The Right Honourable Lord Justice Singh

Ob 1981

Sir Rabinder Singh is one of 37 Lord and Lady Justices of Appeal in England and Wales (judges of the Court of Appeal). He is also President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and was formerly a High Court judge of the Queen’s Bench Division, a barrister and (at that time) Queen’s Counsel, a founding member of Matrix Chambers, a legal academic and respected author.

He was born in Delhi to a Sikh family and grew up in a working- class part of Bristol while attending BGS as a scholar. From an early age he had an interest in law and went on to earn a double first in law at Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a Harkness Fellow at the University of California at Berkeley and developed an interest in constitutional law, particularly how the law holds those in power to account. Sir Rabinder is one of three Lord Justices of Appeal to have attended BGS.

Can you remember any teachers at BGS who had an impact on you?

David Miller, who was head of classics and taught me the importance of thinking logically (in particular by doing unseen translations). Philip Revill, who was head of history and taught me the importance of ideas.

Why did you choose law?

I thought that law would be a useful way to help people, in particular those who are among the less fortunate in society.

Could you have chosen another path and what might that have been?

I think I might have become an academic, perhaps specialising in Greek tragedy, but I don’t think I would have been very good, so I am glad I fell into the law, which happily I was good at.

What were your most cherished experiences of university?

The most important thing was the friends that I made, both at Cambridge and at Berkeley. Some of them came from many different countries around the world. I am still in touch with some of them.

What has been the most significant highlight of your career?

Becoming a High Court judge in 2011. I was the first person of Asian heritage to be appointed to the High Court in this country. In 2017 I became the first person of colour to be appointed to the Court of Appeal. I hope to inspire others, in particular students and young lawyers, to believe that anything is possible for them in this country.

What’s next for you?

I am happy doing what I currently do, so hope to carry on with the interesting and important work of the Court of Appeal and IPT, health permitting.

What motivates you?

To do justice to everyone who comes before our legal system and to treat everyone fairly.

How do you relax?

My wife and I have a very loving and energetic dog, so we keep fit by walking. We also enjoy seeing the great British countryside in our campervan.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Not to worry because it will work out in the end.