Appointment of Puisne Judges

Thursday, July 4, 2019 - 10:36

On the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and in accordance with Section 62(1) of the Constitution of Gibraltar, the Governor Lieut General Edward Davis on behalf of the Queen has approved the appointment of Liam Yeats and John Restano QC as Puisne Judges for the Gibraltar Courts. 

The Judicial Service Commission conducted the selection process for the two posts of Puisne Judge in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act. The posts were advertised in Gibraltar and in England and attracted a significant number of applicants some of whom were shortlisted and interviewed by a board chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal Sir Maurice Kay. 

John Restano QC

After being called to the Bar in 1994, Mr Restano joined the Litigation Department of Hassans where he was made a Partner in 2000. In 2014, Mr Restano took Silk and in 2015 he became a Door Tenant at 3 Hare Court in London.

Mr Restano’s practice for the last 25 years has been varied and in recent years has been focused on Public Law and Human Rights, Commercial and Trusts litigation. In addition, over the last few years as well as acting as mediator, Mr Restano has carried out various judicial and quasi-judicial roles.

Mr Restano is married and has two daughters aged 12 and 14.

Liam Yeats

Liam Yeats was admitted and enrolled as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in 1997 and spent 6 years in general practice before joining Her Majesty’s Attorney General’s Chambers as a Crown Counsel in 2003. In 2011 he was promoted to Senior Crown Counsel becoming the Deputy to the Attorney General.

Mr Yeats was then appointed Registrar of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar and Additional Stipendiary Magistrate and took up office on the 1 February 2013. He has been acting as a Puisne Judge on short-term appointments since July 2016.

Mr Yeats is married with two sons aged 16 and 13

04-07-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR

  • John Restano QC
    John Restano QC
  • Liam Yeats
    Liam Yeats