The start of a new legal year
The legal tradition was held on Monday 2 October at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
A legal tradition dating back to the 19th Century was marked in Westminster Abbey on Monday 2 October as dignitaries in full ceremonial robes gathered for a service for the Opening of the Legal Year in England and Wales.
The legal year refers to a calendar period dating back to the Middle Ages when legal business could only take place at certain times of the year. Each year was divided into four ‘Law Terms’ running from the beginning of October to the end of July — Michaelmas, Hilary, Easter and Trinity.
The religious ceremony saw both the Lord Chancellor and the newly appointed Lady Chief Justice reading a lesson. The latter, Dame Sue Carr, was earlier sworn into role after The Right Honourable Lord Burnett of Maldon retired in September, becoming the first woman to hold the role.
Susanna McGibbon, Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Profession attended the ceremony.
“I was proud to represent the Government Legal Profession at this important event in the legal year. Many congratulations to the new Lady Chief Justice, Dame Sue Carr. She will have my full support in her new role”.
Historically, judges would gather to walk from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey where they would pray for guidance at the start of the legal term. It was common for anyone taking communion to fast prior to the event, but in modern times the Lord Chancellor holds a reception breakfast in Westminster Hall. Those invited to the ceremony include judges, King’s Counsel, European Court members and overseas judges and lawyers.