| The Lord Mackay of Clashfern | 1987 – 1997 |
| The Lord Irvine of Lairg | 1997 – 2003 |
| The Lord Falconer of Thoroton | 2003 – 2007 |
| The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP7 |
- Sir John Donaldson (Baron Donaldson of Lymington from 15 February 1988) (30 July 1982–1 October 1992) (retired)
- Sir Thomas Bingham (1 October 1992–4 June 1996) (became Lord Chief Justice, created Baron Bingham of Cornhill)
- Harry Woolf, Baron Woolf (4 June 1996–6 June 2000) (became Lord Chief Justice)
- Nicholas Phillips, Baron Phillips of Worth Matravers (6 June 2000–3 October 2005) (became Lord Chief Justice)
- Sir Anthony Clarke (3 October 2005–present)
- Lord Lane (15 April 1980 - 27 April 1992)
- Lord Taylor of Gosforth (27 April 1992 -4 June 1996)
- Lord Bingham of Cornhill (4 June 1996 - 6 June 2000) |
- Lord Woolf (6 June 2000 - 30 September 2005) | see above (masters |of the rolls section)
- Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers (30 September 2005 - 1 October 2008) |
- Lord Judge (1 October 2008 - )

