*/
Profession
More practitioners than ever before are considering a judicial career, according to research on barriers to judicial appointment.
A survey completed by over 4,000 solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executive eligible for appointment found that 46% had considered applying for office, a significant increase since previous research in 2008 (32%). Forty-three per cent saw being a judge as part of their career path (up from 28%); and 73% thought they had the right skills and experience.
But the survey results, published at the end of August, also indicated that aspirations are not being translated into applications, particularly amongst black and minority ethnic (BAME) and female lawyers. Fifty one per cent (up from 50%) did not think they would be appointed; 41% (up from 33%) felt they were too young; and 37% (dropped from 51%) were happy in their current jobs.
Other factors discouraging applications were found to be the isolated nature of the judicial role (59%, down from 66%); the judicial culture, which did not appeal to 40% (down from 50%); and the amount of travel – 43% (down from 53%). Educational and professional background were seen as strong influences on success, as were networking and contacts.
Prejudice in the selection process was felt by 56% of BAME and 59% of disabled lawyers (compared to white 45%, non-disabled 46%). Sixty eight per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers (LGBT) said they would be more likely to apply if there were more openly LGBT members of the judiciary.
The potential applicants wanted more information about the selection process, judicial roles and entry requirements; more flexible working and work shadowing/mentoring schemes; greater employer support; and earlier notice of when vacancies will be advertised. More training after appointment, less reliance on references for shortlisting and more diverse role models were also cited as beneficial steps.
The Bar Council, which co-funded the research, said it would address “the concerns of some areas of the Bar” via better information on the website and its outreach programme.
But the survey results, published at the end of August, also indicated that aspirations are not being translated into applications, particularly amongst black and minority ethnic (BAME) and female lawyers. Fifty one per cent (up from 50%) did not think they would be appointed; 41% (up from 33%) felt they were too young; and 37% (dropped from 51%) were happy in their current jobs.
Other factors discouraging applications were found to be the isolated nature of the judicial role (59%, down from 66%); the judicial culture, which did not appeal to 40% (down from 50%); and the amount of travel – 43% (down from 53%). Educational and professional background were seen as strong influences on success, as were networking and contacts.
Prejudice in the selection process was felt by 56% of BAME and 59% of disabled lawyers (compared to white 45%, non-disabled 46%). Sixty eight per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers (LGBT) said they would be more likely to apply if there were more openly LGBT members of the judiciary.
The potential applicants wanted more information about the selection process, judicial roles and entry requirements; more flexible working and work shadowing/mentoring schemes; greater employer support; and earlier notice of when vacancies will be advertised. More training after appointment, less reliance on references for shortlisting and more diverse role models were also cited as beneficial steps.
The Bar Council, which co-funded the research, said it would address “the concerns of some areas of the Bar” via better information on the website and its outreach programme.
Profession
More practitioners than ever before are considering a judicial career, according to research on barriers to judicial appointment.
A survey completed by over 4,000 solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executive eligible for appointment found that 46% had considered applying for office, a significant increase since previous research in 2008 (32%). Forty-three per cent saw being a judge as part of their career path (up from 28%); and 73% thought they had the right skills and experience.
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
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…
Mental health charity Mind BWW has received a £500 donation from drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs as part of its Giving Back campaign
The Institute of Neurotechnology & Law is thrilled to announce its inaugural essay competition
How to navigate open source evidence in an era of deepfakes. By Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees and Professor Alexa Koenig
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC and Lyndsey de Mestre KC take a look at the difficulties women encounter during the menopause, and offer some practical tips for individuals and chambers to make things easier
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
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
No-one should have to live in sub-standard accommodation, says Antony Hodari Solicitors. We are tackling the problem of bad housing with a two-pronged approach and act on behalf of tenants in both the civil and criminal courts