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Justine Thornton QC Appointed Deputy High Court Judge in a New Round of Appointments which Contribute to Diversity on The Bench
Justine Thornton QC has been appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge, it has been announced.
Justine's appointment, by The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, in consultation with the Lord Chancellor, is for a four year-term and was made upon the recommendation of the independent Judicial Appointments Commission. She is expected to sit in the Royal Courts of Justice in London for approximately 30 days a year.
The role of Deputy High Court Judge is reserved for those who have the experience and expertise to deal with very complex cases and will include work which would otherwise be undertaken by High Court Judges.
The appointments reflect attempts to improve judicial diversity. Pen portraits of the appointees can be found here https://jac.judiciary.gov.uk/deputy-high-court-judges. They show 7 women appointed as well as several candidates who were the first in their family to go to University.
Justine was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2016 and is widely regarded as a leader in her field of environmental, planning and energy law. Justine is also a Visiting Professor of Law at University College, London and an Editor of the Journal of Environmental Law.
Justine's appointment as Deputy High Court Judge formally took effect on the 22nd May. She will continue in full time practice at 39 Essex Chambers whilst undertaking her judicial responsibilities.
Justine Thornton QC says "It is an honour and privilege to be appointed to the judiciary. I look forward to public service and my role in upholding the rule of law."
For further information on the appointments see the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary Website.
