The Edinburgh South West MP Joanna Cherry QC MP was given a prestigious honour yesterday evening as she was elected as an honorary bencher of Middle Temple. The award recognises her work in parliament and she beat off stiff competition to win the position.
She was enrolled yesterday evening with support from lawyers in Parliament and outside, particularly the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC and David Anderson QC (Lord Anderson of Ipswich).
Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court which for centuries have been the professional home of the English Bar.
This honour, which transcends party politics, recognises Joanna’s excellence as a lawyer and her strong commitment to justice for all.
Her sponsor David Anderson (Lord Anderson of Ipswich KBE QC) said:“Joanna fights her corner in debate with elegance, courage and wit. She is respected on parliamentary committees for her powerful cross-examination and her strong instinct for fairness. We welcome Joanna for her achievements, and count on her help in further strengthening the links between the Scots and English Bars.”
Commenting Joanna Cherry QC MP said:“I am honoured to receive this recognition of my work in parliament and at the bar. Whilst Scotland has its own separate legal system, there have always been strong fraternal links between the Scottish and English Bar. The transition from law to politics is challenging and I have been greatly assisted by the support of friends old and new at both the Scottish and English bars.”
Others enrolled yesterday evening included The Rt Hon & Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, Bronwen Maddox, Catherine McGuinness, The Rt Hon Professor the Lord Kakkar PC, Vikram Sachdeva QC and Kheshoe Parsad Matadeen G.C.S.K., Q.C, Former Chief Justice of Mauritius.
The Masters of the Bench, or Benchers, are responsible for the governance of the Inn. Masters are elected by their peers from the Inn’s members who have been Called to the Bar. The majority of the Inn’s Benchers are Queen’s Counsel or senior members of the judiciary.
Middle Temple currently has 490 Ordinary Benchers and 97 Senior (retired) Benchers. The Inn also elects Honorary Masters of the Bench, distinguished individuals from other walks of life who have excelled in their respective professions. Currently the Inn has 146 Honorary Benchers. The Inn has one Royal Bencher, His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.
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