Masters of the Bench

Judith Farbey became a Judge of the High Court (King’s Bench Division) in October 2018. She grew up in London before reading Classics at Magdalen College, Oxford. After graduating, she spent a year at Princeton University studying Philosophy. She obtained her Diploma in Law from City University in London.

As a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, she specialised in public law, particularly immigration law. Her clients have included individuals, educational institutions, businesses and government, in immigration and other matters.

She was the first ever winner of the Bar Pro Bono Award in 1997, for her work in the immigration and employment tribunals. Judith became involved with the Inn’s activities from the word go; as a student, she was part of the winning team in the Rosamund Smith Mooting Competition in 1992.

Judith was elected a Bencher in 2013 and has been a regular Advocacy and Ethics Trainer for the Inn, as well as serving on its Education & Training Committee. As a barrister, she was for many years a member of the Law Reform Committee of the Bar Council and served as a member of the Bar Standards Board.

She was appointed a Deputy Judge of the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) in 2014 and a Recorder in 2016.

Outside the Bar, Judith advised on Parliamentary constituency boundaries for London as a Lead Assistant Boundary Commissioner (2011-12). She is the joint author of The Law of Habeas Corpus (2011). She became President of the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal in January 2019.

Judith enjoys theatre, football and looking for ancient monuments in very muddy fields.