KINGSTON, Jamaica — Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Claudette Thompson is set to join the ranks of King’s Counsels in Jamaica.

Her appointment is outlined in a document witnessed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on July 24, 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.

Thompson has served as Jamaica’s DPP since October 2025, having previously held the position of senior deputy director of public prosecutions and acted as DPP on several occasions.

READ: Battle-tested prosecutor Claudette Thompson is new DPP

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) as an assistant Crown counsel in 2007.

Throughout her career, Thompson has been involved in several high-profile prosecutions, including cases involving convicted Klansman gang leader Andre “Blackman” Bryan, Tesha Miller and members of the Uchence Wilson gang. She also prosecuted convicted murderer Dantae Brooks.

Thompson is also among this year’s recipients of national honours, having 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 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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.