Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lawyer becomes UK's youngest female judge at 31 after joining firm as teenager on work experience

Solicitor joined local law firm as 15-year-old and worked way up over 16 years

Peter Walker
Thursday 09 March 2017 16:03 GMT
Comments
Briony Clarke still has 39 years as a judge before she hits retirement age
Briony Clarke still has 39 years as a judge before she hits retirement age (Facebook)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A solicitor who joined her local law firm as a 15-year-old work experience intern has become the youngest ever female judge.

Briony Clarke was sworn in as a deputy district judge after 16 years at Essex firm Taylor Haldane Barlex LLP (THB).

The 31-year-old took her judicial oaths this week, the day before International Women’s Day, in front of Chelmsford Crown Court resident judge Charles Gratwicke.

“It’s nice to have someone from our own community, embarking on the same career that we have all, at some stage, had to launch ourselves into,” said Mr Gratwicke.

Ms Clarke will not hit compulsory retirement age until January 2056.

“It’s a long time,” he said. “It just goes to show how young you are and how long a career you have.

“Many congratulations. Enjoy it.”

Richard Wright QC became the youngest ever judge when he was also made a deputy district judge at 29 in 2006.

Ms Clarke was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 2009, became an accredited duty solicitor in 2010, a THB associate in 2013, and a partner in 2014.

She will continue her practice as normal but will sit part-time as a judge in magistrates’ courts.

A THB spokesman said: “We believe she is the youngest female applicant to have been successful.

“It is without doubt an extraordinary personal achievement and the partnership are absolutely delighted for her.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in