Appointments & Retirements
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June 1, 2026
District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Retirement: Brennan
District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Denis Anthony James Brennan retires with effect from 1 June 2026. Background information District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Brennan was admitted as a Solicitor in 1984. He was appointed a Deputy District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) in 2003 and a District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) in 2011.
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May 30, 2026
Circuit Bench Retirement: Downing
Her Honour Judge Ruth Elizabeth Downing retires as a Circuit Judge with effect from 30 May 2026. Background information Her Honour Judge Downing was called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn) in 1978. She was appointed an Assistant Recorder in 1999, a Recorder in 2000 and a Circuit Judge in 2008. She was a Diversity and […]
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May 30, 2026
Circuit Bench Retirement: Laing KC DL
Her Honour Judge Christine Katherine Laing KC DL retires as a Circuit Judge with effect from 30 May 2026. Background information Her Honour Judge Laing KC DL was called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1984 and took Silk in 2006. She was appointed a Recorder in 2004 and a Circuit Judge in 2014. She […]
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May 23, 2026
Circuit Bench Retirement: St John-Stevens
His Honour Judge Philip Simeon St John-Stevens retires as a Circuit Judge with effect from 23 May 2026. Background information His Honour Judge St John-Stevens was called to the Bar (Inner Temple) in 1985. He was appointed a Recorder in 2002 and a Circuit Judge in 2009. He was appointed Acting Grand Court Judge, Cayman […]
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May 22, 2026
District Judge Appointment: Brien
The King has appointed Morgan Brien to be a District Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable David Lammy MP and the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill. The Lady Chief Justice has deployed him to the North Eastern Circuit, based at […]
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May 22, 2026
District Judge Appointment: Spencer
The King has appointed Andrew Spencer to be a District Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable David Lammy MP and the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill. The Lady Chief Justice has deployed him to the South Eastern Circuit, based at […]
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May 21, 2026
Appointment of a Salaried Employment Judge of the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales): Sellwood
The Lord Chancellor, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, has appointed Matthew Sellwood to be a Salaried Employment Judge of the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales). Matthew Sellwood will be assigned to the London South Region with effect from 10 September 2026. Background Information Matthew Sellwood will be known as Employment Judge Sellwood. He was […]
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May 21, 2026
Chamber President of the First-tier Tribunal, Immigration and Asylum Chamber: Elena Feeney
The Senior President of Tribunals, the Right Honourable Lord Justice Dingemans has appointed Elena Feeney as Chamber President of the First-tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber with effect from 1 June 2026. Background Information Elena Feeney will be known as Judge Elena Feeney. She was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1999. […]
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May 21, 2026
Chamber President of the First-tier Tribunal, War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber: Ita Farrelly
The Senior President of Tribunals, the Right Honourable Lord Justice Dingemans has appointed Ita Farrelly as Chamber President of the First-tier Tribunal of the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber, with effect from 20 July 2026. Background Information Ita Farrelly was called to the Bar in 2007 (middle temple) and admitted to the Roll […]
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May 20, 2026
Appointment of a Salaried Employment Judge of the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales): Watton
The Lord Chancellor, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, has appointed Lydia Watton to be a Salaried Employment Judge of the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales). Lydia Watton will be assigned to the London Central Region with effect from 1 June 2026. Background Information Lydia Watton will be known as Employment Judge Watton. She was […]