Julia Macur, English lawyer and judge

Dame Julia Wendy Macur, born on 17 April 1957, is a distinguished figure in the British legal system, renowned for her significant contributions as a judge. Known formally as The Right Honourable Lady Justice Macur, she currently holds a prestigious position as a British judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. Her title, DBE, signifies her as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a high honour recognising her exceptional service. Lady Justice Macur's career journey exemplifies a steadfast progression through various levels of the judiciary, marked by a commitment to justice and extensive experience in legal administration.

Early Life and Legal Foundations

Lady Justice Macur's path in law began with her academic pursuits at the University of Sheffield, where she dedicated herself to legal studies, successfully graduating in 1978. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her entry into the legal profession.

From Barrister to Queen's Counsel

Immediately after her graduation, she was called to the Bar in 1979, signifying her qualification to practise as a barrister. For a substantial period spanning from 1979 to 2005, she actively practised as a barrister, primarily based in Birmingham, serving clients on the Midland and Oxford Circuit. This extensive period as a practising barrister allowed her to hone her legal skills and gain invaluable experience in courtroom advocacy and legal practice. Her dedication and expertise were formally recognised in 1998 when she was appointed Queen's Counsel (QC), a prestigious designation that marks a barrister's exceptional skill and experience, often referred to as "taking silk."

Judicial Appointments and Responsibilities

Lady Justice Macur's transition from practising barrister to a judicial role began with her appointment as a Recorder of the Crown Court. This part-time judicial position, which she held from 1999 to 2005, served as an important stepping stone, allowing her to preside over criminal cases and contribute to the judicial process. Her capabilities and dedication led to her full-time appointment to the High Court in 2005, a significant elevation within the English judicial system. The High Court is a senior court of first instance, handling a wide array of serious civil and criminal cases.

Ascension to the Court of Appeal

On 1 October 2013, Lady Justice Macur reached one of the pinnacles of the English judiciary, being appointed a Lady Justice of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is the second highest court in England and Wales, hearing appeals from the High Court and Crown Court, and this appointment underscored her profound legal acumen and judicial standing.

Leadership in Judicial Administration

Beyond her direct judicial roles, Lady Justice Macur has also taken on pivotal administrative leadership positions, demonstrating her capacity for broader oversight and management within the justice system.

The Role of Senior Presiding Judge

Between April 2017 and December 2019, Lady Justice Macur served as the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales. This crucial role involves significant administrative responsibilities, including the deployment of judges, ensuring the efficient running of courts, and acting as a liaison between the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice. Her journey to this position began with an announcement in 2015 that she would become Deputy Senior Presiding Judge from 1 January 2016, and then Senior Presiding Judge from 1 January 2018. However, her full appointment as Senior Presiding Judge was brought forward to April 2017, following the appointment of Lord Justice Fulford as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, which created an earlier vacancy.

Key Public Service: The Waterhouse Inquiry Review

In November 2012, Lady Justice Macur was entrusted with a particularly sensitive and critical public service task. She was appointed by the then Home Secretary, Theresa May, to review the terms of the Waterhouse inquiry. This inquiry, which had reported in 2000, investigated the deeply troubling North Wales child abuse scandal. Her role was to meticulously examine whether the original terms of reference for the Waterhouse inquiry were sufficiently broad and comprehensive to address the full scope of the allegations, thereby ensuring that such a grave matter received the most thorough investigation possible.

FAQs About Lady Justice Macur

What is Dame Julia Wendy Macur's full title?
Her full formal title is The Right Honourable Lady Justice Macur, DBE.
What does "DBE" signify?
DBE stands for Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a high honour awarded for a significant contribution to any field of activity, often at a national level.
Which court does Lady Justice Macur primarily serve on?
She serves as a British judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
When was she the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales?
She held the position of Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales from April 2017 to December 2019.
What was her role regarding the Waterhouse Inquiry?
In November 2012, she was appointed by the Home Secretary to review the terms of the Waterhouse inquiry, which had investigated the North Wales child abuse scandal, to ensure its original scope was adequate.
Where did she begin her legal career as a barrister?
She practised as a barrister on the Midland and Oxford Circuit, primarily working in Birmingham, from 1979 to 2005.
When was she appointed Queen's Counsel?
She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1998.