Ray Smith appointed as Fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal

February 15, 2019

Ray Smith from Exchange Chambers has been appointed as a Fee-Paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal, sitting in the Social Entitlement Chamber, Social Security & Child Support Jurisdiction.

Formerly both a solicitor and barrister in his native Australia, Ray was called to the UK Bar in 2013 and joined Exchange Chambers in 2016.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom Handley, Chief Executive at Exchange Chambers said:

“On behalf of Chambers, I would like to congratulate Ray on his appointment. It is a significant achievement to be appointed so soon after qualifying as a lawyer in England and Wales. He will sit as a Fee-Paid judge across the North of England while continuing to develop his criminal, public law, local government and personal injury practice.”

Ray has represented clients in the Magistrates and Crown Courts, and the Court of Appeal in a wide range of cases including: assault and violent offences, acquisitive offences, drugs, public order, motoring and vehicle offences, fraud, sexual offences, anti-social and criminal behaviour orders, proceeds of crime and appeals. He is a CPS Level 2 Prosecutor and has built a solid prosecution practice. He has acted as junior counsel in a historical sexual offences case; a multi-million pound, seven-handed fraud case concerning numerous vulnerable victims; and an immigration fraud case. A number of the prosecutions in which he has been involved had received media attention.