Congratulations to Mrs Justice Keegan

The Bar extends its warmest congratulations to Mrs Justice Keegan on the news of her forthcoming appointment as Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland from September 2021.

Welcoming the appointment, Chair of the Bar Bernard Brady QC commented: “I am delighted that Mrs Justice Keegan will take on this most important role as the Head of the Judiciary in Northern Ireland. It is a truly historic and well-deserved appointment as Mrs Justice Keegan will become the first female to take on this vital leadership post.

Having worked alongside Mrs Justice Keegan over many years on the Bar Council, I have no doubt that her vast experience will enable her to administer the office with great distinction. This appointment will hopefully help to inspire other female members of the profession and the Bar Council is committed in various ways to helping others to follow the path she has successfully charted”.

Mrs Justice Keegan was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1994 and took silk in 2006. She was appointed as a High Court Judge in October 2015. During her career at the Bar she served as Vice Chair of the Bar Council, Chair of the Family Bar Association, Chair of the Young Bar, Chair of the Bar Charity Committee and she was a long standing member of the Bar’s Professional Conduct Committee.

Pictured: Mrs Justice Keegan on her appointment as a High Court Judge in 2015.