Lord Snowden appointed to the Supreme Court
Congratulations to Downing alum and Honorary Fellow, Richard Snowden (1981), who has been appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court by His Majesty the King.
Lord Snowden studied Law at Downing College before completing a Master of Laws degree at Harvard Law School. He was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 1986 and practised at Erskine Chambers.
He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2003 before beginning his judicial career as a Recorder of the Crown Court in 2006. He became a Deputy High Court Judge in 2008 and was appointed to the Chancery Division of the High Court in 2015 and to the Court of Appeal in 2021.
Until the retirement of Lord Lloyd-Jones at the end of this year, two of the 12 Justices of the Supreme Court will be Downing lawyers.
Lord Snowden said: “Downing instilled in me a lifelong love of the Law and I made friendships that have endured throughout my career. It is therefore entirely fitting, and one of the proudest moments of my life, that I will sit for the first time as a Justice of the Supreme Court this June on a case presided over by my former supervisor, Lord Lloyd-Jones.
"My time at Downing - studying Law, playing sport, and embracing the many social aspects of undergraduate life - was truly pivotal. I had tremendous fun, alongside the rare privilege of being supervised by the outstanding trio of John Hopkins, David Lloyd-Jones and Charles Harpum. Their passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to their students’ success and wellbeing were unmatched in Cambridge.”
Professor Graham Virgo KC (Hon), Master said: “Lord Snowden’s appointment to the Supreme Court is a moment of great pride for Downing College. His career exemplifies the values of intellectual rigour, public service and integrity that we strive to instil in our students. We are delighted to see him reach the very highest level of the judiciary. His commitment to Downing and the support of Law students is exceptional and I know will continue.”
Published 13 May 2026