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Malcolm Bishop, a prominent barrister and founder of Welsh law firm 30 Park Place, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice and President of the Land Court of Tonga. His appointment has been approved by the Privy Council of His Majesty King Tupou VI and will take effect on September 1, 2024, Wales Legal News reports.
Malcolm Bishop’s career spans over half a century and began in 1972 when he co-founded 30 Park Place, which has grown to become the largest law firm in Wales. Reflecting on his journey from the South Wales Magistrates Court to his new position in Tonga, Bishop said: “In 1972, 30 Park Place was a small firm, just six of us working in a few rooms above Lloyds Bank at 55 Park Place. The then principal, Charles Pitchford, took the bold decision to take on four students. It was a risky decision for such a small law firm, but one that proved to be very successful as they all went on to become successful.”
Malcolm Bishop also fondly recalls lighter moments in his career, such as the pantomimes they performed at the Welsh School of Drama. “The warm climate of the South Pacific lingers on my happy days,” he said.
The appointment follows the completion of the four-year term of former Chief Justice of Australia Michael Whitten KC. Justice Petunia Tupou KC has been serving as Acting Chief Justice and Acting President of the Land Court and Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court of Tonga, headed by the Chief Justice, is the country’s highest court and hears criminal and civil cases, and acts as a court of appeal. Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, are appointed by the King and are usually selected from foreign nationals from Commonwealth jurisdictions.
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