The Law Society has welcomed the announcement that five new judges will be appointed to the High Court. At its Cabinet meeting yesterday (20 June), the Government decided to nominate the following as judges of the High Court:

• Emily Farrell SC,
• Liam Kennedy SC (solicitor, A&L Goodbody, pictured),
• Siobhán Lankford SC,
• Barry O’Donnell SC, and
• Oísin Quinn SC.

Their names will be sent to the President for their appointment as judges of the High Court.

Law Society President Maura Derivan, said: “The Law Society welcomes the announcement yesterday that five new judges will be appointed to the High Court, including solicitor and Law Society Council member Liam Kennedy SC.

Justice Plan commitment

“We are particularly encouraged by the creation of new judicial positions. This action by Government follows through on its commitment to increase the number of judges this year, as promised in the Justice Plan 2023.”

The president added that a well-funded and properly resourced justice system was essential for a functioning society: “This much-needed investment in court services is a significant step in the right direction to improve our justice system and increase access to justice for our people. This is an opportunity to build a justice system that is fit for purpose and will have a positive, long-lasting impact on Irish society.”

“The Law Society has long advocated for increased investment in resources and personnel for the Courts Service,” she continued, “and we are pleased to see the Government is moving in that direction.

“We look forward to welcoming further necessary appointments to the judiciary in the near future,” she said. “In addition, we are hopeful that these appointments will further enhance the diversity of justices in the country.”

Meet our newest judges

Liam Kennedy SC was educated at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1985. He was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in England and Wales in 1990, and to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland in 1993. He was granted a patent of precedence in 2020. He is a partner at A&L Goodbody LLP and a guest lecturer at the Law Society.

Oisín Quinn SC was educated at University College Dublin, the University of London, and the King’s Inns. He entered the Inner Bar in 2008, and was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 2013 to 2014.

Barry O’Donnell SC was educated at University College Dublin and the King’s Inns. He entered the Inner Bar in 2016. He served as part-time chair of the Mental Health Commission from 2006-2011.

Siobhan Lankford SC was educated at UCC and the King’s Inns. She entered the Inner Bar in 2018, and is an accredited mediator.

Emily Farrell SC was educated at Trinity College and the King’s Inns and entered the Inner Bar in 2020. She is a council member of the Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for Ireland, and a lecturer at the King’s Inns.