After 25 years of service, Professor Richard Susskind OBE KC (Hon) has informed the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Sue Carr, of his decision to step down as technology adviser. Susskind has provided advice to six successive Lord Chief Justices, starting with Lord Bingham in 1998.
Commenting on his resignation, he said, “The last quarter of a century has seen the Judiciary evolve from having almost no basic technology (even computers, email, web access) to the present day, a new era in which the top judges now energetically support ‘digital justice’. It has been the great privilege of my career to advise the senior Judiciary on the relentless march of legal and court technology.”
In terms of why now particularly, Susskind told Legal IT Insider that the 25-year anniversary felt like a suitable moment, that top judges are now entirely engaged, and that he has other projects that he would like to pursue. Susskind has written 10 books on the future of the legal profession and acts as an advisor to professional services firms and in-house legal teams around the world.
The Lady Chief Justice said: “I am enormously grateful to Richard for his contribution during a time of incredible advancement in technology. His highly valued advice, provided for many years and to many senior judges, has allowed the judiciary always to keep pace with the most significant technological developments where they might impact our courts and tribunals. Richard’s considerable expertise has instilled a deep understanding of the pertinent issues within the judiciary, laying the strongest of foundations for so much of our work today.
