Paul Gilligan (judge) facts for kids

Paul Gilligan was born in 1948. He is a retired Irish judge. He served as a judge in two important courts. From 2017 to 2018, he was a judge in the Court of Appeal. Before that, he was a judge in the High Court from 2003 to 2017.

Paul Gilligan: A Judge's Story

Early Life and Education

Paul Gilligan went to Blackrock College for his education. After that, he studied at University College Dublin. He also attended the King's Inns, which is a special place where people train to become lawyers in Ireland.

Becoming a Lawyer

In 1971, Paul Gilligan became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who speaks in court. Later, in 1984, he became a senior counsel. This means he was a very experienced and respected barrister. He also learned how to be a mediator, someone who helps people solve disagreements.

Mr. Gilligan worked as a legal advisor for an important inquiry. This inquiry was about how the government collected certain taxes. He worked with other future judges, Frank Clarke and Mary Irvine. He also represented a well-known person, Charles Haughey, at a special hearing called the McCracken Tribunal.

Serving in the High Court

Paul Gilligan was appointed to the High Court in 2003. The High Court deals with serious legal cases. For several years, he managed a part of the court called the Chancery division. This division handles cases about property and money.

He oversaw legal proceedings related to a building in Dublin called Apollo House. He also handled claims that came from another inquiry called the Morris Tribunal.

Important Roles and Advice

Paul Gilligan was part of the Judicial Appointments Review Committee. This group helps decide who becomes a judge. He also served as the President of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary. This network connects judges and legal councils across Europe.

He even gave advice to judges in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He helped them set up their own judicial council, which is a body that supports and oversees judges.

Moving to the Court of Appeal

In December 2017, Paul Gilligan became a judge in the Court of Appeal. This court hears cases that have already been decided in lower courts. He took over from Mary Finlay Geoghegan, who moved to the Supreme Court. Paul Gilligan retired from his role in May 2018.

Family Life

Paul Gilligan is married to Mary Cantrell. She is also a lawyer, known as a solicitor. They have four children together.