The Advocate General for Northern Ireland, Lord Hermer KC, who is also Attorney General for England and Wales, has appointed Claire Archbold as Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland.
This follows an open recruitment campaign and consultation with the Attorney General for Northern Ireland Dame Brenda King.
The Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland is head of the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO), which provides legal services to the UK Government and Northern Ireland public bodies together with holders of public office upon request.
Legal services provided by the CSO include judicial reviews, inquests, litigation, immigration, extradition, employment, property, insolvency and bona vacantia.
Claire joins the Crown Solicitor’s Office from the Executive Office where she led the cross-Executive Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
She was formerly the Deputy Departmental Solicitor, leading legal teams advising on high-profile issues across the devolved administration.
The appointment is for a five-year term with the possibility of an extension.
The Advocate General Lord Hermer KC said
The Crown Solicitor’s Office advises on some of the most complex and sensitive issues in Northern Ireland.
Claire brings a wealth of legal and leadership experience and I look forward to working with her to deliver excellent legal services, uphold the rule of law and enable this government deliver its crucial plan for renewal.
Claire Archbold said
I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Crown Solicitor’s Office in its work across a range of challenging issues and look forward to getting to know the team of excellent lawyers there.
The Attorney General for Northern Ireland, Dame Brenda King said
I am delighted to hear of Clare’s appointment. I have worked with Clare for many years on a wide range of legal projects. She has a wealth of experience to bring to the role and I look forward to working with her again.