*/
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 reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
