Judge (Family Division) in 2015.
The Hon Mrs Justice Knowles was called to the Bar, Gray’s Inn, in 1993, and took Silk in 2011. She was appointed as a Tribunal Judge (Health, Education & Social Care Chamber) in 2007 and a High Court Judge (Family Division) in 2017. Family Presiding Judges play a key leadership role in the Family Courts in their respective Circuits and work closely with their fellow Presiding Judges.