High Court appoints two judges from Doughty Chambers

Joel Bennathan QC and Henrietta Hill QC from Doughty Street Chambers have been appointed High Court judges to the Queen’s Bench Division, both of whom are set to take up their roles on 11 January 2022.

In her new role, Hill will be known as The Honourable Mrs Justice Hill. She was called to the bar at Inner Temple in 1997 and took Silk in 2015.

Additionally, Bennathan will be known as The Honourable Mr Justice Bennathan. He was called to the Bar at Middle Temple in 1985 and took Silk in 2006.

Most recently, Hill has led the chamber’s as joint deputy head of chambers and she has been a leading silk in Inquests, Public Inquiries and Police Law.

Meanwhile, Bennathan has headed up the Doughty Street Chambers Criminal Law and Appeals team, having worked in serious and complex crime.

Edward Fitzgerald QC, joint head of chambers, said: “Doughty Street congratulate Joel Bennathan and Henrietta Hill on their appointment as High Court Judges. Our loss is the judiciary’s gain.

“Joel Bennathan is a towering figure in the field of criminal law, with a brilliant track record both as a trial advocate and an appellate lawyer in the Court of Appeal, High Court and the Privy Council. Henrietta Hill had a massive and successful practice in the fields of discrimination, public law, inquests and inquiries.”

He added: “We look forward to appearing before them and are sure that they will continue to dispense justice with wisdom and compassion in their new role as High Court Judges.”

The judiciary said it anticipates that further appointments will be announced.