Jamaica’s DPP Claudette Thompson set to be appointed King’s Counsel
Key Points(5)
- rector of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Claudette Thompson is set to join the ranks of King’s Counsel in Jamaica.
- Her appointment is outlined in a document witnessed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on July 24, 2026.
- News New JA-US military pact August 21, 2026 The Calling to the Inner Bar Ceremony is a time-honoured tradition for members of the legal fraternity who have distinguished themselves in the field and in service to their country.
- Persons are appointed King’s Counsel in Jamaica on the recommendation of several bodies, and their recommendations are then submitted to the Governor General for his assent.
- These bodies include the General Legal Council, the King’s Council Committee, the Jamaican Bar Association, the Cornwall Bar Association and the Advocates Association of Jamaica.
Jamaica’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Claudette Thompson, is set to be appointed King’s Counsel, adding another distinction to a legal career spanning more than two decades.
Thompson’s appointment is outlined in a document witnessed and signed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on July 24, 2026.
The appointment will be formally marked by a Calling to the Inner Bar Ceremony, a long-standing tradition recognizing members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves through their work and service to the country.
In Jamaica, appointments to King’s Counsel are made on the recommendation of several bodies, including the General Legal Council, the King’s Counsel Committee, the Jamaican Bar Association, the Cornwall Bar Association and the Advocates Association of Jamaica. The recommendations are submitted to the governor general for assent.
Thompson has served as DPP since October 2025, having previously been senior deputy director of public prosecutions and acting DPP on several occasions. She is the second woman to hold the position.
She began her legal career in 2004 as a clerk of court in St. Ann before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in 2007 as an assistant Crown counsel.
During her career, Thompson has played a central role in several high-profile criminal prosecutions.
She was involved in the landmark anti-gang case that resulted in the conviction of Andre "Blackman" Bryan, leader of the One Don faction of the Clansman Gang. She also prosecuted cases involving Tesha Miller and members of the Uchence Wilson gang.
Thompson also led the prosecution of former police constable Noel Maitland, who was convicted in January 2026 of murdering his girlfriend, social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson, and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse.
Maitland was sentenced to life imprisonment in March and must serve 32 years and four months before becoming eligible for parole. He also received a two-year sentence for preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, with the sentences to run concurrently. Donaldson's body has never been recovered.
Thompson is also among the recipients of Jamaica's national honours for 2026. She has been named to receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for her contribution to Jamaica's legal system through her work at the ODPP.
She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations from The University of the West Indies, Mona, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom, and a Certificate of Legal Education from Norman Manley Law School.
Born May 27, 1975, Thompson has spent most of her legal career in public service. She served as acting DPP from April 2024 before being appointed to the position permanently in December 2025.
Following the announcement of her appointment as King’s Counsel, Thompson said she was grateful for the recognition and remained committed to serving the public and the administration of justice with distinction.
