St Mary’s Law Professor Appointed to Civil Justice Council by Lord Chancellor

Head of the School of Law and Society at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Prof Liz Smart has been appointed to the Civil Justice Council (CJC) by the Lord Chancellor for a three-year term.

Liz has been appointed as an Advice Sector Member to the CJC, alongside five other new members - John Cuss, Amrik Kandola, Daniel Hoadley, Laurence Shaw, and Sue Prince.

All six appointments are effective from 1st January 2024.

The CJC is a statutory advisory body established by the Civil Procedure Act 1997, and brings together members of the judiciary, civil servants, legal professionals, and others found across the civil justice system.

The CJC has a statutory role in keeping the civil justice system under review, advising the judiciary, government, and rule makers on the development of the civil justice system. It particularly looks at how to make the system more accessible, fair, and efficient.

Alongside her role as Head of School at St Mary’s, Liz is a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, as well as a non-Executive Solicitor Director of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA). She also serves on the Independent Ethics Panel for the Police and Crime Commissioner in South Yorkshire advising on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Speaking on her appointment, Liz said, “It is an honour and privilege to have been appointed to serve on the Civil Justice Council and I look forward to contributing to the incredibly important work they do in the civil justice system and improving access to justice."