UK Judiciary: Mrs Justice Joanna Smith Interim Deputy President Business Property Division

• Mrs Justice Joanna Smith has been appointed Deputy President of the Business and Property Division on an interim basis.
• Her appointment, made by the Lady Chief Justice, will begin on November 1, 2026.
• She will lead the division until a permanent President is appointed, filling a gap created by Sir Colin Birss's move to Master of the Rolls.
• Her responsibilities include day-to-day management, judicial deployment, case allocation, and oversight of regional courts.
• Mrs Justice Smith's extensive experience in the Business and Property Courts is expected to aid the division's transition.

Lawyers practicing in the Business and Property Division should be aware of Mrs Justice Joanna Smith's interim appointment, as she will be responsible for day-to-day management, judicial deployment, and case allocation, ensuring continuity and stability within the division during the transition period until a permanent President is appointed.

The Lady Chief Justice has formally announced the interim appointment of Mrs Justice Joanna Smith as Deputy President of the Business and Property Division. This significant UK judiciary appointment is set to commence on November 1, 2026, and will remain in effect until a permanent President for the Business and Property Division is officially named. The decision ensures continuity in the leadership structure of this crucial judicial body.

This interim leadership role becomes necessary as Sir Colin Birss prepares to assume his new responsibilities as Master of the Rolls. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith's interim appointment is designed to bridge the gap, providing stable Business and Property Division leadership during this transitional period. Her tenure will ensure that the operational aspects of the division continue without disruption while the search for a long-term successor proceeds.

During her interim appointment, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith will assume a comprehensive set of responsibilities vital for the smooth functioning of the Business and Property Division. Her mandate includes the day-to-day management and overall leadership of the division, a critical function given the ongoing transition. This encompasses key administrative and strategic decisions that impact the entire judicial body.

Specifically, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith will be tasked with the crucial duty of deciding on the deployment of judges across the division, ensuring optimal utilization of judicial resources. Furthermore, she will oversee the allocation of cases, a process fundamental to the efficient progression of legal matters within the Business and Property Courts. Her role also extends to liaising with and providing oversight for the Supervising Judges who operate the Business and Property Courts located outside of London, maintaining a unified approach across the national network. Additionally, she will offer essential pastoral support to the judges within the division, recognizing the demanding nature of their roles. Lawyers practicing in the Business and Property Division should be aware of Mrs Justice Joanna Smith's interim appointment, as she will be responsible for day-to-day management, judicial deployment, and case allocation, ensuring continuity and stability within the division during the transition period until a permanent President is appointed.

The Lady Chief Justice expressed satisfaction with the selection of Mrs Justice Joanna Smith for this important interim role, highlighting her extensive judicial experience within the Business and Property Courts. This background is considered particularly valuable as the division navigates its relatively recent establishment. The Lady Chief Justice noted that Mrs Justice Joanna Smith's expertise will be instrumental in assisting judges who previously served in the Chancery and King’s Bench Divisions, as well as newly appointed members of the High Court, through this period of organizational change and integration.

Mrs Justice Joanna Smith brings a distinguished legal career to this interim leadership position. She was called to the Bar in 1990, marking the beginning of her professional journey. Her expertise was further recognized in 2009 when she was appointed Queen’s Counsel, a title now known as King’s Counsel. Her progression within the UK judiciary appointments continued with her appointment as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2017, followed by her elevation to a Judge of the High Cou. Her proven track record and deep understanding of the relevant legal domains position her well to guide the Business and Property Division during this critical phase.

Lawyers practicing in the Business and Property Division should be aware of Mrs Justice Joanna Smith's interim appointment, as she will be responsible for day-to-day management, judicial deployment, and case allocation, ensuring continuity and stability within the division during the transition period until a permanent President is appointed.

Source: Original reporting via official judicial announcement