James Blackett-Ord

Andrew James "Jim" Blackett-Ord, CVO (1921 – 21 February 2012) was a British barrister and judge. During World War II he was held for two years as a prisoner of war.

Early life He was educated at Eton College and New College, Oxford.

Law

Blackett-Ord made his living as a barrister, mainly in conveyancing. He practiced from chambers in London from 1946 to 1972. In 1972 he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster, and returned north to sit as a judge. He was the first person appointed to the post subsequent the Courts Act 1971 coming into force (previously the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine was controlled by section 14 of the Administration of Justice Act 1881). In the end, he was the only judge after that date to hold the office independently; after he stepped down in 1987, the office has been held by a Justice of the High Court sitting in the Chancery Division.

In a break with tradition he was awarded the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 1988 New Year Honours instead of the traditional knighthood when he retired.

Church

Blackett-Ord also served as churchman, a churchwarden and chancellor of Newcastle diocese.