Judiciary largest yet with two new members

The swearing in of a new magistrate and judge yesterday marked legal history, swelling the ranks of the judiciary to their most numerous ever.

Speaking at the ceremony during which Lorraine Schembri Orland become a judge and Natasha Galea Sciberras a magistrate, President George Abela said there were now 21 magistrates and 21 judges.

He noted that the two lawyers had vast experience in several different sectors.

While many complained that the administration of justice took a long time, one must not forget the large volume of work that the courts had to deal with, he added.

In a short speech after taking her oath, Dr Schembri Orland said she was embarking on a new chapter in her legal career and having dealt with people’s problems she would now be on the other side of the fence.

She promised to serve faithfully and professionally.

Dr Galea Sciberras said that becoming a magistrate was a great honour for her and she would do her utmost to administer justice in the shortest time possible. “I’m there to serve,” she said.

Dr Schembri Orland was born in 1959 in Sliema and graduated as a lawyer in 1981. She specialised in European law and family law. She was involved in reforms to the Constitution and was a member of a consultative committee that advised the Cabinet on amendments to the Civil Code.

Dr Schembri Orland was also heavily involved in drawing up legislation on domestic violence and was the first woman elected to the committee of the Chamber of Advocates.

She served as president of the National Council of Women, was a member of the consultative council on bioethics and also sat on the Caritas Malta management board for San Blas Rehabilitation Centre.

Dr Schembri Orland is married to George and they have a son, Kevin.

Dr Galea Sciberras was born in 1976 and graduated as a lawyer in 2003. She has worked in the family and civil law sectors. She was also the legal consultant of Aġenzija Appoġġ and Transport Malta and chaired the Adoptions Board.

Dr Galea Sciberras is married to Vincent Galea and they have five children.

Also present, Justice Minister Chris Said told The Times that the new premises built to house the judiciary’s chambers was well on its way to completion.

When asked where the new members of the judiciary would preside, the minister said a number of court rooms were not being used on particular days of the week so there would be planning to ensure better usage of the halls.