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DJMC Briony Clarke

A black and white photo of Briony who stands outside and smiles into the camera

Areas of Interest

Alumni, Law

Honorary Award

Honorary Doctor of Laws



Citation

Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for Briony Clarke for the award of Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Briony Clarke is a graduate from ARU’s Anglia Law School and became the youngest woman in the UK ever to be appointed as a judge, when she was sworn in as Deputy District Judge at Chelmsford Crown Court in March 2017.

Briony began her career at the tender age of 15, working as an administrative assistant at Taylor Haldane Barlex LLP, or THB, before completing her LLB Law Degree and Legal Practice course here at ARU.

She graduated in 2009, was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors soon after, and became a Duty Solicitor in 2010, in 2012 she gained her Higher Rights of Audience.

In 2014, she had worked her way up to become partner at THB – a testament to her hard work, loyalty and dedication, both to the firm and to her clients.

In 2017, Briony was appointed to sit as a Deputy District Judge in the Magistrates Court, becoming the youngest woman in the UK ever to be sworn in as a judge.

In the same year, she won ARU’s Young Alumni of the Year Award, and was listed as one of our Success in Business winners.

And in 2019, Legal 500 described Briony as a “very practical and tenacious lawyer who provides her clients with realistic advice”.

In 2020 Briony was appointed to sit as a full time District Judge and is currently based at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

Briony is clearly an extremely ambitious individual, and it’s fantastic to see one of our alumni achieve so much at such a young age. Her success demonstrates just how much can be achieved through a combination of dedication, determination and hard work.

Briony will be a fantastic role model to all our students, but particularly our female students and those studying at our School of Law

Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present Briony Clarke for the award of Honorary Doctor of Laws.