“Fast track” High Court Judge selection

Lawyers and legal academics from non-traditional backgrounds will be sought for a special “fast track” High Court selection exercise this November.

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) hopes to appoint up to 15 Deputy High Court Judges who are “exceptionally high quality lawyers and legal academics from non-traditional backgrounds”. As no previous judicial experience is required, the recruitment exercise will provide an alternative to the traditional Recorder route.

Those appointed will sit in the High Court on an extensive basis and therefore will be in a position to compete as credible candidates in the 2017 and 2018 High Court Judge selection exercise.

Places are limited to women, ethnic minority candidates and candidates from low socio-economic backgrounds. All candidates must have at least seven years’ post-qualification experience in the legal field.

More information is available on the JAC website, and applications close on 9 October.