Former Chief Justice Frank Clarke has joined the board of Dublin’s Community Law & Mediation (CLM) centre.

CLM (formerly Coolock Community Law Centre) is an independent community law centre and charity based in Dublin and Limerick.

Established in 1975, it was the first of its kind in Ireland, and was modelled on the American neighbourhood law centre. Today, it assists more than 4,000 people each year through its community-based free legal advice, advocacy, mediation and education services.

A barrister since 1973, Mr Clarke was appointed to the High Court in 2004, the Supreme Court in 2012, and served as Chief Justice from July 2017 to October 2021. 

Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for reform of the justice system to remove barriers, and improve access to justice.  

Delighted

Chief executive Rose Wall said that the organisation was delighted with the appointment.

“Frank Clarke has always shown great support and encouragement for organisations such as CLM, who are working to improve access to justice for marginalised groups, and for the many people across Ireland who cannot afford legal representation, or who are simply unaware of how the law can help improve their situation.

“We are so grateful for Mr Clarke’s time, and for the wealth of knowledge and experience he will bring to our organisation,” she said.