The judiciary is failing to attract solicitors to its ranks, according to the Judicial Appointments Commission
The independent commission, responsible for selecting candidates for judicial office in courts and tribunals in England and Wales, has tried to break down barriers preventing talented potential candidates from applying for judicial posts. According to its annual report, more women and black and minority ethnic (BME) candidates are now applying and being selected—BME candidates are doing well in recorder and deputy district judge rounds, and women are making progress “across the board”.
However, progress on encouraging solicitors to apply has been “slower”.
“There has been little difference in the proportion of solicitors applying for most roles over the past ten years—there have been small increases but no dramatic leap forward,” the report states.
“For some judicial roles—for example—circuit judge—the number of solicitors applying and being appointed has not increased.”
The JAC has vowed to work with the Law Society “to tackle any perceived barriers to application for solicitors who wish to become judges”. The bodies have produced a joint action plan to drive up applications from solicitors and support those applying to perform to their best advantage in the selection process.
