Joanna Smith QC appointed High Court judge

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Joanna Smith QC as a Justice of the High Court, with effect from 11^th Jan 2021, when she will be known as the Honourable Mrs Justice Joanna Smith. The JAC recommended Joanna for appointment to both the Chancery Division and the Technology & Construction Court.  The Lord Chief Justice has assigned Joanna to the Chancery Division.

Joanna was called to the Bar in 1990 and took silk in 2009. She has held the position of Deputy High Court judge for 3 years and is a past winner of Chambers & Partners’ esteemed Chancery Silk of the Year award. Joanna has been a Director of Bar Mutual for 6 years.  During her time as a barrister, her practice has encompassed advice and advocacy in the fields of professional liability, commercial litigation, arbitration (domestic/international), construction, professional regulation, adjudication, mediation (as a qualified mediator) and insurance. Her advocacy has been complimented at the highest level by Lord Neuberger in Cavendish v Makdessi [2015] UKSC 67 as showing “considerable forensic skill”.

Joanna joined Wilberforce Chambers in 1997 following seven years as a tenant at 2-3 Gray’s Inn Square.

Brian Green QC, Head of Chambers, says: “On behalf of everyone at Wilberforce we warmly congratulate Joanna on her appointment as a High Court Judge. Her contribution to Chambers and the profession has been outstanding and we are all confident that on the High Court Bench Joanna will serve with immense distinction”.

Mark Rushton, Head Practice Manager, says: “It has been a privilege working with Jo over the years and she has been a driving force behind Chambers’ success. Jo will be greatly missed by everyone at Wilberforce and we are immensely proud of her achievement”.

The official announcement is here.