Lawyers Natalino Caruana De Brincat and Renata Farrugia have been appointed as magistrates, the Office of the President said in a statement on Monday.

The Office referred to the public call issued on 2 April by the then Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard, which call remained open until 18 May.

There were 17 expressions of interest for the two open positions of magistrates.

The Judicial Appointments Committee recommended Natalino Caruana De Brincat, Renata Farrugia, and John Mary Vella for the first position of magistrate.

The President chose Caruana De Brincat for the post.

Caruana De Brincat is a lawyer with a speciality in business and employment law in particular.  He was the deputy chairperson of the Employment and Training Corporation and was also a founding member of the Junior Chamber of Advocates, which remains active at the University of Malta.

The Judicial Appointments Committee then recommended Renata Farrugia, Elizabeth Quintano, and John Mary Vella for the second position of magistrate.

The President chose Farrugia for the post.

The President congratulated the newly appointed Magistrates and thanked the members of the Judicial Appointments Committee for the work they have carried out.