Maurice Collins (judge) facts for kids

Maurice Gerard Collins is an Irish judge and lawyer who has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland since November 2022. He previously served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal from 2019 to 2022.

Early life

Collins is from Clonakilty in County Cork. He is the grandnephew of Michael Collins. He completed a BA in English Literature and Philosophy at University College Cork and later attended the King's Inns.

Legal career

He was called to the Bar in 1989 and became a senior counsel in 2003. He is a former chair of the Incorporated Council for Law Reporting and became a bencher of the King's Inns in 2017.

Collins had a broad practice while at the bar. He frequently represented the State in public law matters. He appeared for the State in a challenge taken by Brian Mohan to the constitutionality of parliamentary gender quota legislation and an action initiated by Jolyon Maugham to try to prevent Brexit through the High Court.

His practice included commercial matters and disputes. He represented parties opposite Rory McIlroy and Dunnes Stores. He also appeared in actions involving medical negligence.

He appeared for Ireland in 2019 in the EU's General Court in appeal to the European Commission's decision arising from the EU illegal State aid case against Apple in Ireland.

Judicial career

Court of Appeal

He became a Judge of the Court of Appeal in November 2019. His appointment arose out of a vacancy was created due to the retirement of Michael Peart.

Law Reform Commission

Collins was appointed to the Law Reform Commission as a part-time commissioner for a five-year term in October 2020.

Supreme Court

Collins was nominated and appointed to the Supreme Court of Ireland in November 2022.

Personal life

He is married to Nora Rice. They are patrons of the National Gallery of Ireland.