Lithuanian judicial council proposes Meilutis for second term as Court of Appeal president

The Judicial Council of Lithuania has recommended that President Gitanas Nausėda nominate Judge Nerijus Meilutis for a second term as president of the Lithuanian Court of Appeal, state broadcaster LRT reports.

If approved by the Seimas (parliament), Meilutis would serve two consecutive terms leading the court. His first term began in June 2021 and expires this June.

Colleagues wished Meilutis success in securing parliamentary support, while the judge pledged to continue improving the court’s internal administration and enhancing efficiency across the judicial system. During the council’s extraordinary session, Meilutis acknowledged the challenges of the role, stating: “I’ve been struck like an axe—I’ve heard all kinds of stories about myself.” Despite this, the court’s staff reportedly view him favourably, citing his experience, diligence, and professionalism.

An anonymous survey of 43 court employees found strong backing for Meilutis’ reappointment. The Selection Commission for Judicial Candidates also endorsed his candidacy in April, noting his “motivated, determined, and self-assured” performance during interviews and his qualified responses to questions.

Meilutis, 51, was the sole candidate for the position. A graduate of Mykolas Romeris University’s law programme, he previously served as a lecturer and later associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University’s Faculty of Law. His career includes roles as an investigator for the Special Investigations Service (2004–2007), a judge in Kaunas and Kaišiadorys district courts (2004–2011), and president of the Kaunas Regional Court (2011–2021). He has been a member of the Judicial Council since 2012.

Under Lithuania’s constitution, the president appoints the Court of Appeal president from among its judges, subject to parliamentary approval. The Court of Appeal is the country’s general jurisdiction court for appeals and other complaints against rulings from the Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys regional courts in civil and criminal cases. It also holds exclusive jurisdiction over requests to recognise and enforce foreign court and arbitral decisions in Lithuania.