L-R: Sir Colin Birss, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith, Sir Geoffrey Vos
Photos: Judicial Office
30 October 2026NewsCareersSarah Speight

Getty judge appointed to interim High Court role as Birss replaces Vos

Mrs Justice Joanna Smith—who decided the landmark Getty Images v Stability AI, among other notable cases—becomes deputy president of the Business and Property Division of the UK High Court, while Sir Colin Birss fills Sir Geoffrey Vos’ shoes as new master of the rolls..

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