The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission (NIJAC) welcomes the news that the The Lord Chancellor, The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, in accordance with section 6 of The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022, has appointed three Commissioners to the Commission.
Mr Justice Humphreys replaces Mr Justice Horner as the High Court Judicial Commissioner. The appointment is for a five year term from 14 March 2023 to 13 March 2028.
The Lord Chancellor has also announced the appointment of Mr Bernard Brady KC and the reappointment of Mr Michael Robinson as legal profession members. Mr Bernard Brady KC is a barrister nominated by the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland and Mr Michael Robinson is a solicitor nominated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
The Legal Profession Members have been appointed for a four year term from 14 March 2023 to 13 March 2027.
Tonya McCormac, Chief Executive of NIJAC, remarked, “I am delighted that Mr Justice Humphreys and Mr Bernard Brady KC are joining the Commission and that Mr Michael Robinson has been reappointed for a second term. I look forward to working with them in taking forward the work of the Commission in NI.”
The Commission comprises of a Chair who is the Lady Chief Justice and 12 other members:
- five Judicial Members;
- two Legal Profession Members (a barrister nominated by the General Council of the Bar and a solicitor nominated by the Law Society); and
- five Lay Members (Recruited by an open competition regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI.)
The Commissioners work to ensure NIJAC continues to deliver sound governance and stewardship of public funds, whilst ensuring that the assessment and selection processes deliver on NIJAC’s statutory remit and the most meritorious appointments are made, based upon open and fair processes.