Four Non-Judicial Members Reappointed to Strengthen the Civil Justice Council

The Lord Chancellor has confirmed the reappointment of four non-judicial members to the Civil Justice Council (CJC) for a term of three years, commencing on 1 January 2027. The individuals reappointed are:

• John Cuss, Solicitor Member
• Sue Prince, Lay Representative Member
• Laurence Shaw, Legal Executive Member
• Elizabeth Smart, Advice Sector Member

Role of the Civil Justice Council

The CJC is a statutory advisory body established under the Civil Procedure Act 1997. Its composition brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including members of the judiciary, civil servants, legal professionals, and representatives from various sectors within the civil justice system. This broad representation is essential for ensuring that the CJC effectively addresses the multifaceted nature of civil justice.

The council holds a statutory obligation to review the civil justice system and offers advisory support to the government, judiciary, Rule Committee, and other relevant entities. Its primary focus is on enhancing the accessibility, fairness, and efficiency of civil justice. The CJC is also empowered to recommend changes and propose research initiatives aimed at improving the system.

Appointments and Regulatory Compliance

The appointment of non-judicial members to the CJC is the responsibility of the Lord Chancellor and is conducted in accordance with the standards set by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These recent reappointments adhere to the Governance Code on Public Appointments, ensuring a transparent and accountable selection process.

Profiles of the Reappointed Members

John Cuss serves as the Legal Services Director at Hudgell Solicitors, where he is accountable for the strategic and technical delivery of legal services across the firm on a national scale. He has previously held the position of Vice-Chair of the National Law Society Dispute Resolution Committee and has served as a Senior Advisor to the Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO).

Sue Prince is a Professor at the Law School of the University of Exeter, where she has taken on several senior roles and was instrumental in establishing the university’s first law clinic. Her contributions have significantly enriched legal education and practical training for students.

Laurence Shaw is a qualified Chartered Legal Executive and a freelance legal consultant with over 40 years of experience specialising in personal injury claims, including litigation involving foreign jurisdictions. His tenure on the CILEX Council and current role as an adviser in Civil Litigation for the CILEX Special Reference Group highlight his expertise and commitment to advancing legal practice.

Elizabeth Smart is a Professor of Legal Education and a practising solicitor, currently serving as the Dean of Law and Social Sciences at Birmingham City University. She also holds the position of non-Executive Solicitor Director at the Solicitors Regulation Authority and participates on the Independent Ethics Panel for the Police and Crime Commissioner in South Yorkshire, demonstrating her dedication to ethical standards in legal practice.