We are very sad to learn of the death of Sir James Munby, former President of the Family Division and former Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory (2019-2024)
Sir James’ formidable skill as a lawyer and his determination to call out injustices has left a lasting impact on family law in England and Wales. But to us at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory he was also a powerful advocate for data and research evidence to improve the family justice system.
As the Observatory’s inaugural Chair, he was kind, generous and supportive to our small team. His high profile helped to put Nuffield Family Justice Observatory on the map.
On retirement as Chair, Sir James continued to be active in family law. In a recent message he told us he remained “intellectually active, though hardly out of mischief”. This sums him up beautifully.
We will miss him enormously. Our thoughts are very much with his family.
January 12th, 2026
