Rear Admiral Malcolm Cree CBE becomes an Honorary Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn

Rear Admiral Malcolm Cree CBE served as Chief Executive of the General Council of the Bar for over eight years, joining in August 2017 and retiring in March 2026. Prior to his appointment, Malcolm enjoyed a distinguished 36-year career in the Royal Navy, retiring in the rank of Rear Admiral. He served in many types of warships from Minehunters to Aircraft Carriers, and commanded a destroyer and a muti-national task group in the Gulf.  He held a range of senior roles ashore, including heading up a major transformation programme, and gained extensive experience advising government ministers, senior officials and policymakers. He was appointed a Commander of the British Empire in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list.

At the Bar Council, Malcolm led the organisation through a period of significant challenge and change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiations with government over legal aid and CPS fees and changes to legal sector regulation. During his tenure he strengthened the Bar Council’s voice as the representative body for barristers, actively campaigning for greater investment and improving life at the Bar, as well as modernising the staff team’s ways of working.

Malcolm was succeeded by Jim Morris CB DSO in March 2026.