Nicholas Paines QC reappointed as Law Commissioner

Nicholas Paines QC, has been reappointed for a further five years as the Law Commissioner for Public Law and the Law in Wales, the Government has announced.

Originally appointed in November 2013, Mr Paines will now serve until 2023 working with the other Commissioners reforming the law to make it simple, modern and fair.

Law Commissioner Nicholas Paines QC said:

“I’ve greatly enjoyed my time here at the Commission and over the next five years will continue to strive towards making law reform recommendations which have a practical impact on peoples’ everyday lives.”

Law Commission Chair Sir David Bean said:

“Congratulations to Nicholas Paines QC on his reappointment as a Law Commissioner.

“Nick has successfully led the Public Law team, become the first Commissioner with specific responsibility for Welsh Law, and contributed his exceptional learning and devotion to the cause of law reform to the whole range of our work.

“I am delighted that he will continue to do so for a second term.”

Nicholas Paines QC

Mr Paines was formerly a leading silk in EU and public law and sits as a Deputy High Court Judge in the Administrative Court and as a Deputy Tribunal Judge. He is also a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland.

Over the past five years Mr Paines has led on law reform work including a review of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and a project to make Welsh law clearer, and more accessible now and in the future. Both accepted and in the process of being implemented by the UK and Welsh Governments.

Further information

The appointment process has been conducted in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice on Ministerial public appointments to public bodies.

The appointment was made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public.

Mr Paines has declared that he has not been involved in any political activity.