Rt Hon Ellie Reeves KC MP Delivers Inspiring Swearing-In Speech as Attorney General

My Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, esteemed members of the Court,

It is a profound honour to take my oath this morning.

It was less than a year ago that I was sworn in as Solicitor General, a role I cherished immensely. This position afforded me invaluable insight into the talent, dedication, and professionalism of those who serve in the department.

The Attorney General’s Office is a place where we effect real change. While I may be new to this role, I am well-acquainted with the work, and I am eager to advance our objectives.

Recognising the Role of the Judiciary

I wish to take a moment to acknowledge the judiciary and the exceptional work you undertake. You uphold the rule of law with unwavering independence and integrity, often within the most challenging and sensitive circumstances.

I am committed to safeguarding this independence, which lies at the heart of our justice system. I look forward to collaborating closely with you, Lady Chief Justice, and with judges throughout our courts, to bolster public confidence in our justice system.

Furthermore, I would like to extend my gratitude to Richard Hermer. Serving alongside him was a privilege, and I have learned much from him, for which I am profoundly grateful.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Andy Slaughter as our new Solicitor General. I cannot think of a more fitting individual for this essential role. His extensive experience in Parliament and the criminal justice system will undoubtedly benefit us all.

Andy, you often remark that you have waited 21 years for this appointment, which certainly indicates two qualities vital for any Law Officer: remarkable patience and an admirable tenacity.

It is genuinely reassuring to know that I will now have you by my side at the Justice Select Committee, rather than across the table posing challenging questions.

A Shared Commitment to Justice

Having served as both Shadow Solicitor General and Chair of the Justice Select Committee, I truly believe there is no better person to assume this significant role.

Additionally, it is a privilege to witness our new Lord Chancellor in position. He and I were elected to Parliament on the same day, just over nine years ago. During his time as a Minister in the Home Office, Alex confronted some of the most pressing challenges facing our government. He approached these issues with determination, respect, and thoughtfulness—qualities I am confident he will bring to his role as Lord Chancellor.

I am fully aware of his commitment to the rule of law and his dedication to ensuring that our justice system serves ordinary citizens effectively.

Reflecting on My Journey into Law

Lady Chief Justice, you have alluded to my personal journey into the legal profession. It is true that I grew up without any lawyers in my family. I attended a local comprehensive school in South East London, and at the age of 17, I distinctly recall telling my father that I was considering studying law at university and possibly becoming a barrister. However, I doubted whether this was a path for someone like me.

My father’s words remain vivid in my memory: “Well Ellie, if you don’t do it, how will things ever change?” My mother and stepfather echoed similar sentiments, encouraging me to pursue law because, as they said, “you love arguing with people, so you may as well get paid for it.”

Emboldened by their support, I embarked on my journey to study law at Oxford University. In one of my early seminars, our professor assured us that we were practically guaranteed training contracts with prestigious law firms. However, I recognised that this was not the reason for my pursuit of law.

Championing Employment Rights

While there is nothing inherently wrong with that line of work, my aspiration was to make a tangible difference in people’s everyday lives. After being called to the bar in 2004, I specialised as an employment rights lawyer, representing trade unions and their members for over a decade before establishing my consultancy to support women facing maternity and sex discrimination in the workplace.

My experience representing individuals at work taught me that law does not exist in isolation; it impacts people’s pay, livelihoods, safety, and dignity. The law genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives, and this understanding has shaped my work in law and Parliament, a principle I will carry forward in my new role as Attorney General.

As Solicitor General, I prioritised addressing violence against women and girls, and I was proud to contribute to the design and publication of the Government’s strategy on this issue. I successfully advocated for the allocation of £5 million for the Crown Prosecution Service to enhance support for domestic abuse victims in the crown courts and to implement the early Victims’ Right to Review scheme.

Moving Forward with Purpose

As Attorney General, I have recently announced the national rollout of the Victim Transformation Programme, which will include dedicated victim liaison officers for those affected by domestic abuse. While this marks progress, we still face many challenges ahead.

Public confidence in our criminal justice system is currently low, and there is much more work to be done to ensure we deliver for victims. I will collaborate closely with the Lord Chancellor and the Home Secretary to address these pressing issues.

I understand the public’s impatience; citizens want their government to take action promptly. This is why I recently revised the Legal Risk Guidance, aiming to empower our exceptional government lawyers to find innovative solutions and support ministers in making legally sound decisions that withstand scrutiny.

A Commitment to Access and Opportunity

Ultimately, I want our legal professionals to facilitate this Government’s ability to deliver for the ordinary citizen. Lady Chief Justice, taking this oath today is both an honour and a significant responsibility.

As Attorney General, I will strive to uphold the rule of law, strengthen confidence in our justice system, and ensure that the law continues to serve the very people it is intended to assist.

It is essential that the legal profession remains accessible to all, regardless of background. If I could offer a single piece of advice to any aspiring lawyers who may feel that this profession is not for them, it would be this: pursue your dreams without allowing barriers to deter you; instead, aim to dismantle them.

As Attorney General, I am dedicated to breaking down these barriers, expanding opportunities, and widening access to our esteemed profession.