Our very own, Mark Heptinstall, Head of Family at Slater Heelis, has been sworn in as Recorder by The Queen on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, and the Lord Chief Justice of England & Wales.
Mark, who is a Partner at the firm joins the ranks of only 6% of non-barristers who have been appointed as a Recorder. He is also one of the youngest in the country to be appointed.
Recordership is the first step on the judicial ladder to appointment to the circuit bench, with the position allowing Recorders to sit in both Crown, County, Family Courts and now as a Judge in the Tribunals.
Mark will deal with complex Family cases on the Northern Circuit and he follows in the footsteps of former Slater Heelis Partner Michael Sachs who was also appointed as a Recorder in 1980. Michael went on to become the first Solicitor to be appointed as a High Court Judge in 1993. Since then only three other solicitors have been appointed to the role.
Managing partner at Slater Heelis, Chris Bishop said;
“This is the second judicial appointment for Mark who was also appointed as a Deputy District Judge (Civil & Family) earlier in the year. It’s been an incredible year for him, and this is a testament to his hard-work and talent.
“Mark’s clients can only benefit from his substantial experience and insight from the other side of the bench”.
Mark Heptinstall said;
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have achieved not one, but two judicial appointments in the same year. To be announced as a Recorder is an honour, and I’m looking forward to the challenges that both judicial appointments will provide.”