Lady Hale becomes first woman president of UK Supreme Court

Baroness Hale of Richmond has made history by becoming president of the Supreme Court, the first woman to reach that level in the judiciary.

Lady Hale, who was born in Yorkshire and whose parents were both head teachers, has achieved other notable legal firsts.  She was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court on its creation in 2009, five years after becoming the first –and only - woman Lord of Appeal.  

Earlier this year, Lady Hale appeared on stage alongside television and stage stars in The Disappearance of Miss Bebb, a play which celebrated the legal challenges successfully overcome by women and which led to them being admitted to the roll of solicitors.

Her appointment has been welcomed by lawyers and academics.