Dame Sue Carr today becomes, and will be known as, the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales.
As Lady Chief Justice, Dame Sue Carr will be the President of the Courts of England and Wales and Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales. She is the 98th person to hold this historic office and the first woman.
Dame Carr was sworn in at a ceremony held today at the Royal Courts of Justice, where she took the judicial oath. The ceremony was attended by many representatives from across the justice system with speeches delivered by the Master of the Rolls and Attorney General, as well as representatives from the Bar Council and Law Society.
Today, Dame Sue Carr said:
“It is a great privilege to assume this role. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Lord Burnett, who has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership during a time of great change, including keeping the courts running during the pandemic. He has personally given so much to the law and to the judiciary.
“I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, and I look forward to approaching the role with energy, enthusiasm, and positivity. The rule of law is a fundamental constitutional principle which underpins an open, fair and peaceful society, where citizens and businesses can prosper. Our judges and magistrates are its cornerstone.”
Book now to hear from the Lady Chief Justice at this year’s Legal Wales Conference
On Friday 6 October 2023, the Lady Chief Justice will speak to over 180 delegates at the 20th anniversary Legal Wales Conference, hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff.
Booking for the conference and dinner close on Monday 2 October at midnight. Click here for details.
