23 Facts About Susan Denham

Susan Denham served as a Judge of the Supreme Court from 1992 to 2017, and was the third longest-serving member of the court on her retirement.

Susan Denham served as a Judge of the High Court from 1991 to 1992.

Susan Denham is the daughter of the former editor of The Irish Times, Douglas Gageby, the sister of another barrister Patrick Gageby and maternal granddaughter of Sean Lester.

Susan Denham was involved with the Free Legal Advice Centres while studying in Dublin and was a founder and president of the Archaeology and Folklife Society at Trinity College.

Susan Denham was called to the Bar in July 1971 and became a Senior Counsel in October 1987.

Susan Denham was the fourth woman to enter the Inner Bar.

Susan Denham became a senior counsel on the same day as future Supreme Court colleague Mary Laffoy.

Susan Denham worked on the Midland circuit until 1979, following which she was based in Dublin.

Susan Denham was involved in several leading cases while a junior barrister and a Senior Counsel, particularly in the area of judicial review.

Susan Denham was considered for appointment to the role of President of the High Court in 1994, but declined to have her name put forward.

Susan Denham made two dissents early on in her period on the Court.

Susan Denham was on the Interim Board of the Court Service and served on the Board of the Court Service from its inception, and chaired the board from 2001 to 2004.

Susan Denham chaired the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure which recommended in 2002 the establishment of a commercial court within the High Court.

Susan Denham was the first woman appointed to the office and as a member of the Church of Ireland, she was the first non-Catholic to hold the position.

Susan Denham was the first graduate of Trinity College Dublin to have been appointed to the office; Chief Justices have largely been graduates of University College Dublin.

Susan Denham oversaw the removal of the requirement for judges to wear wigs while hearing cases.

Susan Denham corresponded with the Office of Public Works over the lack of heating in the Four Courts, threatening to cancel sittings if the issue was not resolved.

Susan Denham advocated for the inclusion of a new courtroom for the Supreme Court in plans to develop a new family court complex on Hammond Lane.

Susan Denham retired from the position in July 2017 and was succeeded by Judge Frank Clarke.

Susan Denham was the third-longest serving Supreme Court judge ever at the time of her retirement.

Susan Denham was appointed on a non-statutory basis as the relevant section in the Judicial Council Act 2019 on judicial conduct had not yet been commenced.

Susan Denham is married to paediatrician Dr Brian Denham and they have four children.

From 1996 to 2010, Susan Denham was a Pro-Chancellor of Trinity College, Dublin, the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin.