Tribute to Her Honour Judge Corinne Philpott QC

The Deputy Recorder of Belfast and the Principal Family Judge Her Honour Judge Corinne Philpott QC (62), passed away on the evening of 16 June 2016.

On Behalf of the Bar of Northern Ireland, Chairman Gerald McAlinden QC paid this tribute:

“The passing of our esteemed colleague, Her Honour Judge Corinne Philpott QC has brought deep sadness to the Bar of Northern Ireland. Judge Philpott was a quite simply a pioneer of the profession, being one of our first female Queen’s Counsel and the first female appointed to the County Court in Northern Ireland. From her days, both at the Bar and the Bench, we remember her generosity of spirit, her deep sense of humanity and her unfailing commitment to serve the interests of justice. Her presence will be keenly missed by all who knew her and we offer our deepest condolences to our colleague and her husband, David and their family at this very sad time.”

Biography

Born in March 1954, Judge Philpott was educated at Richmond Lodge School and Queen’s University, Belfast.

She was called to the Bar in December 1977 and during her years at the Bar she held the following offices:

• 1991 to 1992 Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland and, in the same period, Chairman of the Professional Conduct Committee;

• 1996 to 1998 Inaugural Chairman of the Guardian Ad Litem Agency; and

• 1996 to 1998 Board Member of Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Association.

Judge Philpott took Silk in December 1993. She was a Deputy County Court Judge from 1993 to 1998, when, in April 1998, she was appointed a County Court Judge.

Judge Philpott was Recorder of Londonderry from March 2002 until January 2008. In 2012 she became Deputy Recorder of Belfast.

The Lord Chief Justice led tributes to Her Honour Judge Corinne Philpott QC in the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday 22 June. Read the tribute offered on behalf of the Bar by Gerry McAlinden QC.