The Honourable Mr. Justice Leslie Haynes, S.C. has over forty-three years’ experience as a legal practitioner.
He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies in 1978. Thereafter, he attended the Hugh Wooding Law School and earned his Legal Education Certificate. He was admitted to practice in Barbados in 1980.
He substantially practiced criminal law from 1980 to 1989. After which he then primarily practiced general civil litigation advocacy.
He has appeared before the High Courts of Grenada, St. Kitts, Anguilla, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean States, the Privy Council and the Caribbean Court of Justice.
He has served in various capacities in the Barbados Bar Association. From 2007 to 2010 he served as President. He also served on the Judicial Council, the statutory body responsible for the formulation and policy in relation to matters concerning the performance of the Court.
He has served on a number of Statutory Boards in Barbados. He was the Chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission from November 2020 to May 2024 and the Chairman of the National Insurance and Social Security Service Board from August 2020 to May 2024.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Leslie Haynes, S.C. was appointed as Chief Justice of Barbados on 17 May 2024. He is the first Chief Justice appointed under the Republic of Barbados.