To mark the beginning of the Legal Year the annual service of dedication and thanksgiving took place at Liverpool Cathedral on the 13th October 2024. This is a really special event in the local legal calendar and one which has been occurring for centuries. The service brings together the legal community in the Merseyside area, and beyond.
At the service on the 13th October the members of the judiciary in attendance included members of the Court of Appeal, High Court, and circuit and district benches. These judges included Lord Justice Edis, Mrs Justice Yip, Mrs Justice Ellenbogen and Mr Justice Fancourt.
There were representatives from the Liverpool Business and Property Courts in attendance at the service. These included senior circuit judge His Honour Judge Cadwallader and Mr Justice Fancourt, the Vice-Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (pictured above). His Honour Judge Hodge KC was also in attendance.
The Leader of the Northern Circuit, Jaime Hamilton KC, and the President of Liverpool Law Society, Gaynor Williams, were also present at the service and took part in the procession within the beautiful surroundings of the Liverpool Cathedral.
The service included a thought provoking sermon from Lord Justice Edis touching on the recent public disorder following the tragic events in Southport. Lord Justice Edis reflected on the work of the police and local judiciary in responding to the public disorder which had followed the tragic events in Southport.
As well as judges and local legal practitioners the procession and service also included numerous High Sheriffs, the Chief Constable of Merseyside, the coroner, local mayors, and representatives from the Fire Brigade and youth organisations including Scouts, Brownies, Guides and Squirrels.
Students and academics from the Universities in Liverpool, including the University of Liverpool (pictured below) were also in attendance. The event provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with members of the Court of Appeal, High Court and local judiciary.