*/
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.
Michael was Called to the Bar in 1994 (Gray’s Inn). He was a Crown Advocate with the CPS and from 2011-14 a legal adviser to the Attorney General. In 2014 he joined the GLD Home Office Legal Team advising on public law issues.
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.
As we look ahead to Justice Week 2022, the sustainability of the Criminal Bar remains a critical issue for the government to address
Opportunity for female sopranos/contraltos in secondary education, or who have recently finished secondary education but have not yet begun tertiary education. Eligibility includes children of members of the Bar
Fear of the collection and test process is a common factor among clients, especially among vulnerable adults in complex family law cases. Cansford Laboratories shares some tips to help the testing process run as smoothly as possible
Casey Randall explains how complex relationship DNA tests can best be used – and interpreted – by counsel
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, explores what barristers need to know about DNA testing for immigration, including when a client might wish to submit DNA evidence, and which relationship tests are best for immigration applications
Julian Morgan reminds barristers of the top five areas to consider before 5 April
The case ofR v Brecanihas complicated matters for defence lawyers. Emma Fielding talks to gang culture expert, Dr Simon Harding about County Lines, exploitation and modern slavery
Barristers are particularly at risk of burnout because of the nature of our work and our approach to it but it doesnt have to be this way. Jade Bucklow explores how culture, work and lifestyle changes can rejuvinate our mental health...
Professionally embarrassed? The circumstances in which criminal barristers may return instructions to appear at trial have become clearer following the Court of Appeal judgment inR v Daniels By Abigail Bright
The Schools Consent Project (SCP) is educating tens of thousands of teenagers about the law around consent to challenge and change what is now endemic behaviour. Here, its founder, barrister Kate Parker talks to Chris Henley QC about SCPs work and its association with Jodie Comers West End playPrima Facie, in which she plays a criminal barrister who is sexually assaulted
Following the launch of the Life at the Young Bar report and a nationwide listening exercise, Michael Polak and Michael Harwood outline the Young Barristers Committees raft of initiatives designed to address your issues of concern
