Paul McDermott (judge)

He became a barrister in 1980 and subsequently became a senior counsel in 1999.^[1] His practice was primarily focused on criminal law.^[1] He was counsel for the Morris Tribunal, which addressed allegations against the Garda Síochána. He received €3.2 million in fees, which was the highest amount paid to any of the tribunal's lawyers.^[2]

He is the author of legal texts on the Misuse of Drugs Act and the law of prisons in Ireland.^[1]

McDermott was appointed to the High Court in June 2012.^[3] He has presided over cases affecting several areas of law, including judicial review,^[4] company law,^[5] personal injuries,^[6] extradition,^[7] medical negligence,^[8] and homicide trials.^[9] He was the presiding judge in the trial surrounding the murder of Ana Kriégel.^[10][11]

As of 2021, he is the judge in charge of several High Court lists including the Central Criminal Court, Special Criminal Court, Extradition, Criminal Assets Bureau and Bail lists.^[12]