Claire Archbold appointed Crown Solicitor following open recruitment and consultation
Attorney General’s Office has confirmed the appointment of Claire Archbold as Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland, strengthening the provision of legal services to public bodies and the UK Government.
The appointment was made by the Lord Hermer KC, Advocate General for Northern Ireland and Attorney General for England and Wales. It follows an open recruitment campaign and consultation with Dame Brenda King.
The Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland serves as head of the Crown Solicitor’s Office, which delivers legal advice and representation to the UK Government, Northern Ireland public bodies and, where requested, holders of public office. The office undertakes work across a wide range of legal disciplines, including judicial reviews, inquests, litigation, immigration, extradition, employment, property, insolvency and bona vacantia matters.
Claire Archbold joins the Crown Solicitor’s Office from the Executive Office, where she led the cross-Executive Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. In that role, she worked across departments on policy and legal coordination relating to the programme.
She previously held the position of Deputy Departmental Solicitor, where she led legal teams advising on a number of high-profile issues across the devolved administration. Her background includes senior leadership roles and experience advising government on complex and sensitive matters.
The appointment is for a fixed term of five years, with the possibility of an extension.
Commenting on the appointment, Lord Hermer KC said the Crown Solicitor’s Office advises on some of the most complex and sensitive issues in Northern Ireland. He said Archbold brings significant legal and leadership experience and that he looks forward to working with her to deliver high-quality legal services, uphold the rule of law and support the delivery of the government’s programme.
Claire Archbold said she was pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Crown Solicitor’s Office and its work across a broad range of challenging legal issues. She said she looked forward to working with the team of lawyers within the office.
Dame Brenda King welcomed the appointment, saying she had worked with Archbold for many years on a wide range of legal projects. She said Archbold brings considerable experience to the role and that she looks forward to working with her again.
The appointment is intended to ensure continuity and leadership within the Crown Solicitor’s Office as it continues to provide legal services across Northern Ireland’s public sector.