Vacancy: Justice of Appeal for the Court of Appeal of Bermuda
Justice of Appeal
In exercise of the powers conferred on her by section 77(3) of the Constitution, Her Excellency the Governor Rena Lalgie invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Justice of Appeal for the Court of Appeal of Bermuda.
The Court of Appeal for Bermuda is an intermediate Court of Appeal and its principal function is to adjudicate appeals from the Supreme Court of Bermuda in civil and criminal cases. Appeals from the Court of Appeal lie to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It hears both criminal and civil appeals in varying proportions.
The position of Justice of Appeal for the Court of Appeal for Bermuda presently entails sitting for typically one or two of the Court’s three sessions per year. The usual pattern is to sit twice in one year and once in a second. The Court’s regular sessions are in March, June and November each year; each session is usually of three weeks’ duration. In addition, from time to time special sessions are needed, which are often heard remotely. Appointees must hold or have held high judicial office in Bermuda or elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Acting Justices of Appeal are also appointed to sit in relation to specific cases or sessions from time to time.
Justices of Appeal are usually appointed for renewable three year terms. In addition to a modest annual retainer, Justices are paid on a per diem basis. Justices residing overseas are provided with travel and accommodation benefits.
We are seeking two (2) new Justices of Appeal for the year beginning January 2025. Experience of the culture of Bermuda, its courts and legal system would be an advantage, as would wide-ranging experience of the law and in particular criminal or commercial/trust work.
The selection process will recognise the importance of:
- selecting candidates solely on merit;
- selecting only people of good character;
- the need to encourage diversity in the range of persons selected for appointment.
Expressions of interest in the position together with a short biography or curriculum vitae, should be sent to the Executive Officer, Governor’s Residence, Los Zorros, 9 Inglewood Lane, Paget PG 06, Bermuda or by electronic mail at executiveofficer@gov.bm
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15 May 2024.