Judicial appointments

Once you have qualified and have a number of years' experience as a practising solicitor, you could consider applying for a judicial appointment. Judicial service is a real opportunity to take your legal career in a new and challenging direction. You can do this either as a salaried judge full or part-time, or on a fee-paid basis while continuing in practice, sitting for a minimum of 15 days a year. The benefits of becoming a judge include:

• attractive salary and pension package
• flexible working arrangements, including part-time working and career breaks
• a varied and interesting workload
• working as part of a unique team, supported by excellent training and mentoring opportunities.

There are several starting points including positions as a Recorder or Deputy District Judge within the Magistrates and Family and Civil Law Courts, and places within a wide range of tribunals. For more information on roles see the Judiciary website.

Support for candidates - latest news

Since the establishment of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) in 2006, the legal profession has made progress towards the creation of a diverse, representative judiciary. The Law Society is working hard with the JAC and the judiciary to ensure there is a level playing field for all candidates. We are also providing practical support to those seeking judicial appointment. See below for updates and information. If you have further questions please email the JAC.

A video introduction to judicial appointments

This video provides an insight into the work of the JAC, how the judicial selection process works and dispel some of the myths surrounding the application process.
See the video

Judicial work shadowing scheme

If you're interested in a judicial career and want an insight into judicial life, you may like to apply to take part in the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme. Eligible legal practitioners can spend up to three days following the work of High Court, Circuit, District or Tribunal Judges. Shadowing can cover any aspect of a judge's work, both in court and out of court. The scheme aims to demystify what it is really like to be a judicial office holder, particularly for groups which are currently under-represented in the judiciary.
More information and how to apply

JAC posts open for applications

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is inviting applications for a number of positions.
Find out more

Selection exercises

The JAC has published both the upcoming and longer term programmes of selection exercises. It has also published details on exercises coming up for non-legal judicial roles.
See the longer term programme
Upcoming selection exercises

Solicitors invited to trial judicial appointment tests

The JAC is looking for volunteers with practice backgrounds in family law and crime to sit the written qualifying test for District Judges (Magistrates' Courts). This is an excellent opportunity to experience the test if you're considering applying for a judicial appointment in the future.
Find out more

Interviews challenge the myths around judicial appointment

The Law Society Gazette has published extracts from a series of interviews with judges in a judicial appointments supplement (PDF, 396kb). Transcripts of the full interviews can be downloaded from our judicial appointments case studies page. The supplement is part of our package of information and support for those within the profession who are interested in following the judicial path.

New videos give insight into judicial selection process

Solicitors seeking judicial appointments have told the Law Society that the roleplay element of the selection process is particularly challenging for those who have not spent a great deal of time in a courtroom. Two new videos aim to demystify the roleplay exercise and familiarise solicitors with this part of the process.

The first video shows a full roleplay exercise. In the second, two sitting solicitor judges discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate's performance.
See the roleplay video
See the roleplay video with audio description
See the assessment video

The Junior Lawyers Division has produced a video on judicial appointments for junior lawyers, which covers the range of judicial posts now available to solicitors and how applying for a judicial post can be factored into a junior lawyer's career planning and professional development.
See the video

JAC research finds out why lawyers don't apply for judicial office

The JAC has published a research report on why lawyers are deterred from applying for a judicial appointment. The JAC will use the report to identify practical steps the professions can take to help their members make good applications. The Law Society will ensure new solicitors are aware of these career opportunities, and that solicitors get good information about the selection process, tackling the common misconceptions.
Read more

Support for CPS lawyers entering the judiciary

The Law Society has written to Jack Straw calling for a relaxation of the current rules to allow more CPS lawyers to be able to apply for judicial office.
Read the Law Society's letter in full (PDF, 35kb)

Top of page