UK appoints first female Lord Chief Justice in 755 years

Dame Sue Carr takes over from Lord Burnett of Maldon, assuming responsibilities in October.

Dame Sue Carr has been appointed as the first female Lord Chief Justice  of England and Wales in 755 years.

Her appointment follows the retirement of Lord Burnett of Maldon, who leaves the post on September 30, 2023. Carr is set to assume her responsibilities from October 1, 2023.

Susi Fish, partner at Boult Wade Tennant, said: “It’s fabulous news that, for the first time in nearly 800 years, we have a female heading the Judiciary of England and Wales.”

Carr’s appointment will “hopefully act to further show those entering the legal profession, including the IP field, that it is a profession for all—regardless of gender”, added Fish.

Law Society of England and Wales president Lubna Shuja said: “We are delighted to hear this news and congratulate Dame Sue Carr on her appointment as the first ever woman Lord Chief Justice.”

Shuja highlighted the historic moment and hoped that it “will lead to further progress on women’s representation within the judiciary”.

“Only around a third of judges in our courts are women, with even fewer in the senior judiciary. We need to see this improve. This momentous appointment is a sign that times are changing” continued Shuja.

An independent panel, chaired by Helen Pitcher OBE, recommended Carr for the position. The panel followed a selection process outlined by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

Carr became a lawyer in 1987, specialising in commercial law. In 2003, she became a Queen’s Counsel and held leadership roles in legal organisations. She was appointed as the Complaints Commissioner to the International Criminal Court in The Hague in 2011.

Carr began her career as a judge in 2009, with a focus on crime cases.

In 2023, she was appointed to the High Court and worked in the Queen’s bench division. She also served on the Commercial Court and Technology Construction Court, and she was a member of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.

In 2016, Carr became a Lady Justice of Appeal and held positions such as senior judicial commissioner and vice chair of the judicial appointments commission.

In her personal life, she speaks French and German and was a keen actress and sportswoman. She remains an active musician, singing and playing the piano.

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