Villem Lapimaa nominated for vacant Estonian Supreme Court judge position
The Chief Justice of Estonia's Supreme Court has backed Tallinn Circuit Court judge Villem Lapimaa for a vacant seat on the court's Administrative Law Chamber. Parliament will make the final appointment decision.
Villu Kõve, Chief Justice of Estonia's Supreme Court, has decided to support the candidacy of Villem Lapimaa for a vacant judge position in the Administrative Law Chamber of the country's highest court. The seat became open after judge Ants Kull died in spring 2026.
Four candidates took part in the open competition for the post, all of them currently serving as circuit court judges. Among them, Kõve chose to back Villem Lapimaa, a judge of the Tallinn Circuit Court.
Next steps
Kõve will now present Lapimaa's candidacy to the political party factions in the Riigikogu, as well as to parliament's Constitutional Committee. The final decision on appointing a new Supreme Court judge rests with the Riigikogu; the Supreme Court itself is made up of 19 judges.
Background
Lapimaa has worked as a judge for more than 20 years. From 2006 to 2014 he headed the Tallinn Administrative Court, and from 2017 to 2024 he served as chairman of the Tallinn Circuit Court. He currently leads the Administrative Law Chamber of the Tallinn Circuit Court.
Since 2010, Lapimaa has also taught administrative law at the University of Tartu. In 2025, he was awarded the Order of the White Star, 4th class, for his contribution to the development of Estonia's judicial system.
