The Law Society has published the results of its recent survey of SJD members.
The Law Society recently consulted members of the Solicitors Judges Division (SJD) to understand more about what they would like from the SJD and canvass views about the kind of support solicitors need with applications to join the judiciary. The survey was designed in conjunction with the Law Society's research team and with input from some of the members.
The survey was conducted over a two-week period via Survey Monkey. Members were alerted to the existence of the survey via a mass email and were sent a reminder during its final week. The response rate was approximately 48 per cent of all members.
Key findings
Events aimed at solicitors wishing to become judges
Nearly half of respondents indicated that they are willing to attend events aimed at helping solicitors who wish to apply to the judiciary. A further third are willing to attend any networking reception after such events.
The majority of respondents thought that both an overview of the application process and specific elements (for example, the role play) should be covered in any events, as should how to assess whether one would make a good judge and are ready to apply.
Respondents also thought that events should cover how to present and sell oneself on an application form and how to gather examples to prove and meet competencies.
Events for SJD members
Judicial skills (including case management) was the most popular subject for a presentation with 52.3 per cent being very interested and 36.9 per cent having some interest in this topic. There was also some enthusiasm for a presentation from local senior judges on all aspects of the judiciary.
There was reasonable interest in the idea of a paid for dinner in London. 22.6 per cent of respondents said they were 'very likely to attend' and 43.5 per cent said they were 'fairly likely'.
There was limited interest in high level topics such as the social context of judging and the court system.
Once again there was the opportunity for respondents to make additional suggestions and two common themes emerged:
- Advancing a judicial career after first appointment.
- Learning more about tribunal judges and their role in the judicial process.
The first point was a recurring theme throughout the survey.
Other support for SJD members
There were some suggestions that the Law Society should provide lobbying support around issues including pensions. However, the SJD was founded on the basis of neutrality and not taking positions in relation to issues (this was something that judges were very clear about when the Law Society consulted on the formation of the SJD).
Local events were seen as important and, once again, the idea of advice on career progression came through.
It was suggested that the Law Society should set up an online forum for members and that an event aimed at international judges would be of interest.
Suggestions for the e-newsletter
A range of good suggestions were put forward, including:
- Inviting members to write about their experiences (both home and abroad)
- Personnel from Judicial Appointments Commission
- Judicial careers
- How solicitor judges can make it to the High Court
Miscellaneous
The vast majority of members preferred live events to webinars.
Members generally want to meet on a regional basis and the vast majority would be willing to share email addresses with other members.
Next steps
The Law Society will use the feedback received from members to determine what sort of events and support should be provided by the SJD.
Some suggestions made by members have already been taken on board. The Law Society will run a series of regional events in 2013 and will also be hosting an event for American judges attending the American Bar Association conference on 18 October to which members of the SJD will be invited.