*/
In his opening remarks, Lord Kakkar, Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), spoke of his admiration for those who serve in judicial positions. Society, he said, owes these individuals a debt. The rule of law is essential to civilised society and judicial service is a key component of maintaining it. It was therefore vital that the process for selecting members of the judiciary should ensure the maintenance of the very highest standards. The JAC, he said, must be resolute and relentless in pursuit of this and operate a fair and proportionate process in order to help maintain a healthy and sustainable system of appointments. In this financial year the Commission has made some 800 selections from 6,000 candidates. All this with a staff of less than 50 people and with just 15 Commissioners.
Paying tribute to the contribution of Lady Justice Hallett, Lord Kakkar spoke of the importance of increasing diversity and opportunity within the ranks of judiciary; whilst ensuring only those who meet required standards are appointed, on merit and merit alone. Lord Kakkar stressed that the judiciary must reflect the citizens they serve. He referred to the work of the Judicial Diversity Forum and, in particular, the role played by the Bar Council’s Robin Allen QC.
Lord Kakkar noted that processes and procedures with the judicial application process are continually being reviewed and improved. Innovation is important but requires a sound evidence base. Progress is being made – recent appointments to the High Court have reflected a broader range of backgrounds. Next year the JAC will start reporting on the social mobility of candidates. To help candidates identify posts, the JAC will publish a five-year plan setting out the posts it will recruit for up to 2022. This should help avoid individuals applying for posts too early and missing out on positions they may be better suited to.
Helpful tips were also provided on how one should position oneself to apply for a post. Whilst it was not impossible for an exceptional candidate to be appointed to a salaried position straight from the Bar there was no substitute for experience gained in fee-paid roles. Performance in these roles was the best evidence of suitability for a salaried role. Sitting in a fee paid position allows an individual to garner which the JAC needs when considering appointments to full time posts. Lord Kakkar concluded by emphasising the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary at what is a time of great change.
In his opening remarks, Lord Kakkar, Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), spoke of his admiration for those who serve in judicial positions. Society, he said, owes these individuals a debt. The rule of law is essential to civilised society and judicial service is a key component of maintaining it. It was therefore vital that the process for selecting members of the judiciary should ensure the maintenance of the very highest standards. The JAC, he said, must be resolute and relentless in pursuit of this and operate a fair and proportionate process in order to help maintain a healthy and sustainable system of appointments. In this financial year the Commission has made some 800 selections from 6,000 candidates. All this with a staff of less than 50 people and with just 15 Commissioners.
Paying tribute to the contribution of Lady Justice Hallett, Lord Kakkar spoke of the importance of increasing diversity and opportunity within the ranks of judiciary; whilst ensuring only those who meet required standards are appointed, on merit and merit alone. Lord Kakkar stressed that the judiciary must reflect the citizens they serve. He referred to the work of the Judicial Diversity Forum and, in particular, the role played by the Bar Council’s Robin Allen QC.
Lord Kakkar noted that processes and procedures with the judicial application process are continually being reviewed and improved. Innovation is important but requires a sound evidence base. Progress is being made – recent appointments to the High Court have reflected a broader range of backgrounds. Next year the JAC will start reporting on the social mobility of candidates. To help candidates identify posts, the JAC will publish a five-year plan setting out the posts it will recruit for up to 2022. This should help avoid individuals applying for posts too early and missing out on positions they may be better suited to.
Helpful tips were also provided on how one should position oneself to apply for a post. Whilst it was not impossible for an exceptional candidate to be appointed to a salaried position straight from the Bar there was no substitute for experience gained in fee-paid roles. Performance in these roles was the best evidence of suitability for a salaried role. Sitting in a fee paid position allows an individual to garner which the JAC needs when considering appointments to full time posts. Lord Kakkar concluded by emphasising the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary at what is a time of great change.
Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC encourages colleagues to take a proper break over summer and highlights recent events and key activities for autumn
Casedo explains how to hit the ground running on your next case with a four-step plan to transform the way you work
Your future self will thank you, says Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth
In the first of a new series, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth considers the fundamental need for financial protection
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Possibly, but many barristers are glad he did…
Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice since January 2021, is well known for his passion for access to justice and all things digital. Perhaps less widely known is the driven personality and wanderlust that lies behind this, as Anthony Inglese CB discovers
See probationary tenancy as a fresh opportunity to impress a new group of decision-makers, advises Abiodun Olatokun
Art, including music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression and not used to unfairly implicate individuals, argues Ifẹ Thompson
Stephen Mason sets out how the legal presumption, which exposed widespread misunderstanding about the nature of computer failures and caused serious widespread injustice, came into effect
Jasvir Singh trails this summer’s celebrations, open to all and with the theme ‘Free to Be Me’, by focusing on the diversity of South Asian heritage barristers and judges, and the trailblazers who led the way