Malcolm Bishop KC, a distinguished barrister and founder member of 30 Park Place chambers in Wales, has been appointed as the new Lord Chief Justice and President of the Land Court of Tonga. His appointment, approved by His Majesty King Tupou VI in Privy Council, will take effect on September 1, 2024, according to a report by Legal News Wales.
Malcolm Bishop’s career spans over half a century, beginning in 1972 when he co-founded 30 Park Place chambers, which has since grown to be the largest in Wales. Reflecting on his journey from the magistrates’ courts of South Wales to his new role in Tonga, Bishop said, “In 1972, 30 Park Place was a small set, just six of us in a few rooms above Lloyds Bank at 55 Park Place. The then head, Charles Pitchford, took the daring decision to take on four pupils. It was a risk for such a small set, but it proved quite successful because they all made their mark.”
Malcolm Bishop also fondly recalled the lighter moments of his career, such as the pantomime they put on at the Welsh College of Drama. “Happy days, long to be cherished from the warmer climes of the South Pacific,” he said.
This appointment follows the completion of the four-year term of the former Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten KC of Australia. Justice Petunia Tupou KC has been serving as Acting Lord Chief Justice and Acting President of the Land Court and the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court of Tonga, headed by the Lord Chief Justice, is the highest court in the country, hearing criminal and civil cases and serving as an appellate court. The appointment of Supreme Court Justices, including the Lord Chief Justice, is made by the King, typically from foreign nationals of Commonwealth jurisdictions.
