A special farewell reception was held by Blackburn with Darwen Council to express its gratitude to His Honour Judge Booth, a senior lawyer who has dedicated over 40 years of his career to family law. The event, held at Blackburn Town Hall, was an opportunity for the council to put on record its thanks for Judge Booth’s tireless service to the community.
His Honour Judge Booth has been a High Court Judge sitting in the Family Court in Blackburn and the Family Division of the High Court since 2009. During this time, he has played a crucial role in hearing many complex cases involving public law children, including child abuse and adoption cases. His expertise and experience have been invaluable to the families and individuals who have appeared before him, and his dedication to upholding justice has been unwavering.
Prior to his appointment as a High Court Judge, Judge Booth worked as a barrister in London and Manchester for over 30 years. His extensive experience in family law has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of this area of law, and he has been a respected and authoritative figure in the legal profession.
Although he is retiring from his full-time role as a High Court Judge, Judge Booth will continue to sit part-time as a Deputy High Court Judge hearing family finance cases, and as a Family Law Arbitrator. This will enable him to remain involved in the family justice system and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of families and individuals who require his expertise.
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Brian Taylor, was present at the reception to pay tribute to Judge Booth’s outstanding service. He presented the judge with a plaque bearing the authority’s crest, a gesture of appreciation for his dedication to the community. Cllr Taylor expressed his respect for a gentleman who has dedicated over 40 years of his working life to family law, and on behalf of the council, he thanked Judge Booth for his service to the borough.
Asad Laher, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s deputy legal director, also spoke at the reception, praising Judge Booth’s consistent and reliable approach to family law. He noted that the judge’s fair and empathetic approach has undoubtedly made the experience of the family court easier to bear for children and families who appear before him. Laher expressed the council’s gratitude for having Judge Booth on their circuit and acknowledged that he will be greatly missed.
Judge Booth’s legacy will be remembered for years to come, not only for his expertise and experience but also for his commitment to upholding justice and making a positive impact on the lives of families and individuals. His retirement is a testament to his dedication to the legal profession, and he will be sorely missed by all who have had the privilege of working with him.
The farewell reception was an opportunity for the council to come together and express its gratitude to Judge Booth for his tireless service. It was a chance for colleagues, friends, and community leaders to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated his career to serving others. As Judge Booth embarks on this new chapter in his life, he can take pride in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of lawyers and judges.
In many ways, Judge Booth’s retirement marks the end of an era. He is one of the last remaining High Court Judges who has dedicated their career to family law. His expertise and experience will be difficult to replace, but his legacy will live on through the countless families and individuals whose lives he has touched through his work. As he looks back on his career, Judge Booth can take pride in knowing that he has made a lasting impact on the lives of those who have appeared before him.
The farewell reception was a celebration of Judge Booth’s remarkable career, and it served as a reminder of the importance of dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service. As he moves into this new chapter in his life, Judge Booth will be remembered as a respected and accomplished lawyer who has dedicated his career to serving others. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of lawyers and judges, and he will always be remembered as a true champion of justice.