Sally Erin Fitzgerald is a New Zealand judge who assumed the role of Chief Judge of the High Court on 20 December 2023, following the appointment made by Attorney-General

Judith Collins Judith Anne Collins (born 24 February 1959) is a New Zealand politician who has served as the attorney-general and minister of defence since 27 November 2023. She served as the leader of the Opposition and leader of the New Zealand National P ...

. Fitzgerald graduated with an LLB (Senior Scholar) from

Victoria University of Wellington Victoria University of Wellington (), also known by its shorter names "VUW" or "Vic", is a public university, public research university in Wellington, New Zealand. It was established in 1897 by Act of New Zealand Parliament, Parliament, and w ...

in 1992 and was admitted to the New Zealand bar in the same year. She began her legal career at the Wellington office of

Russell McVeagh Russell McVeagh is a New Zealand law firm with offices in Auckland and Wellington. It is one of New Zealand's largest law firms and is ranked highly by law firm ranking guides such as ''The Legal 500'' and ''Chambers and Partners''. History Jo ...

in 1992. She later gained international experience in London, where she was admitted as a Solicitor of the

Supreme Court of England and Wales The Courts of England and Wales, supported administratively by His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, are the civil and criminal courts responsible for the administration of justice in England and Wales. Except in constitutional matters, ...

in 1999. Returning to New Zealand in 2001, she rejoined Russell McVeagh, eventually becoming a partner. In 2016, she was appointed as a High Court judge. Her tenure as Chief Judge comes amidst significant changes in the judiciary, including the elevation of Justice Forrie Miller from the

Court of Appeal An appellate court, commonly called a court of appeal(s), appeal court, court of second instance or second instance court, is any court of law that is empowered to Hearing (law), hear a Legal case, case upon appeal from a trial court or other ...

to the

Supreme Court In most legal jurisdictions, a supreme court, also known as a court of last resort, apex court, high (or final) court of appeal, and court of final appeal, is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts. Broadly speaking, the decisions of ...

and the appointment of new judges to various positions within the High Court and Court of Appeal. Fitzgerald's appointment is expected to bring continuity and stability to the High Court, given her extensive experience in both legal practice and judicial roles. She has a reputation for diligence and fairness, qualities essential for effective leadership in the judiciary.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fitzgerald, Sally High Court of New Zealand judges Living people Year of birth missing (living people)