Maurice Collins (judge)


Maurice G. Collins is an Irish lawyer who has been a judge of the Court of Appeal since November 2019. He formerly worked as a barrister prior to becoming a judge.

Early life

Collins is from Clonakilty in County Cork. His father's uncle was Michael Collins. He completed a BA at University College Cork and attended the King's Inns.

Legal career

He was called to the Bar in 1989 and became a senior counsel in 2003. He is a former chair of the Incorporated Council for Law Reporting and became a bencher of the King's Inns in 2017.
Collins had a broad practice while at the bar. He frequently represented the State on public law matters. He appeared for the State in a challenge taken by Brian Mohan to the constitutionality of parliamentary gender quota legislation and an action initiated by Jolyon Maugham to try to prevent Brexit through the High Court.
His practice included commercial matters and disputes. He represented parties opposite Rory McIlroy and Dunnes Stores. He also appeared in actions involving medical negligence.
He appeared for Ireland in 2019 in the EU's General Court in appeal to the European Commission's decision arising from the EU illegal State aid case against Apple in Ireland.

Judicial career

He became a Judge of the Court of Appeal in November 2019. His appointment arose out of a vacancy was created due to the retirement of Michael Peart.

Personal life

He is married to Nora Rice. They are patrons of the National Gallery of Ireland.