David Scoffield QC appointed High Court Judge

Bar of Northern Ireland member David Scoffield QC was today sworn into office as a High Court Judge before the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland Sir Declan Morgan, alongside His Honour Judge David McFarland. He was previously appointed as a Temporary High Court Judge in January 2020 (pictured).

Bar Council Chair Bernard Brady QC commented: “On behalf of the Bar, I would like to congratulate both of our new High Court Judges. Their legal expertise, integrity and deep commitment to serving the interests of justice will undoubtedly be an asset to the High Court Bench in Northern Ireland. I’m sure they will make a significant contribution to the work of our courts and the development of the law in the years ahead, drawing on the extensive experience of their distinguished careers to date. The last few months have been a challenging time for all those working in the justice system and so I am delighted to welcome some good news with these rightly deserved honours. The Bar Council wishes both Judges the very best in their new endeavours”.

Notes

David Scoffield QC completed his law degree at University College, Oxford. He then went on to complete his Certificate in Professional Legal Studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Belfast in 1999 and was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1999 and the Bar of Ireland in July 2014. He took silk in 2011. David specialises in public, administrative and constitutional law and has held a number of previous roles, including Senior Counsel to the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry and Special Advocate appointed by the Advocate General for Northern Ireland.

His Honour Judge McFarland was appointed as a Deputy County Court Judge in 1993 and a County Court Judge in 1998. In 2012 His Honour Judge McFarland was appointed as the Recorder of Belfast, Presiding County Court Judge. In this role he has been responsible for all County Court business and County Court Judges sitting in the Crown Court.