After six years as the Barrister Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Commissioner, I am as keen as ever to share some insights into the JAC selection processes and offer some advice about how to approach preparing for judicial applications – specifically, how to approach competency frameworks against which you will be assessed.

Established in 2006 following the introduction of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the JAC’s mandate is to ensure judicial appointments are independent, transparent and fair.

The Diversity of the judiciary combined statistical report, published annually by the Judicial Diversity Forum (JDF), demonstrates that since the JAC’s inception, it has overseen positive strides towards increased diversity in applications and appointments across all groups. Increasing judicial diversity is a collective effort that cannot be achieved by one organisation alone. There are various stakeholders and bodies that play crucial roles in this endeavour.

The JDF has launched collaborative initiatives that members work on together, including:

In January 2024, the JDF published its 2024 action plan, outlining key actions the activities its partners will undertake throughout the next year and the measures to evaluate the impact of each initiative.

Supporting increased diversity

The JAC Targeted Outreach programme and Judicial Guide scheme, co-badged with the judiciary, is designed to deliver even more in support of our statutory duty. We aim to help candidates overcome some of the barriers to judicial appointment that we know exist for underrepresented groups. By providing tailored resources and support, we strive to create a more inclusive and representative judiciary.

As of September 2024, the Targeted Outreach programme has received almost 1,000 applications. Candidates accepted onto the programme benefit from personalised support and guidance from JAC former Commissioners and/or experienced judicial guides. This comprehensive support system aims to empower underrepresented candidates, equipping them with the necessary resources and knowledge to navigate the process successfully.

Top tips for judicial appointment applications

Venetia Jackson authored a fantastic article in Counsel’s October 2023 issue, ‘Judicial pathways for the employed Bar’; which is recommended reading for all prospective applicants. Building on Venetia’s advice, we advise you to:

  • Prepare. Start early. Not being prepared or fully understanding the role of a judge is one of the common mistakes candidates make. Candidates are encouraged to take part in shadowing/mentoring schemes; sitting in with judges to get a broader understanding of the role of a judge; or observing a public hearing to see how a judge manages a courtroom.
  • Reflect. Invest time in thinking about your competency examples. Carefully review the competency framework for the specific role and understand the requirements thoroughly. Dedicate time to reflect on your professional experiences and identify the best examples that demonstrate your proficiency in the desired competencies. Thoughtful preparation of the examples that evidence you demonstrating the competencies can significantly enhance your application and highlight your suitability for the judicial position. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet and capture examples as they happen, or you think of them.
  • Focus. Carefully review the bullet points listed under each competency heading. They offer guidance on what the examples you provide should evidence. However, remember that you do not need to provide an example for every single bullet point. If you attempt to do so, say providing five examples, you may well run out of word count to adequately explain any of your examples. It is better to provide a few well-developed examples that succinctly and directly address the core competencies.
  • Think. As stated by Venetia, ‘know your skills’ from your career history that would be transferable to a judicial role. Additionally, consider drawing on experiences outside your professional career if they aptly demonstrate the relevant competency. It is crucial to select examples that showcase complexity and depth, as these will effectively highlight your suitability for the judicial position.
  • Structure. When presenting your examples, either during the written application phase or at the selection day, consider employing the SOAR (Situation, Objective, Action and Result) model for answering competency questions. Aim for the Situation to take no more than 10-15% of your word count. Place the greatest emphasis on the Action. Do not forget the Result. The panel is primarily interested in understanding what specific actions you took and how you achieved the desired outcomes, as these elements evidence or demonstrate your competencies.

Things to avoid:

  • Generalities. For example, ‘my work requires me to make sound judgements across a range of areas of law’. Such broad statements do not constitute evidence and will unnecessarily consume your word count without effectively demonstrating competencies.
  • Jargon and overly technical language. Remember that at least one, but often two, of your panel members will be lay members who may not be familiar with highly specialised terminology. A good judge can explain complex legal topics to lay people in their court.
  • Hyperlinks or case reference numbers. These will not be understood by the panel members, and any included links will not be accessed during the evaluation process.

In summary, it is advisable to provide clear, concise and specific examples tailored to the competencies required for the judicial role, using plain language that can be easily understood by both legal professionals and lay members of the panel.

Support for candidates

As Venetia highlights, do make full use of the resources available. The JAC is committed to providing comprehensive guidance and support for individuals considering applying for judicial positions. The JAC website is continually enhanced with valuable resources which include the following:

  • Our prepare before you apply section provides details on our good character guidance and an overview of the different stages involved in the selection processes.
  • A practice qualifying test tool to help you familiarise yourself with the format, software and question style used in actual qualifying tests.
  • Guidance on the JAC selection process, containing background information, top tips, and anonymised real examples.
  • The selection day guide, published in October 2023, which offers insights and advice to candidates in preparing for their selection day.
  • An interactive video featuring an example role play, allowing prospective applicants to gain a realistic understanding of the dynamics involved in judicial selection.
  • You can apply to become a JAC mock candidate, which allows you to practise with real selection materials, sometimes with real panel members and the opportunity to gain some feedback.

With frequent vacancies arising, there are numerous opportunities to apply once you feel ready. Should you be unsuccessful on your first attempt, there will be many future opportunities to apply for the same or similar vacancies. Sign up to the Judging Your Future newsletter to receive updates about open and forthcoming exercises.

It is important to remember the following. Being a judge is an important role in our society. The selection process is rightly hard and testing. There are a specified number of vacancies in any competition. We aim to see more than twice the number needed at selection days. Most people apply more than once. Not being appointed is not failure. It is one step nearer to the time you will be appointed.

Good luck! 

Venetia Jackson’s article in Counsel’s October 2023 issue, ‘Judicial pathways for the employed Bar’, is recommended reading for all prospective applicants. See the 2023 official statistics on judicial diversity in England and Wales covering the current judiciary, judicial appointments and legal professions. See also the Judicial Diversity Forum 2024 action plan outlining key actions, activities and measures to evaluate impact.