Offaly solicitor appointed district court judge

HUGE congratulations have been extended to Offaly solicitor Bernadette Owens who has been appointed a judge of the district court.
The announcement was made by the government.
Ms Owens, a native of Tullamore who practices in Birr, has widespread experience in criminal law, family law, conveyancing, probate and litigation and is the principal solicitor in B.M. Owens & Co. Solicitors in Birr.
She was educated at the University of Limerick and the College of Commerce in Rathmines, Dublin.
Over the years she secured a number of prestigious appointments, including as a lawyer member of the Legal Aid Board from May 1995 to October 2001, and as Guardian Ad Litem to the District Court in August 2010.
Her colleague in the legal profession, Richard Kennedy, said the appointment was 'a very well deserved recognition of her professional expertise and accomplishments'.
Ms Owens was enrolled as a solicitor in 1984. She completed her training apprenticeship with Tom Enright solicitors in Birr, and following her admission as a solicitor in 1984 she gained extensive experience with a law firm in Clonmel where she worked for a number of years. In 1991 she returned to Birr where she established her own legal practice.
'Since then Bernadette has built up a very successful practice covering all areas of law but with a special emphasis on district court work.
It is in that area that she has developed an enviable skill and expertise,' said Mr Kennedy.
'Bernadette’s friends and colleagues are unanimously of the view that her appointment as a judge of the district court is an inspired choice. Her experience and skill, coupled with her knowledge of the law and her patience and natural empathy will, without doubt, make her a very effective addition to the bench.
Her colleagues in Birr wish Bernadette the warmest and heartiest congratulations on her appointment and are confident that her contribution to the administration of justice in Ireland will be both valued and significant,” he added.
Birr’s Tom Enright also extended his best wishes to Bernadette Owens.
“I wish to congratulate Bernadette on her appointment as a judge of the District Court. Bernadette worked in my office for a number of years as an apprentice solicitor and later a practising solicitor before setting up her own office in Birr. Bernadette was a highly competent solicitor and I believe she will be an excellent judge of the district court,” the former TD said.
In addition to the appointment of Ms Owens, Gerard Jones was also appointed to the bench this week. The vacancies in the district court arise from the retirements of Judge Bridget Reilly last August and Judge John O’Neill in November.