Potential High Court candidates from non-traditional backgrounds are to be given mentoring and support under a new judicial diversity pilot.
First, the next Judicial Appointments Commission selection exercise for up to 14 Deputy High Court fee paid (part-time) posts, in July, will not insist on previous fee paid judicial experience.
Second, work-shadowing and mentoring opportunities will be provided to a small number of candidates without previous judicial experience. They can also attend a one-day workshop where they will receive guidance.
Once appointed, the Deputy High Court Judges will be given training and an opportunity to sit in the High Court for up to 30 days so they can compete on a level playing field in the 2016 and 2017 High Court selection exercises.
Introducing the scheme, Lady Justice Hallett said sitting as a High Court Judge was “one of the toughest legal jobs there is” but “also one of the most satisfying and intellectually rewarding”.
Applications close on 21 April.
