Solicitor judges

Joining the judiciary is a great opportunity for solicitors who want to take their career in a new and challenging direction.

Discover our resources for solicitor judges and access guidance and advice on preparing to become a judge.

Case studies

Explore our case studies from solicitor judges and judicial recorders.

George Lubega

Q&A with adjudicator George Lubega

Close-up of female solicitor / advocate's hands, taking notes during trial / hearing, on the desk there are papers, an old fashioned-green shaded lamp and a glass of water

Judicial recorder Heather Baucher

Brass scales in front of blurred courtroom

Her Honour Judge Frances Kirkham

Adult professionals sitting down. A black woman wearing a beige jacket is smiling.

Adult professionals sitting down. A black woman wearing a beige jacket is smiling.

Pre-Application Judicial Education Programme (PAJE)

PAJE helps lawyers from under-represented groups who are interested in becoming a judge to feel more confident about applying and to prepare for the process.

Learn more about PAJE

JAC guidance

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) selects candidates for judicial office in England and Wales and for some tribunals with UK-wide powers.

Explore guidance on the JAC website.

Prepare before you apply

Judicial selection is competitive. Find out how you can prepare and apply when you're ready.

Am I ready to apply?

Before applying for a role, you should think carefully about whether you are ready. Explore the JAC's tools to self-assess your eligibility and suitability.

Types of judicial roles

Find out what it's like to be a judge and what role would suit you best.

Group of colleagues sat around a table

Group of colleagues sat around a table

Targeted Outreach programme

The Targeted Outreach (TO) programme is designed to support candidates from under-represented groups in preparing for the judicial selection process.

It's specifically aimed at women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates and solicitors.

British High Court judges walk through Westminster in London to an annual ceremony at the start of the legal year

Current vacancies

View current vacancies on the JAC website.

Find out more about vacancies

British High Court judges walk through Westminster in London to an annual ceremony at the start of the legal year

A group of solicitors at the Birmingham bicentenary event.

A group of solicitors at the Birmingham bicentenary event.

Events

Sign up to upcoming events on the JAC website.

Book your place

News and articles

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Explore the latest articles, application guidance and news stories

Solicitor judges
News

Becoming a judge – free workshops for Black, Asian and ethnic minority lawyers

Career advice

Pre-Application Judicial Education Programme (PAJE)

Advocacy
News

Apply for the 2025 King's Counsel competition

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Popular topics

Advocacy

News and advice for solicitor advocates on civil, family and criminal advocacy issues.

Court reform

HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) is investing £1 billion in a seven-year reform programme to modernise the courts and tribunals system. We're working with HMCTS to ensure our members' and clients’ needs are considered and we’re helping members to understand and adapt to the changes.

Career advice

Our complex legal system offers a wide variety of career options. If you’re thinking about a career as a solicitor, or if you’re already qualified and want to progress, our career advice can help you.