A Clonmel-based solicitor whose father, the late Don Binchy, was also a President of the Law Society (1990/91), he is unusual for a superior court judge in having spent his entire career in practice outside of Dublin.
Mr Justice Binchy was appointed a judge of the High Court in November 2014.
Complex litigation
He has impressed observers since then, with his shrewd management of complex litigation.
Mr Justice Binchy was a popular president of the Law Society during 2011/12.
Law Society Director General Ken Murphy warmly welcomed the news, saying: “We are delighted to hear of this very well-deserved appointment. At least one judge from the solicitors’ branch of the profession will now sit on the Court of Appeal.
Forensic footsteps
“In that regard, Mr Justice Binchy will follow in the distinguished forensic footsteps of former Court of Appeal judges, Michael Peart and Garrett Sheehan.
“Mr Justice Binchy will bring his wide experience, of law and of life, to the benefit of the Court of Appeal,” Ken Murphy said.
Colm Roberts has also been appointed a judge of the District Court.
In anticipation of imminent vacancies, the Government also agreed in principle to nominate Paul Burns SC to the High Court and Helen Boyle to the Circuit Court.
Vacancy
The vacancy in the Court of Appeal arises following the elevation of Justice Marie Baker to the Supreme Court this month. The vacancy in the District Court follows the elevation of Justice Rosemary Horgan to the Circuit Court, also this month.
The Circuit Court vacancy will arise on the retirement in January of Justice Susan Ryan, while the vacancy in the High Court will arise when Justice Donald Binchy is elevated to the Court of Appeal.
The nominations for appointment to each of the Courts follows the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board process.
Justice Donald Binchy was educated at University College Dublin and the Law Society and admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 1987.
Legal science
Paul Burns SC has a BA (Mod.) Legal Science from Trinity College, Dublin, 1984 and an M.Litt. Law, also from TCD, 1987. He was called to the Bar in 1986 and to the Inner Bar in 2004.
Helen Boyle has an LLB from University College Cork and the University of Leiden, 1993. She also has an LLM from the University of Edinburgh, 1994, and a BL from the King’s Inns, 1996. She was called to the Bar in 1996.
Colm Roberts is a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) Hons from University College Dublin, 1987. He was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 1992.