Number of women in High Court Chancery Division doubles to two

updated on 13 September 2012

The number of female High Court judges in the Chancery Division has doubled to two following the latest round of appointments, announced on 11 September by the Ministry of Justice. Sarah Asplin QC is one of a trio of new High Court judges, and is replacing Mr Justice Calvert-Smith, who is retiring.

Asplin's career at the Bar has spanned 28 years, the last decade of which has been spent as a QC at 3 Stone Buildings. Her appointment to the 18-judge bench is a landmark for the High Court, which only appointed its first Sikh judge, Rabinder Singh QC, this time last year. The other two High Court appointments of this round were Jeremy Stuart-Smith QC of 4 New Square and Stephen Males QC of 20 Essex Street. Both of the new judges were appointed to the Queen’s Bench Division.

As reported in Legal Week, the appointees will take up their positions in October, having all previously gained High Court experience as deputy judges.