Lord Briggs of Westbourne, a prominent figure known for his work in modernising civil courts, has been confirmed as the next President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. He is set to assume the top judicial role in January, succeeding the current president, Lord Reed of Allemuir, upon his retirement.
At 71, Lord Briggs, whose full name is Michael Briggs KC, will become the fifth individual to lead the UK's highest court since its establishment in 2009. His appointment signals a continued focus on procedural evolution within the justice system, an area where he has notably contributed throughout his distinguished career.
Upon the announcement, Lord Briggs expressed his commitment to public service: "It is a great privilege to be appointed president of the Supreme Court and to serve the public by upholding the rule of law. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to deliver justice of the highest quality, transparency and accessibility."
Lord Briggs's journey to the pinnacle of the UK judiciary began with a childhood spent moving between naval postings in Portsmouth and Plymouth, following his father's career, before settling in Emsworth, Hampshire. He pursued higher education at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he read history. Notably, he is the first lawyer in his family, bringing a unique perspective to his professional life.
His legal practice commenced in Lincoln’s Inn, within the chambers of Charles Sparrow QC, which later evolved into Serle Court. There, he specialised in business and property litigation, building a reputation that led to him taking silk in 1994, marking his appointment as a Queen's Counsel.
Prior to his judicial appointments, Lord Briggs served in various capacities that underscored his dedication to legal reform. He chaired the Bar Council’s law reform committee and, from 2001 to 2006, held the position of attorney general to the Duchy of Lancaster.
His judicial career began in 2006 with his appointment to the High Court. During this period, from 2009 to 2013, he was notably the judge in charge of the complex litigation arising from the collapse of Lehman Brothers, a significant case that tested the boundaries of commercial law.
In 2013, Lord Briggs was elevated to a lord justice of appeal. It was in this role that his influence on civil justice modernisation became particularly pronounced. He led the Chancery Modernisation Review in 2013 and subsequently the comprehensive Civil Courts Structure Review from 2015 to 2016. This latter review notably recommended the creation of an online civil court, reflecting his foresight in leveraging technology to enhance access to justice.
His dedication to procedural reform continued when he was appointed deputy head of civil justice in January 2016. In this capacity, he effectively served as the head of the Civil Procedure Rules Committee, overseeing the rules that govern civil litigation in England and Wales.
Lord Briggs joined the Supreme Court as a justice in 2017. Throughout his tenure at the highest court, he has "maintained a keen interest in modernising court procedures and increasing the transparency of the court’s work, most recently exploring the careful adoption of artificial intelligence in its administrative processes," according to the announcement of his new role. This ongoing interest highlights his belief in evolving judicial processes to meet contemporary demands.
Beyond his legal pursuits, Lord Briggs is described as a keen sailor, a passion that extends to classic wooden yacht racing and cruising. He also has a notable interest in choral singing, reflecting a diverse range of personal interests outside the courtroom.
His appointment is expected to continue the court's trajectory of upholding the rule of law while embracing necessary administrative and procedural advancements to ensure justice remains accessible and transparent in an increasingly digital world.
